It was decided this morning that the Senate would have up for debate S1042 on Thursday morning. S1042 is Governor Otter’s bill to establish a state run insurance exchange. The Senate will come to order at 9:30 AM and debate is likely to take many hours. The outcome is still in question.

February 15, 2013

I first want to thank anyone who came to testify at the Joint Senate and House Education Hearings on Monday. I was pleased to see so many stakeholders able to attend and share their concerns and ideas for improving Idaho Schools. Approximately 37 people were able to share their thoughts with the Committees and several additional written testimonies were included with the minutes. The overall themes of the testimonies have been:
* Let the Education Task Force do its job and bring this legislation
* These bills are a repetition of Superintendent Luna’s Students Come First Laws
* Basic school funding

* Charter school funding

* The disparity between public and charter school funding

* Occasionally a new idea is brought forth
I continue to be encouraged by the amount of people willing to come and share their thoughts at the public hearings designed to give large amounts of people the opportunity to share their ideas. My colleagues and I appreciate the public taking their time to give input and bring new ideas to the process.
This week the Senate did something that is not often done: they voted to not confirm the Governor’s appointment to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, Ms. Joan Hurlock. The Confirmation was sent to the Senate Floor from the Senate Resources and Environment Committee with a “Do-Not-Pass Recommendation.” The Senate acted on that recommendation by not confirming the appointment, citing a lack of basic knowledge and experience of hunting and fishing regulation, rules and policy. It isn’t enjoyable to report to someone that the Idaho State Senate does not find them to be qualified for the position to which they have been appointed; however, I believe the decision the Senate made is in the best interest of the sportsmen, outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists and the people of Idaho.
This week the House introduced an alternative to the Governor’s bill to create a State-Based Health Care Exchange, S 1042. As you may know, sixteen freshman legislators from the house worked together to create a new bill to establish a state health care exchange. As stated in the Idaho Press Tribune Thursday, this alternative to the Governor’s State Health Care Exchange Bill would allow for greater oversight of the legislature by including, “provisions forbidding Idaho from using State taxpayer money to fund it, adds two non-voting legislators to an 18-member exchange board of directors, and requires the board meet openly so the public can monitor its decisions.” Overall, this bill also attempts to preserve a greater degree of state sovereignty than the previous bill for a state-run exchange. I continue be open to the discussion and debate taking place for whether a state health insurance exchange should be established in Idaho. As for the Governor’s Bill, S 1042, it is on the Senate Calendar and may be taken up by the full Senate for debate sometime next week or thereafter.
In Senate Transportation this week, we printed several bills to be heard in coming weeks. One that may be of interest to residents of District 20 and those who work in Meridian was a bill printed Monday brought by Senator Jim Rice, which would provide that road construction not block access or unreasonably divert traffic from businesses. On Tuesday, we heard several bills:
* S 1050 Requires anyone applying for a wholesale dealer’s license to complete an ITD-approved four-hour education program developed and offered by the Idaho State Independent Automobile Dealers Association.
* H 39 Provides statutory authority for initial and subsequent license fees for recreational vehicles.
* H 41 Clarifies when visually impaired individuals are considered competent to drive a motor vehicle.
* H 85 Provides for filling a board vacancy for single county-wide highway districts.
In Senate State Affairs this week we spent quite a bit of time hearing confirmation hearings for appointments made by Governor Otter and printed several bills. Bills printed that might be of interest include:
* S 1079 which would establish an Internet Crimes Against Children Unit in the Office of the Attorney General. This unit would research internet crimes against children.
* S 1078 to prohibit public universities from discriminating against religious student groups.
* S 1107 would provide for electronic transmission of assessment notices to the taxpayer upon request by the taxpayer.
As an update for the legislation for privacy from unmanned aircraft, I am working with several stakeholders including the ACLU, the Aeronautics Division with the Idaho Transportation Department and the Sheriff’s Association to work on the language of the bill. I will continue to work on this legislation and keep you updated on its progress.
You may recall that on Friday of last week in State Affairs we printed two pieces of legislation brought by the Association of Idaho Cities, which I sponsored, Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 112 and Senate Joint Memorial (SJM) 101. To refresh your memory, these two pieces of legislation make statements that the State of Idaho does not support the legalization of marijuana for any purpose. I have received some e-mails with concerns for laws being created. I want to take a moment to clarify that a concurrent resolution and a joint memorial do not create laws, but rather make position statements.
* A SCR is a statement position made by the Idaho State Legislature to go on the record. In this case, the SCR makes the statement that Idaho does not support the legalization of marijuana for any purpose.
* A SJM is a statement and request made by the Idaho Legislature and addressed to whomever can effectuate the request of the memorial. In this case, the Joint Memorial is addressed to the US President, US Department of Justice and the US Congress. The Joint Memorial asks those addressed to uphold federal drug-free policy in all 50 States.
Thank you again for the many e-mails regarding issues important to you and important to Idaho. I read everything that comes across my desk and I appreciate knowing how you feel about these issues. Please continue to contact me via e-mail at CWinder@Senate.Idaho.Govmailto:CWinder@Senate.Idaho.Gov..>, by calling my office at 332-1307, by visiting my website at WWW.ChuckWinder.comWWW.ChuckWinder.com>, and by visiting me on facebook. Please have a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Sincerely,
Senator Chuck Winder
Assistant Majority Leader

February 8, 2013
The big news this week comes out of the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee on Thursday when, after two days of testimony on S1040, Governor Otter’s bill to implement a State Health Insurance Exchange, the Committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a Do-Pass Recommendation. Only one Committee member, Senator Brandon Durst, D- District 18, voted against the bill. In the Senate Transportation Committee this week we discussed many interesting pieces of legislation including:
* S 1043 - A bill to honor Idaho Veterans by formally recognizing their service on their state drivers’ license or identification card. This bill will now go to the Senate for full approval.
* S 1045 - A bill to revise the definition of veteran to include those who have served in the armed forces, but may not have served in what is considered a war or combat zone as defined by the federal government under US Code. This bill will also now go to the Senate for full approval
* S 1044 - Amends Idaho Code to update the definition of “motorbike” to keep up with changing technologies. Having passed the Senate Transportation Committee, this bill will now be sent to the full Senate for passage.
* S1067 - A bill, which I sponsored, that establishes restrictions in gathering evidence or other information through the use of a drone or other unmanned aircraft. This bill will come back to the Senate Transportation Committee for a hearing on the bill.
* S 1064, S 1066, SCR 111 - All relating to trucks that may carry a load up to 129,00 lbs. This would increase the weight from the former limit of 105,500 lbs. and be more similar to the weight restrictions of surrounding states. This pilot program was completed last summer and the report is available through the Idaho Transportation Department. The Committee voted to print these bills and have them to return to the Committee for a public hearing. In the Senate State Affairs Committee this week we reviewed

* S 1025 - A bill that would increase the maximum size of a wine container that may be sold in Idaho from one gallon to fifteen gallons without approval from Idaho State Police. Primarily, larger containers of wine, usually five or seven gallons, would be distributed to restaurants and caterers. This bill passed the Senate State Affairs Committee and was sent to the Senate Floor with a do-pass recommendation.
* HCR 4 - A Concurrent Resolution commending Idaho native Kristin Armstrong for her accomplishments at the 2012 Summer Olympics and for her superior attitude, work ethic, focus and exemplary conduct. This resolution also passed the Senate State Affairs Committee and was sent to the Senate Floor with a do-pass recommendation.
* SCR 112 - This Concurrent Resolution which I sponsored seeks to oppose the legislation of marijuana for any purpose in the State of Idaho. This legislation was printed Thursday and will have an official hearing in the near future.
* SJM 101 - This Joint Memorial would send a Resolution to the US President, Director of the US Department of Justice and the US Congress seeking to notify that the Idaho State Legislature resolves that the federal drug-free policy be upheld in all states. This legislation was also printed Thursday and will have an official hearing in the near future as well. Other events that took place this week include the Joint Senate and House Health and Welfare Committee Hearings to hear from Idahoans regarding how Health and Welfare programs in Idaho affect them and how those programs may be improved. I am pleased that many people came to testify, giving the Health and Welfare Committees valuable information as they make decisions regarding the health and welfare of Idaho’s citizens throughout the 2013 Legislative Session. I am also pleased to report that the Joint Education Committees will hold an “after hours” Committee Hearing to allow teachers, students and other stakeholders who were likely occupied with educational duties during the previous hearing - which took place during school hours - an opportunity to express their concerns and ideas for education at a time that is convenient for them. This hearing will take place in the Senate Auditorium at the Capitol Building on Tuesday February 11th from 4-6 pm. I encourage all stakeholders and public with concerns about the state of education in Idaho will attend. I continue to receive many e-mails regarding a variety of issues that are being reviewed here at the legislature. I appreciate knowing how you feel about these important pieces of legislation and take each e-mail, phone call and letter seriously. I hope you will continue to make me aware of how you feel about proposed legislation as new issues arise. You can contact me via e-mail at CWinder@Senate.Idaho.Govmailto:CWinder@Senate.Idaho.Gov..>, by calling my office at 332-1307, by visiting my website at WWW.ChuckWinder.comWWW.ChuckWinder.com>, and by visiting me on facebook. Please have a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Sincerely,
Senator Chuck Winder
Assistant Majority Leader

February 1, 2013

This week the 2013 Legislative Session seemed to pick up steam as we dove into some issues which I anticipate will garner a great deal of public interest.
This week the Senate Transportation Committee voted to print several important pieces of legislation which will be heard in the Committee in the coming weeks. Those pieces of legislation include:
* S1050 - a bill to require anyone applying for a wholesale dealer license to complete an ITD-approved 4-hour education program.
* S1052 - a bill to Local authorities may alter or establish certain speed limits, and minimum speed limits may be established.
* Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 103 - a Resolution to Encourage the Idaho Department of Commerce, in collaboration with Idaho’s Universities and Community Colleges and the private sector, to apply to be one of six FAA unmanned aircraft system test sites.
* S1051 - a bill to protect Idaho citizens’ right to privacy from illegal or improper use of a drone or other unmanned aircraft.
* S1044 - a bill to amend Idaho Code to update the definition of “motorbike” to keep up with the changing technologies.
* S1045 - Amends Idaho code to revise the definition of “veteran” to include those who have served in the armed forces, but may not have served in what is considered a war or combat zone as defined by the federal government under US Code.
* S1043 - a bill to honor Idaho veterans by formally recognizing their service on their state drivers license or identification card.
In State Affairs this week we heard several gubernatorial appointments and are looking to have print hearing on some highly anticipated legislation in the near future. Of course, I will keep you updated as that takes place.
The House and Senate Education Committees met jointly to hear public testimony on how education might be improved in Idaho. About 50 people had the opportunity to testify and several other written testimonies will be included in the minutes. Thank you to anyone who came to testify. Your input is helpful as the Legislature looks for ideas on improving the quality of education in Idaho.
As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter, the House and Senate Health and Welfare Committees will also meet jointly next Friday, February 8, 2013 from 8-10 am to hear how the Health and Welfare practices in Idaho affect Idaho’s citizens and how those can be improved. You may be familiar with the four bills which address various pieces of collective bargaining and teacher contract issues. I want to clarify that the State Association of School Boards brought forth these bills. I’ve received some concern through phone calls and e-mails that the Legislature is attempting to bring forth bills that are similar to the bills voted down in the referendum last November. The School Boards Association represents school districts in Idaho. It is these school districts who have asked the School Boards Association to bring those bills before the legislature. As I stated in my letter last week, I am thankful to each and every one of you who take the time to contact me and give your input on Idaho’s issues. I read every letter that I receive and take the voice of my constituents very seriously. Please continue to make me aware of your thoughts regarding legislation under review. You can contact me via e-mail at CWinder@Senate.Idaho.Govmailto:CWinder@Senate.Idaho.Gov..>, by calling my office at 332-1307, by visiting my website at WWW.ChuckWinder.comWWW.ChuckWinder.com>, and by visiting me on facebook.
Sincerely,
Senator Chuck Winder
Assistant Majority Leader

hello!

January 25, 2013

This past week the senate committees have been busy reviewing rules changes submitted by various agencies and state departments as they do at the beginning of the legislature every year.
In State Affairs this week, we have been reviewing rules governing

* Electronic Lottery Games

* Medical Exams and Fees for the State Athletic Commission

* The Idaho Public Utilities Commission and Landline Phones

* Mixed Martial Arts

* The Interior and Exterior of the Capitol Building
In Transportation this we reviewed rules governing

* Highway Right-of-Way

* Drivers License Point Violation System

* Movement of Disabled Vehicles

* When an Overlegal Permit is Required

* Traffic Control and Devices

* Marking of Hazards to Air Flight

* Specialty License Plate Provisions
The Senate Transportation Committee also held a Joint Meeting with the House Transportation and Defense Committee to hear a presentation from the Idaho Transportation Department. The Presentation gave the Committees an update on projects that ITD is working on to keep Idaho’s infrastructure up to date as well as information about their budget, projects they anticipate in the future, and other information useful to legislators as we discuss transportation issues throughout the session.
In the past, the Joint Finance and Appropriation Committees (JFAC) has held public hearings to allow the public to share their concerns before JFAC set the budget. This year, Idaho’s economy doesn’t show a deficit that would prompt concern for drastic cuts to the budget. For that reason, the combined Committees of the House and Senate Health and Welfare Committees and the House and Senate Education Committees will hold public hearings to hear from the public on Health and Welfare and Education issues specifically. Both Committees ask that you come prepared to testify with a copy of a written statement that may be included in the minutes and that statements are kept to three minutes to allow as many people as possible time to testify.
* The House and Senate Joint Health and Welfare Committees will meet to hear public testimony on February 8, from 8-10am in the Senate Auditorium, Room WW02, to hear how the Health and Welfare practices in Idaho affect Idaho’s citizens and how those can be improved.
* The House and Senate Joint Education Committees will meet February 1, from 8-10:30am in the Senate Auditorium, Room WW02, to hear from the public how our education system can be improved. I have begun to receive a number of e-mails from my neighbors and fellow Idahoans regarding support for Second Amendment Rights, school safety issues, the upcoming Healthcare Exchange debate and Governor Otter’s proposal to eliminate the personal property tax. I hope you will continue to keep me updated on how you feel about issues under review during the legislative session. Please feel free to call my office to leave comments at 208-332-1307, e-mail me at CWinder@Senate.Idaho.Govmailto:CWinder@Senate.Idaho.Gov..> or visit my website at www.ChuckWinder.comwww.ChuckWinder.com>. You’ll also find me on Facebook. Additionally, I wish you all a very warm weekend as the winter weather continues. Hopefully our weather will be improving soon.
Sincerely,
Senator Chuck Winder
Assistant Majority Leader
Idaho State Senate

January 25, 2013

This past week the senate committees have been busy reviewing rules changes submitted by various agencies and state departments as they do at the beginning of the legislature every year.
In State Affairs this week, we have been reviewing rules governing

* Electronic Lottery Games

* Medical Exams and Fees for the State Athletic Commission

* The Idaho Public Utilities Commission and Landline Phones

* Mixed Martial Arts

* The Interior and Exterior of the Capitol Building
In Transportation this we reviewed rules governing

* Highway Right-of-Way

* Drivers License Point Violation System

* Movement of Disabled Vehicles

* When an Overlegal Permit is Required

* Traffic Control and Devices

* Marking of Hazards to Air Flight

* Specialty License Plate Provisions
The Senate Transportation Committee also held a Joint Meeting with the House Transportation and Defense Committee to hear a presentation from the Idaho Transportation Department. The Presentation gave the Committees an update on projects that ITD is working on to keep Idaho’s infrastructure up to date as well as information about their budget, projects they anticipate in the future, and other information useful to legislators as we discuss transportation issues throughout the session.
In the past, the Joint Finance and Appropriation Committees (JFAC) has held public hearings to allow the public to share their concerns before JFAC set the budget. This year, Idaho’s economy doesn’t show a deficit that would prompt concern for drastic cuts to the budget. For that reason, the combined Committees of the House and Senate Health and Welfare Committees and the House and Senate Education Committees will hold public hearings to hear from the public on Health and Welfare and Education issues specifically. Both Committees ask that you come prepared to testify with a copy of a written statement that may be included in the minutes and that statements are kept to three minutes to allow as many people as possible time to testify.
* The House and Senate Joint Health and Welfare Committees will meet to hear public testimony on February 8, from 8-10am in the Senate Auditorium, Room WW02, to hear how the Health and Welfare practices in Idaho affect Idaho’s citizens and how those can be improved.
* The House and Senate Joint Education Committees will meet February 1, from 8-10:30am in the Senate Auditorium, Room WW02, to hear from the public how our education system can be improved. I have begun to receive a number of e-mails from my neighbors and fellow Idahoans regarding support for Second Amendment Rights, school safety issues, the upcoming Healthcare Exchange debate and Governor Otter’s proposal to eliminate the personal property tax. I hope you will continue to keep me updated on how you feel about issues under review during the legislative session. Please feel free to call my office to leave comments at 208-332-1307, e-mail me at CWinder@Senate.Idaho.Govmailto:CWinder@Senate.Idaho.Gov..> or visit my website at www.ChuckWinder.comwww.ChuckWinder.com>. You’ll also find me on Facebook. Additionally, I wish you all a very warm weekend as the winter weather continues. Hopefully our weather will be improving soon.
Sincerely,
Senator Chuck Winder
Assistant Majority Leader
Idaho State Senate

Hello

It has been a busy day at the Senate. I got to “run” the floor this morning. Lots of FUN!!!!

January 17, 2013
Dear Neighbors,
I wish you all a happy new year and hope you are looking forward to getting the 2013 Legislative Session started as much as I am. As you may know, this past year the legislative districts were redrawn, as they are every ten years. I am humbled to have been elected to represent the citizens in District 20, as well as to have been reelected by my colleagues as Assistant Majority Leader of the Idaho State Senate. I consider it a great privilege to serve my fellow Idahoans in District 20 and to serve my colleagues in the Senate in a leadership capacity. During this legislative session, many issues are expected to be brought before the Legislature for review. Governor Otter outlined many of those issues in his State of the State Address on January 7thsuch as
* The Health Insurance Exchange

* The repeal of the personal property tax

* Increased funding for education

* Continued creation of jobs in Idaho
I look forward to the coming discussion on these issues and many others as we begin to wade deeper into the legislative session and more bills are printed. I also hope that, as citizens of the Great State of Idaho, you will remember that your legislators need to hear from those they represent. Your input helps legislators do their job better. Since much of the debate for legislation takes place in committees, please make me aware of concerns you have for legislation which is heard in the Senate Transportation and Senate State Affairs Committee since those are the committees on which I sit. That being said, I welcome comments and concerns on all legislation that goes through the Senate. In addition to the exciting issues and events that will take place at the legislature this year, I am also looking forward to celebrating Idaho’s 150th anniversary of Idaho becoming a US Territory on March 4th. The Idaho State Historical Society has organized many events to help Idaho celebrate the great state in which we live. I hope you will have an opportunity to participate in some of those celebratory activities. You can learn more about those activities at history.idaho.gov/idaho-150. I want to thank all of you who receive this newsletter and use it to stay up-to-date on the issues that Idaho is facing. As always, if you would no longer like to receive my newsletter, please e-mail myself or my assistant at LKukla@Senate.Idaho.Govmailto:LKukla@Senate.Idaho.Gov> and she will take you off the mailing list. Again, I hope you will feel free to contact me with any ideas or concerns for legislation being reviewed by the legislature. You can reach me by calling my office, 208-332-1307, by e-mailing me at CWinder@Senate.Idaho.Govmailto:CWinder@Senate.Idaho.Gov..>, or by visiting my website www.ChuckWinder.comwww.ChuckWinder.com>. Sincerely,
Senator Chuck Winder
Assistant Majority Leader
Idaho State Senate