CAT Board Welcomes Two New Members

Newly released prisoners put strain on counties

Since 2012, the Idaho Department of Correction has nearly doubled the number of inmates released from prison each year — a result, in part, of the state’s efforts to reform its prison system. Read More

Idaho Supreme Court hears arguments on public defense reform

Idaho’s Supreme Court will soon decide whether to revive an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit against the state over its faulty public defense system. Attorneys on both sides told the high court Wednesday that they agree Idaho’s public defense system has serious deficiencies. Read More

Idaho lawmakers undergo ethics training

Idaho beefs up cybersecurity efforts

Two bills to tweak rules for running for office introduced

Two bills to clarify some legal requirements for running for office were introduced Monday morning. The first would change the law to specify that a candidate for Legislature must be a registered voter in the legislative district for a year before running. Read More

Idaho Oil and Gas Industry Growing; New Potential Areas Eyed

The amount of severance taxes generated by Idaho's oil and gas industry is getting close to paying what it costs the state to regulate that industry. Idaho Department of Lands Director Tom Schultz estimates that 2017 severance taxes will come close to the break-even point as natural gas production has been increasing. Read More

Idaho's average gas price in 2016 lowest since 2005

Though folks in Idaho paid more for gas than others around the U.S. in 2016, motorists in the Gem State still enjoyed the lowest fuel prices since 2005, according to AAA Idaho. “An abundant global oil supply kept downward pressure on gas prices throughout the year, both here and across the country,” said AAA Idaho spokesman Matthew Conde in a press release. Read More

Lawmakers get positive economic news heading into 2017 session

State lawmakers on Thursday received another dose of positive news about the overall health of Idaho’s economy and its potential for continued growth over the next two years. Lawmakers meeting in Boise, just days before the 2017 Legislature convenes, were also reminded they will likely have a $133 million surplus to manage when the budget-writing process begins. Read More