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Public Notices Online: Getting with the Times
Good government is transparent government. In today's Internet age transparency has never been more possible. We can see all kinds of government information online, we get regular social-media updates from people involved in government, and we even live-stream public meetings to see government in "action." These are great developments and they make our government more accessible and more accountable to the citizens.
Public notices of government activity are essential for citizens to know when and where and how government will be doing the people's work. Oddly, though, public notices are stuck in the last century as far as accessibility is concerned. Idaho law requires government entities to publish public notices about meetings and other events in local newspapers. It's expensive and it's not very transparent.
For state, county, and city governments newspaper publication means extra expense for paying for the advertising space and printing. It also means sometimes delaying meetings because papers do not necessarily publish on every day, and law requires a minimum number of days of advance notice prior to meetings.
The Electronic Public Notice bill (H420) allows governments the option for online publication, but keeping the requirements of meeting all advanced notice timelines, and maintaining a historical record of all published notices. If the bill becomes law, Idaho governments could save millions of dollars in publishing costs.
For example, Madison County would see savings of $13,810. This money might be better spent on public safety, or roads, or other local priorities. One of the larger counties in Idaho estimates their expenses for print publication to be $60,000, Estimates from around the state top $600,000 savings for counties and similar savings for cities. The state government would save hundreds of thousands as well.
Some have asked what this means for citizens who lack internet access. It's true, not everyone is “wired.” Similarly, though, not everyone gets the paper. This bill would allow local governments to decide what is best for their jurisdictions. No government would be required to abandon print publication, but they may if they choose. They may stay with print in the newspapers. They may choose to do both. Local officials are elected locally, so we should expect them to be responsive to citizens' needs.
It's obvious, Internet usage is on the rise, and newspaper print subscriptions are on the decline. It's time for Idaho government to "get with the times." City and county governments welcome the opportunity to reduce their publication expenses. Citizens look forward to being able to look up notices online, anytime, rather than searching for the newspaper. This bill is a win-win for both transparency and efficiency .
Firearms Safety Classes in Schools
This photograph in the March 1956 issue of Life Magazine shows a classroom of youngsters in Indiana learning about guns and gun safety from a police officer. Guns and gun safety are almost as American as apple pie. They are even more common in Idaho. I took hunter safety education when I was in the scouting program. In the modern era of school shootings, accidental firearms injuries and deaths, and growing gun ownership, many states are returning to gun safety classes in schools.
Currently, at least 12 states allow for gun safety classes in public schools. Michigan and Missouri recently added gun safety to their schools. The Firearms Safety Classes in Schools bill (H443) encourages school boards to approve gun safety classes for Idaho schools. The bill is simple and it doesn't mandate gun safety classes, it only encourages school boards to consider providing them for primary and secondary students.
There are several national education programs directed toward kids in kindergarten through 3rd grade. The focus is on what kids should do when they encounter a gun. Many kids who have not grown up around guns, have a natural curiosity about them. The early gun safety classes teach them to Stop, Don't Touch, Leave the Area, and Tell an Adult. The programs have demonstrated success. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the National Rifle Association's Eddie-Eagle program has reduced incidental firearm-related deaths among their children participants by more than 80%.
Even if kids don't have guns in their home, there's a significant chance they will encounter them in the homes of their friends or in other situations. Over 1/3 of homes in America have guns—probably more in Idaho. Teaching kids the proper dangers and cautions will help keep them and their friends safe. Many gun safety programs also teach about active shooter situations and what to do. This is valuable training for when and if such a horrible incident might occur in Idaho.
Hopefully Idaho can join the other states in adding to child safety by teaching them the basics about guns and gun safety. It can be a life saver.
House Bills-of-Interest Update:
H376 - Human Trafficking - House Judiciary Committee
H389 - Highway Speed Limit - House Transportation Committee
H405 - Repeal Unfair Sales Act - House Revenue & Taxation Committee
H412 - Repeal Common Core - Stalled in House Ways & Means Comm.
H413 - Education Freedom in Idaho - Stalled in House Ways & Means Comm.
H414 - Sex Education Standards - House Education Committee
H418 - Lobbyist Limits (no state employees) - House State Affairs Committee
H420 - Electronic Public Notice - House State Affairs Committee
H443 - Firearms Safety Education - House Education Committee
H447 - Civil Asset Forfeiture Protection - House Judiciary Committee
H448 - Breastfeeding Protection - House Judiciary Committee
H449 - Precious Metals Income Tax Exempt. - House Rev. & Tax. Comm.
H452 - Short Term Rentals Clarification - House Rev. & Tax. Committee
H463 - Income Tax Cut (Otter) - House Revenue & Taxation Committee
____ - Minimum Wage Exemption - House Business Committee
____ - Bond/Levy Disclosure - Drafting
____ - County Commissioner Elections - Drafting
Voting for What is Right
Monday this week, Rep. Christy Zito (on the left) made a motion to move the Legislator Gift Limit bill (H428) to the State Affairs Committee for a hearing. It's a good bill. Apparently, such a motion did not follow the "tradition" of personal bills being killed in the Ways and Means Committee. The motion to give the bill a hearing (and a chance to pass) was only supported by 10 Representatives in the House. Someone noticed our stand against flawed tradition and against establishment power-brokering. On Tuesday, all 10 of us had a flower for our lapels waiting for us from an anonymous friend. Here are seven of the "rebels" sporting our flowers in the Capitol rotunda. Thank you, whoever you are!
Please visit the Growing Freedom Idaho website to help all citizens be more involved with what is going on in the Idaho Legislature and how to effectively make their voices heard. The site includes a Freedom Agenda of legislation brought to the legislature by citizens and is what liberty minded legislators are pursuing this session.
Stay in Touch!
As always my goals are to best represent District 34’s views and interests, keep my oath to protect and defend the U.S. and State Constitutions, restrain government influence, keep taxes low, and support legislation that is constitutional, economical, and moral. I always appreciate feedback from voters and citizens. As you probably know, citizen input is very important and influential. When you and others contact legislators, they have the power and incentives to protect rights and keep their oaths. Together, we can keep Idaho great and free.
You and your friends can contact your legislators to make your views known by emailing or calling them. To find your representatives’ and senators’ contact information you can click here for representatives, and here for senators.
Please email me your questions and comments: nater@house.idaho.gov
Rep. Ronald Nate
District 34 - nater@house.idaho.gov
Committees:
- Revenue and Taxation
- Judiciary, Rules, and Administration
- Environment, Energy, and Technology
State Capitol | P.O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0081 | (208) 403-3609
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