F&G APPOINTEE
Otter stands by embattled Hurlock
Joan Hurlock, a fitness center owner from Buhl, was named by Otter last June to the seven-member panel. But the Senate Resources and Environment Committee voted 5-4 Thursday against recommending Hurlock be confirmed by the full Senate, after some people complained she wasn't qualified.
Otter said he was particularly impressed by her interest in encouraging children to get into the outdoors - and away from the television and video games.
He says he hasn't asked Hurlock to withdraw her name.
The Senate is likely to vote on her appointment next week.
The Associated Press
MARIJUANA
Senate advancesanti-pot measure
State Sen. Chuck Winder has a simple message for states that have relaxed laws on the use of marijuana: Not here in Idaho.
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted unanimously Friday to introduce and hold a hearing on a resolution pitched by the Boise Republican opposing marijuana use in any form.
The measure also urges President Barack Obama and the U.S. Department of Justice to enforce existing federal laws tied to moving drugs across state lines.
"It's kind of like the immigration issue," Winder said. "If (the federal government is) not enforcing the immigration issue, then it's left to the states to do it. All we're saying is, (marijuana) is causing problems to the cities and jurisdictions, so please enforce federal law as it comes to transportation of illegal drugs."
Last fall, voters in Washington state approved an initiative allowing adults over 21 to have up to an ounce of pot. Colorado voters approved a similar initiative in November.
Hannah Furfaro,The Associated Press
FELONS IN SCHOOL
Keeping ex-convicts out of classrooms
Correction Department Director Brent Reinke is worried about Senate Bill 1056, which would require school boards to deny admission to anyone convicted of a violent misdemeanor or felony, if their crime results in a sentence of 12 months or more.
In a statement Friday, Reinke's department outlined its worries.
"We are very concerned about the restrictive nature of this legislation, and potential unintended consequences. As drafted, these children couldn't even be considered for alternative schools," the statement said.
"Research shows that we have the best outcomes for adult offenders when they are able to receive a base education. It makes it much more likely they'll be productive citizens."
Kevin Richert,Idaho Education News
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