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BOISE, Idaho A proposed constitutional amendment that would prevent the legalization of marijuana in Idaho moved forward Friday as lawmakers in the conservative state try to halt the increasing acceptance of the drug nationwide.
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted to send the joint resolution that bans all psychoactive drugs not already legal in Idaho to the full Senate. That list would change for drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
But the target over the two days of testimony on Monday and Friday was primarily marijuana as Idaho finds itself surrounded by states that have legalized pot.
Constitutional ban on legal marijuana advances in Idaho Senate
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted to approve a joint resolution that bans all psychoactive drugs not already legal in the state.
Credit: AP
FILE - In this March 28, 2019, file photo, pot products line a display case at a marijuana shop in Seattle. A proposed constitutional amendment that would prevent the legalization of marijuana in Idaho has moved forward as lawmakers in the conservative state try to halt the increasing acceptance of the drug nationwide. The Senate State Affairs Committee voted Wednesday,Jan. 27, 2021, to approve a joint resolution that bans all psychoactive drugs not already legal in Idaho. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
Legislative roundup: Here are some of the bills being debated in Boise
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EastIdahoNews.com file photo
BOISE So far this session, legislation to limit the emergency powers of Gov. Brad Little has taken the spotlight, but lawmakers are considering other bills.
Among other proposed legislation are bills aimed to raise the minimum wage in Idaho, add the words “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the Idaho Human Rights Act, and makes changes to the Idaho State Police crime lab policies. The following are four bills and other items of legislation in the House and Senate.
Increasing minimum wage
BOISE — A proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting the legalization of marijuana and other recreational drugs prompted three hours of passionate testimony Monday.
Add the Words legislation introduced for 15th time
BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) - Idaho lawmakers are introducing the Add the Words legislation for the 15th time.
State lawmakers are once again trying to add sexual orientation and gender discrimination into Idaho s Human Rights Act.
Senator Melissa Wintrow introduced the bill on Friday in the Senate State Affairs Committee. 16 other senators and representatives are co-sponsoring the bill.
This bill has never made it out of committee, but lawmakers hope this year will be different after President Joe Biden signed similar executive orders, including allowing transgender people to serve in the military.
Opponents say they re concerned this change could infringe on religious freedoms.