Idaho Reports airs Friday at 8 pm on Idaho Public Television.

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Idaho's new public defender framework may omit indigent defense for child protection cases

“With child protection cases, more than any other case, we really need local control,” State Public Defender Eric Fredericksen told lawmakers. “There is local control right now with the state public defense system, but it’s not nearly as robust as it would be at that level. We also need experts handling these cases. We don’t need a public defender that’s never touched a case before dealing with child protection jumping in on that case.”

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Judge denies request to block transgender youth care while AG appeals

U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill denied a request from the state in December to dismiss a challenge to a law that criminalizes gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Because the state is appealing the federal court’s decision, it requested an emergency stay of the injunction blocking the law. The court denied this request.

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Basic budgets advance over concern from Democrats

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee proposed just over $12 billion in spending early this week despite protests from Democrats. It’s the latest in a series of objections over the new budgeting process, though Republicans say the concerns are unfounded.

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Bill introduced to tighten Medicaid waivers

The House Health and Welfare Committee on Tuesday introduced a bill that would prohibit new Medicaid waivers from being implemented without legislative approval.

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Follow online for updates throughout the week:

Fentanyl bill with mandatory minimums returns

A bill failed to make it out of committee last year that would have added fentanyl to the list of drugs that come with mandatory minimum prison sentences. The legislation came back Wednesday with changes to the amount of fentanyl that would qualify as trafficking.

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Bill introduced to strengthen enforcement for homeowner’s property tax exemption

County assessors can investigate to ensure that Idaho residents are not claiming multiple homeowner’s exemptions in multiple counties. A bill introduced this week would allow them to collect back taxes from any improperly claimed homeowner’s exemptions, as well as create a fine that is equal to the amount of unpaid tax.

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Chief Justice tells lawmakers funding is needed for courts' long-term success

Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan spoke to lawmakers this week on the third branch of government's relationship to the rule of law. He also highlighted the courts' budget needs for technology support and judicial salaries.

EXCERPTS ON THE PODCAST

FULL ADDRESS HERE

Bill to allow death penalty for lewd conduct with a child

Most states in the country with the death penalty only use it for murder convictions. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2008 found that sentencing someone to death for any crime other than homicide or crimes against the state such as terrorism is unconstitutional.

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