Heading into Week 10: Fighting for Idaho’s Future
As we head into Week 10 of the legislative session, I want to take a moment to update you on the important work we’re doing to protect Idaho’s freedoms, ensure fiscal responsibility, and promote our shared values. Here are some of the key bills I’m currently working on and where they are in the process.
Weather Modification Transparency
I have 2 bills currently on this issue to ensure transparency (SB1064-senate floor)around unauthorized weather modification activities in Idaho. It’s essential that Idahoans know what’s happening in our skies, and this bill will make sure there is proper oversight. I also have SB1065 (in the senate resources committee) to remove a taxing district in Idaho that has not been used since 1980 and also to ban solar radiation modification and other forms of weather modification. I have been told that I will not get a hearing on this bill, so I am looking at least getting rid of the taxing district for now as it is not needed.
For many, weather modification still feels like something out of science fiction. The idea that we can control the weather seems far-fetched, but it’s becoming a reality. Despite this, many people aren’t aware of how it can impact us, which is why we need to educate the public on this issue.
We must have laws in place to ensure transparency. If weather modification is happening, Idahoans should know about it and understand its potential risks. Without clear regulations, we could face environmental damage and a loss of trust.
Free the Chickens
One of the most popular issues I’m working on is my "Free the Chickens" bill, which allows Idahoans to raise chickens without interference. This bill ensures homeowners have the freedom to keep chickens on their property. With the rising cost of eggs across the country, having the ability to raise chickens at home provides a valuable opportunity for families to reduce their grocery bills and ensure access to fresh, affordable eggs. This bill empowers Idahoans to take control of their food sources and adds another layer of self-reliance.
Trump’s Agriculture Secretary recently came out recommending that people have backyard chickens.
Supporting School Choice: HB93 Co-Sponsor
As a co-sponsor of HB93, I supported expanding school choice in Idaho. H93 was signed by the governor and is a good step towards full education choice for Idaho families.
Cursive Proficiency
The proficiency in cursive writing bill (S1044) is now on the governors desk. In today’s tech-driven world, it’s important to maintain skills like cursive, and this bill ensures that students are able to sign their names and use this important skill. There are also multiple benefits for memorization, reading, fine motor skills.
Fetal Development Education and Birth Mother Support (S1046, 1058, 1104)
I’m working on legislation to include biological fetal development education in schools and provide more support for birth mothers. These bills aim to educate our youth and provide the essential resources that women need in difficult situations. An example of the fetal development video can be seen here. Also, one bill is an update to our Safe Haven law.
Anti-Swatting Bill
My Anti-Swatting bill (S1019) is now on the governor’s desk. This bill will help protect our communities by holding accountable those who engage in dangerous swatting practices.
H41: Flags in Schools
I’ve also passed this bill out of the senate to require that certain flags and banners not be displayed in public schools. These measures ensure that we keep the focus one education and not distractions or political ideologies or messaging. Rep. Hill was the house sponsor on this bill. This bill is now on the governors desk.
Gadsden License Plate:
I’m excited to share that we’ve made the necessary corrections to the Gadsden Flag license plate bill (S1105), and it has now moved to the House side of the legislature for further consideration. This bill will allow Idahoans to proudly display the Gadsden Flag on their vehicles, honoring the history and the values it represents—liberty, freedom, and independence. The bill will allow for the plates to be available this year.
Moving Forward with Purpose
We are also make tax cuts to a tune of almost a half a billion dollars (income tax, property tax and an increase in the grocery tax credit)!
I have a few other bills being introduced this week, so look for an update on that. As we continue through this session, I remain committed to fighting for Idaho’s future.
Thank you for your continued support!
Sen. Tammy Nichols
Extra, Extra Recap:
We took a group to the very top of the Capitol building, celebrated Idaho Days with a beautiful choir performance, met with former Rep. Bateman (he brought cursive back to Idaho), and received a postcard from Planned Parenthood against one of my bills.
I also had the opportunity to speak at Capitol Clarity regarding the adoption and fetal development legislation Rep. Heather Scott and I have been working on.
Idaho Freedom Caucus
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Idaho’s cloud seeding program has operated with little to NO financial transparency or scientific evidence of efficacy. Clips from IWRB Finance Committee Meeting No. 8-24 show members wanting more money but being unclear about how much more they needed. Just “more” was their answer.
The original S1064 put commonsense reporting transparency into Idaho’s cloud seeding program. Unfortunately, stakeholders have amended a transparency bill into expanded exemptions and more ambiguity. Passing S1064 would allow cloud seeding operators a public relations win by claiming they’ve passed a transparency bill while hiding information and creating more marketing material on safety of cloud seeding rather than the real testing we need.
Amended S1064 is a hijacked bill that should no longer carry the title of transparency. It’s unsupportable by anyone seeking transparency and no expansion of the cloud seeding program. The revised bill requires less timely, less transparent reporting and provides Idaho Power Company (IPC) and cloud seeding operators with even more opportunities to continue experimenting on Idahoans in open air under the guise of "orchard and crop protection."
A better approach – if S1064 cannot be returned to its previous version – is to WITHDRAW IT COMPLETELY and try again next year when public outcry will be louder and we have a more supportive federal government.
Citizens who have been nurturing S1064 (and companion S1065 – which we understand will NOT be heard this session) DO NOT support the amended version. We hope the bill sponsor, won't either. Passing S1064 in the Senate, and then hoping for desirable amendments in the House is risky and could be a fool's errand, a task almost certain to fail.
NOTE: Cloud seeding (along with general weather modification) is being banned elsewhere due to unproven benefits and possible harms to human, plant, and animal health; possible contribution to floods and wildfire; and waste of taxpayer funds.
More: https://tinyurl.com/4k6c5r29