Lawmakers gaveled out for the year, but Medicaid uncertainty may bring a special session. This week, Logan Finney sits down with Reps. Ned Burns and Brent Crane to discuss the library bill that became law. Kevin Richert gives us a run-down of education highlights. Finally, Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder discusses the end of the session, including whether a Medicaid bill will cause disruption of services to Idahoans with disabilities and bring lawmakers back to the statehouse.

Legislative committees in Idaho often meet less than twelve hours after an agenda is posted. They also leave the details about how to accept public testimony up to each individual chairman. Jason Mercier, vice president and director of research at Mountain States Policy Center, joined associate producer Logan Finney to discuss some possible transparency reforms that could help Idahoans access their part-time citizen legislature.

Lawmakers set the final state budgets this week – or did they? The showdown over the transportation budget is finally ended, and long-anticipated bills await the governor’s signature or veto. Melissa Davlin sits down with lawmakers investigating a possible budget shortfall at the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Then, Dr. Jaclyn Kettler from Boise State University and reporter James Dawson from Boise State Public Radio discuss the lead up to adjournment.

Like many election years, there have been a lot of social issues up for debate in the 2024 legislative session. However, lawmakers seem increasingly ready to pass legislation that they know will end up being decided somewhere down the line in court. Associate producer Logan Finney sat down this week with ACLU of Idaho legislative strategist Amy Dundon to discuss reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ and gender issues, and balancing our conflicting rights as enshrined in the constitution.

This week, Dr. Jim Souza, Dr. Megan Kasper, and Idaho Medical Association CEO Susie Keller talk about the effects of Idaho’s abortion ban on physician recruitment and patient care after the Senate and House Health and Welfare Committees canceled a hearing on the topic. Then, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News and James Dawson of Boise State Public Radio bring you the latest from the statehouse.

The Idaho Transportation Department headquarters used to be situated on a 44-acre property at the edge of downtown Boise. The state has been working for several years to sell the land. Associate producer Logan Finney sits down with BoiseDev senior reporter Margaret Carmel to dig into the history of the site and the possible consequences of lawmakers interrupting the deal.

Read more here: https://boisedev.com/project/idaho-transportation-dept-campus-redevelopment/

As we’re nearing the end of the legislative session, contentious debates are filling the days. How might these floor votes affect the upcoming legislative primary season? This week, former Gov. Butch Otter, Kevin Richert of Idaho Education News, and Dr. Stephanie Witt of Boise State University join the pundits to discuss the late-session legislative dealings and upcoming primary races to watch.

Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow joins associate producer Logan Finney to discuss a bill she has been working for years to pass, SB 1234, which increases the amount of contraceptives that Idaho women can pick up in a single pharmacy visit to six months. Gov. Brad Little signed the bill and it takes effect on July 1, 2024.

Lawmakers have debated for several years over adjustments to how the state should fill judicial vacancies when judges retire. A bill introduced in the House this week on judicial retirements is also tied to pay raises for judges. Producer Ruth Brown spoke with Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan on Thursday about his concerns with the bill and its potential impact on the court system.

It’s no secret that Idaho Republicans have been fighting amongst themselves for years. This week, Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen discusses her recent censure from her legislative district central committee, and Idaho Republican Party chairwoman Dorothy Moon gives her take on the presidential caucus, recent election bills and divisions within the party. Plus, Ruth Brown talks to Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Bevan on how a judicial salary bill could affect court administration.