Update for 3-28 and look at week ahead

There is only one bill on our tracking list that is scheduled for a hearing next week. A subcommittee of the House Agriculture committee on SB 2315 the private property rights bill that relates to hunting access is meeting Monday at 3:15 in the Peace Garden room. 

Other than that bill, the week will be filled with floor action and monitoring committee work. In addition, conference committees could be scheduled starting next week on bills where the House and Senate have differences. 

Two major law enforcement bills will be voted on in the Senate Monday. HB 1286 relates to asset forfeiture and HB 1290 relates to restricting law enforcement from searching private property. Law enforcement and state's attorneys worked on an amendment to HB 1286 and supports the amended version. They are asking for a Do Not Pass on HB 1290. 

Senate Appropriations will hear HB 1435, which funds the Statewide Interoperable Radio Network (SIRN). The Senate GVA voted to restore $40 million of state funds included in the bill when introduced but was removed by House Appropriations. We will be urging the committee to keep the $40 million in the bill to illustrate the state's commitment to the project. 

The House approved the amendments on the Social Service Redesign bill, SB 2124, it has been referred to House Appropriations. 

The Senate over turned the Governor's veto on increasing driver's license fees. The proposal raises the cost of a non-commercial driver's license from $15 to $30. At current levels the fees do not cover the costs. Fees have not been raised in more than 30 years. 

Expect to see numerous gun related bills on the Senate floor Friday or Monday including one to allow for armed first responders in schools and to allow for a new firearm license, Class 1 exempt, that requires more training but would allow the licensee to carry in public places. 

Here is a summary of bills on our tracking lists that had floor action this week: 

• Edible medical marijuana - defeated in Senate
• HB 1270 which required counties to consult with district party leaders and legislators on precinct boundaries - defeated in Senate
• Increased EMS levy if approved by voters - passed in Senate  
• Crime to damage infrastructure - passed in House
• Operation Prairie Dog III bill which would have allowed a revolving loan for infrastructure funds to be available to political subdivisions - defeated in House