The AAUW Public Policy Program underscores AAUW’s mission of promoting equity for women and girls

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2019 Idaho Legislative Session

The AAUW Idaho Statehouse Lobby Corps is watching the following bills:

H0064   Abortion Complications-Amends existing law to revise a definition and to revise provisions regarding abortion complication reporting.     Printed and Referred to State Affairs.

Keep an eye on this! We found out this morning (Feb 1) that State Affairs snuck in a hearing at 9:00am.  It is reported out of Committee with a Do Pass recommendation and filed for Second Reading. 

S1003    Human Trafficking-Adds to existing law to provide for diversion for a minor victim of human trafficking, to provide certain conditions for diversion, and to provide an affirmative defense.    Printed and referred to Judiciary & Rules.

S1005   Human Trafficking-Amends and repeals existing law to revise legislative intent, to revise the definition of “human trafficking,” to define terms, and to revise the penalty for human trafficking.  Filed for Third Reading, Retained on calendar.

S1015   Civil Rights-Amends existing law to provide that freedom from discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender identity is a civil right.  Printed referred to State Affairs.

HJR001 submitted by Representative Wintrow-Amend Article 1 of the Constitution of the State of Idaho to add New Section 24 to include “equality of rights and responsibilities under the laws shall not be denied or abridged on account of sex”.

New Education Funding Formula will be a major ongoing topic this session.   It affects all Idaho school districts and there is a huge learning curve as to how the formula works and how it will affect each district.

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2018 Idaho Legislative Session Recap

At the January 2018 Lobby Corps gathering, Senator Lori Den Hartog (District 22) and Representative Paulette Jordan (District 5) opened with a discussion about what led to their decision to run for office and what the process entailed. They offered a glimpse into their own backstories, and also noted issues of importance to them that may emerge during the session.

Senator Janie Ward-Engelking shared some of the concepts and proposals included in the Higher Education Task Force Final Report, specifically the Adult Completer Scholarship.  Representative Ilana Rubel then provided a comprehensive presentation on the Co-op Model for Higher Education.

Boise State University political science student Amanda Haines offered an enlightening introduction to essential language for navigating social movements and legislation in 2018.