The 2016 legislative session is halfway completed and to date we have printed over 350 bills and over 20 resolutions in both the House and Senate. The majority of bills are introduced by government agencies. All bills must first pass through the appropriate committee before being forwarding to the House and Senate chambers for a full-member vote. 

The committee meetings are where testimony from citizens and special interest groups is heard in favor or against a bill. Many lobbyist and government agencies regularly testify in favor of bills, but it is rare to hear from a citizen.

Bill subject matters have been diverse this session, ranging from sales and use taxes on goods and services, noxious weeds, foster care, dangerous dogs, minimum wage, sexting, abortion, powdered alcohol, taxing districts and many other topics. All bills can be viewed at the following link: http://legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2016/minidata.htm

Representative Heather Scott represents Bonner and Boundary counties in the District 1A seat.