Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Legislation to create a committee to monitor how federal laws impact Idaho's sovereignty has been sent to the Senate for amendments and possibly to be combined with another bill to create a council on federal lands.
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted 7-2 on Wednesday to send the legislation to create the Committee on Federalism to the Senate for amending.
Another separate piece of legislation creating a Council on Federal Lands is already in the Senate awaiting amendments.
Republican Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Winder said after the meeting the bills could be combined in some way to result in one committee involving elements of both bills.
Those in favor of the federalism committee say it could help inform lawmakers on federal issues.
Those opposed say it duplicates existing government entities and the $15,000 estimated annual cost low-balls the actual costs because the committee can hire consultants and attorneys.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
