By Melissa Davlin, Idaho Reports
The House passed a $11.8 million appropriation for the Idaho Commission for Libraries Wednesday afternoon, sidestepping policy debates that have centered on libraries and content over the last year.
The budget includes $40,000 for Kindergarten Readiness program subgrants, $1.7 million for a Digital Access Implementation Grant, and $3.5 million for library facility upgrades. Bill sponsor Rep. Matthew Bundy, R-Mountain Home, said libraries across the state have already expressed interest in taking advantage of funds for facility improvements.
The bill passed 45-20.
Libraries have been at the center of policy debates for the past two legislative sessions. On Monday, the House voted 40-30 for a bill to allow parents to sue libraries if their children check out “obscene” material, as defined by “contemporary community standards.”
On Wednesday morning, the Senate State Affairs Committee voted to send that bill for potential amendments.
The Commission for Libraries budget now goes to the Senate.
Melissa Davlin | Host, Lead Producer
Melissa Davlin is the lead producer and host of Idaho Reports. She has covered the Idaho Legislature since 2012. She also produces for Outdoor Idaho and Idaho Experience. Melissa serves as the president of the Idaho Press Club. She has won multiple awards for her work, including a regional Emmy for her documentary on Chinese immigration in Idaho, Idaho Press Club broadcast reporter of the year for 2015 and 2019, the Idaho Press Club First Amendment Award, the University of Idaho Silver and Gold Alumni Award, and the 2019 Boise State University Enhancing Public Discourse award. She lives in Boise with her husband and children.