Dear Friends,
This week the House passed H64, Veterinary Practices Act which streamlines licensing for veterinarians. It cuts much red tape, greatly reduces the cost of a license, and allows veterinarians already practicing in other states or the military a smooth and less costly transfer to practice in Idaho. The veterinary board and the Idaho veterinary organization worked for two years to develop the bill. I was honored to carry it for them on the House floor.
Thursday’s noon Capitol Clarity in the Lincoln auditorium was a mock legislative committee with members of the public sitting as legislators hearing a bill presented by a retired member of the military. I served as chairman and everyone appeared to have a good time learning more about the legislative process. These Thursday events are open to the public with guest speakers on current events and discussion on legislative bills. Lt Governor Janice McGeachin hosts the events along with Rep Dorothy Moon from District 8 and the event is also live-streamed and recorded.
Please remember that you can watch all the committee meetings and the House and Senate floor debates through the legislative website. Committee agendas, minutes, and video are also found on the website along with all committee agendas, House and Senate reading calendars listing all bills to be heard each day. All bills are accessible on the website plus current laws and rules.
You can also sign up on the website to testify remotely if you have an interest in a bill and cannot travel to the Capitol. So far, remote testimony has been working well with many citizens taking advantage of this opportunity. Citizens can testify in person in the committee with sign up at the committee door.
Last week, the House finally passed one of the emergency order bills, H135. This bill had been rewritten four times. It is now sitting in the Senate State Affairs Committee waiting for a hearing. There are still numerous bills regarding the current emergency on their way for committee hearings.
Sincerely,
Judy Boyle
