Christopher M. Allgood

This bill appropriates over $204 million to the Department of Commerce, an increase of over $100 million, or 103.2% over the previous fiscal year, driven largely by an appropriation of $100 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for broadband infrastructure. This infrastructure is in addition to the $124 million in supplemental appropriations provided in S 1129. The remainder of the funding is to aid "in the creation of jobs, generating economic growth, creating economic opportunities, and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Idaho Citizens."Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats within the Department of Commerce - is best equipped to drive economic growth. Furthermore, the state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending through a $204 million Appropriation to the Department of Commerce for Unnecessary Initiatives.

Under current law, the state tracks the immunization of children through an immunization registry. This bill would change the registry from an opt-out system to an opt-in system where parents must affirmatively agree to have their child's records tracked. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure serves to protect the privacy of parents and children, ensuring it is parents - not the government - making the decision on whether their child's medical records are tracked.

Strengthening the Medical Privacy of Children by Changing the Immunization Registry System from Opt-Out to Opt-In.

This bill strengthens school choice by ensuring all school districts maintain an open enrollment policy which allows students to transfer both in-district and out-of-district. The bill also ensures that schools cannot discriminate against applicants based on their residential location or socioeconomic status. Support is the Limited Government Position as while this bill largely codifies best practices utilized by many school districts throughout the state, the bill nevertheless strengthens school choice by ensuring parents are able to select the best option for their child, regardless of where they reside.

Expanding School Choice by Ensuring School Districts Maintain Open Enrollment Policies Including In-District Student Transfers.

This bill provides 11 full-time positions and appropriates over $12.6 million to the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources for 2025, a budget increase from 2022 nearly four and a half times higher than what would be recommended by inflationary pressures and growth. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not government central planning - is the best mechanism to advance energy development. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through an Over $12.6 Million Appropriation (Quadrupled since 2022) to the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources.

This bill clarifies that the residents of a city may utilize the citizen-led referendum or initiative processes to reduce the property tax base budget of their city, thus providing property tax relief. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure serves as a critical tool for residents to shrink the size and scope of government and protect themselves from excessive taxation.

Advancing Property Tax Relief by Ensuring the Citizen-led Referendum Process May be Utilized at the Local Level to Reduce the Property Tax Base Budget of a City.

This bill appropriates over $2.9 million in taxpayer funds to Idaho Public Television (IPTV), an entity which has 14 full-time employees. IPTV has an extensive programming schedule with multiple channels. For example, on its Politically Speaking program guests utilize critical race theory to examine communities and education, while its PBS kids diversity programs "help children explore their emotions about news topics such as the pandemic, social unrest, and same-sex relationships." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as Idaho Public Television is an unnecessary entity which merely competes with the private sector, while also promoting a politicized social agenda. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Funding Critical Race Theory and LGBTQ Programing for Children through a $2.9 Million Appropriation to Idaho Public Television.

This bill appropriates $124.1 million to the Department of Commerce for broadband infrastructure, using funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund. This is a supplemental appropriation which is on top of over $100 million in funding for broadband infrastructure expected to be provided in S 1159. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as providing "broadband service" is not one of the core and essential duties of government. The private sector and the free market are best equipped to determine where broadband is most needed and which expansion projects are most economically viable. Additionally, significant advances in satellite technology may make most broadband expansion projects unnecessary.

Fueling Wasteful and Unnecessary Spending by Providing an Additional $124.1 Million to the Department of Commerce for Broadband Infrastructure Grants.

This bill prohibits localities from requiring the installation of an electric vehicle circuit as part of any new home construction. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect against overreaching local regulations that drive-up building costs. Homebuyers - not politicians - are best equipped to determine whether they should equip their private homes with charging infrastructure.

Combatting Local Government Overreach by Preventing Localities from Mandating Installation of Electric Vehicle Circuits in New Construction.

This bill, Coach Kennedy's Law, guarantees the right of public college, school district, and charter school employees to pray during free time. This bill follows the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, involving a high school football coach praying after football games in neighboring Washington. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens the First Amendment rights of individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs across the public education system.

Strengthening Religious Liberties at Public Schools and State Institutions of Higher Education by Ensuring Employees are Permitted to Pray During Free Time.

Under current law, employers are protected from civil liability when allowing or not prohibiting the lawful storage of firearms by employees in their personal motor vehicles on the employer's business premises. This bill would expand those protections to include employers who allow or don't prohibit the lawful carrying of a firearm on an employee's person. Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure helps protect employers from civil liability for supporting their employees' Second Amendment rights and ability to defend themselves.

Strengthening Second Amendment Rights by Providing Immunity to Employers Who Allow Employee Concealed Carry.

This bill allows local school districts to authorize virtual charter schools. Additionally, the permits charter school to consider the "at-risk makeup" of students at a public charter school during the certification, accountability, and renewal process. This ensures that the charter schools who face greater challenges surrounding unaccompanied youth, high absenteeism, etc. are not unfairly penalized. Support is the Limited Government Position as expanding school choice through charter school establishment is critical to creating a "market in education" which improves the educational outcomes for all students.

Improving Educational Outcomes for Students by Allowing School Districts to Authorize Virtual Charter Schools.

This bill appropriates over $700 million for state colleges and universities and the State Board of Education, including funding for nearly 5,000 government employees. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is a necessary role for government to provide quality K-12 education - ideally through school choice. College and university-level education should be funded through user fees (i.e., tuition) by those who wish to pursue their selected career path. These enormous costs should not be imposed on individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education, such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Growing Government Bureaucracy and Ballooning Spending to Over $700 Million for Colleges and Universities and Funding for Nearly 5,000 Employees.

This bill requires all highway-user fee revenue and highway and bridge ad valorum taxes be used on projects such as construction and maintenance of bridges and highways "that benefit primarily motor vehicles." This prevents the use of these funds for other purposes, such as building sidewalks and bike lanes. Support is the Limited Government Position as the user fees and taxes specifically associated with highways and bridges should be limited to constructing and maintaining that infrastructure, not for other side projects such as sidewalks and bike lanes. This measure helps ensure roads and bridges are properly upkept while also helping combat wasteful and unnecessary expenditures.

Protecting Taxpayers from Wasteful and Unnecessary Infrastructure Spending by Restricting the Use of Highway and Bridge Revenue.

Under current law, the state and all taxing entities must publish the information regarding any personal service contract entered that is over $10,000 annual payment, regardless of where the funds are derived from. This bill would increase the report threshold requirement from $10,000 to $30,000. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill weakens transparency and makes it harder for individuals, the press and government watchdog organizations to hold officials accountable and report on government operations.

Weakening Government Transparency and Accountability by Increasing the Reporting Threshold for Service Contracts from $10,000 to $30,000.

This bill allows professional counselors and marriage and family therapists to opt out of counseling or serving a client "regarding goals, outcomes, or behaviors" due to "sincerely held principles." Support is the Limited Government Position as businesses and individuals should have the freedom to contract and not be forced to provide a service that violates their beliefs.

Protecting the Religious Liberties of Counselors and Therapists by Ensuring They Are Not Forced to Violate their Sincerely Held Principles.

This bill allows mental and behavioral health providers who are licensed in other states to provide services in Idaho through "telehealth" (utilizing the internet or video call to provide diagnoses and prescribe medication). Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill reduces the shortage of mental and behavioral health providers and improves the ability of patients to receive attentive and timely treatment.

Expanding Competition and Availability of Mental Health Services by Allowing Providers in Other States to Provide Services Through Telehealth.

This bill enacts the Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) Act, which will provide financing to commercial property owners for certain government-approved improvements such as increased energy efficiency. Under the program localities may issue bonds (debt) to finance the improvements, which are then repaid through an additional assessment on their property. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as not only is it not the proper role of government to compete in the lending industry, but taxpayer funds are unnecessarily placed at risk in the event of a default. Furthermore, the C-PACE program creates additional complications in the mortgage industry concerning lien priority and debt recovery.

Competing With the Private Lending Industry and Placing Taxpayer Funds at Risk through the Establishment of a  Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) Program.

This bill expands the list of occupational licenses that require fingerprint-based background checks to include professional counselors, clinical professional counselors, associate marriage and family therapists, and marriage and family therapists. Additionally, the bill provides the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses with broader authority to require background checks not otherwise required by law. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill weakens civil liberties through invasive fingerprinting and background check requirements and provides even greater authority to unelected government bureaucrats. Most government licensing entities are overly restrictive and are largely advocated by special interest groups seeking to restrict competition in the marketplace.

Increasing Barriers to Employment and Weakening Civil Liberties by Providing Greater Overreaching Authority to the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.

This bill ends judicial deference to agency interpretations of statutes or rules, instead requiring courts to interpret the relevant questions of law themselves. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure serves as a critical tool to combatting the regulatory overreach of unaccountable bureaucrats within government by helping restore the proper separation of powers. Similar actions should be taken at the federal level considering the disastrous decision made by the Supreme Court in the infamous Chevron deference case.

Combatting the Regulatory Overreach of Unaccountable Bureaucrats by Ending Judicial Deference to Agency Interpretations of Statutes.

This bill appropriates over $500,000 to the Commission on Hispanic Affairs, which serves as a "liaison between the community and government entities." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this entity serves as an unnecessary bureaucracy. It is the role and duty of government to treat individuals of every background equally, and taxpayers should not be forced to fund commissions for select interests. Additionally, the state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending through and Unnecessary $500,000 Appropriation to the Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

This bill imposes new wage regulations on employers who hire prisoners, stipulating the prisoners employed with a private employer must receive the same salary range offered to other employees based on experience, education, and other qualifications. The bill also requires that the employed prisoner be given all benefits offered to other similarly situated employees. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill will likely reduce employment opportunities for incarcerated individuals - which may spike recidivism. Wage requirements - like all government price controls - price individuals out of the market whose skills or situation (criminal risk) do not match the state's lofty wage and other employee benefit mandates.

Reducing Employment Opportunities for Incarcerated Individuals by Imposing Wage Requirements onto Employers.

This bill appropriates over $2.2 million and establishes 10 full-time positions to the Commission on the Arts for 2025. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as providing funding for the arts is not a core nor necessary function of the government, rather a role of the private sector through foundations and philanthropy. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Growing Government Bureaucracy and Ballooning Spending for Unnecessary Initiatives within the Commission on the Arts.

This bill establishes a new health insurance mandate which requires most healthcare policies offered in the state that cover prescription contraceptive drugs to cover a 6-month supply of the drugs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual or business from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating Health Insurance Companies Cover a 6-Month Supply of Contraceptive Drugs.

This bill would allow the governor to develop and execute an interstate compact for border security among other states, fostering the sharing of law enforcement intelligence, sharing state and law enforcement resources, and permitting other actions deemed necessary to secure the border identified in the compact. Under the bill, the execution of the compact does not need legislative approval. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety and national defense is arguably the most important role of government. Failure to secure our nation's border not only has catastrophic implications on the ability to maintain law and order, but also creates countless other issues ranging from welfare to the education system.

Strengthening National Security by Permitting the Governor to Enter into an Interstate Border Security Compact.

This bill appropriates over $68 million to the Department of Parks and Recreation, which represents a 52% increase within the past 3 years. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is much better equipped to manage property and provide recreational services. The state should work to shrink its land holdings and reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through a $68 Million Appropriation to the Department of Parks and Recreation - a 52% Increase within the Past 3 Years.

This bill prohibits local governments across the state from imposing any ordinances which restrict the ability of consumers to access the energy source of their choice, including electric, natural gas, propane, and other sources. As a result, the bill would preempt local bans on natural gas hook-up and all-electric building codes. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens both property rights and individual liberties. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Protecting Consumer Choice by Prohibiting Local Governments from Imposing All-Electric Building Codes and Anti-Natural Gas Ordinances.

This bill imposes a litany of new regulations on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) which are largely designed to benefit local pharmacies. For example, PBMs must now use "pass-through pricing" instead of "spread pricing" systems, pass along 100% of any drug manufacture rebate, and limit patient steering among other provisions. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the nation witnessed first-hand the disastrous consequences and cost of growing government regulatory power in healthcare (i.e. Obamacare). Instead of working to promote a freer market through regulatory reduction, lawmakers added a series of new layers of regulations through this measure, including utilizing government to provide local pharmacies with more favorable outcomes in their private contract negotiations with PBMs.

Growing Government Regulatory Power within the Pharmaceutical Industry by Imposing New Mandates on Pharmacy Benefit Managers to Benefit Local Pharmacies.

This bill appropriates over $149 million for the Department of Health and Welfare, behavioral health services, representing a 21% increase over the past three years. Part of the funding ($3 million) may be used for implementation of "Adverse Childhood Events" training to teach parents how to parent their children, which has been used as a vehicle for Critical Race Theory (CRT). Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill contains multiple provisions (such as teaching parents how to parent their children) which expand the size and role of government beyond its core and necessary duties. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending through a $149 Million Appropriation to the Department of Health and Welfare Behavioral Health Services - a 21% Hike over the Past 3 Years.

This bill creates the Office of Election Crimes and Security under the authority of the Attorney General, tasked with receiving, investigating, and responding to complaints and allegations of election crimes. The office is required to provide an annual report to the governor, president of the senate, and speaker of the house detailing its investigations. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud is a critical aspect of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Strengthening Election Integrity Through the Creation of the Office of Election Crimes and Security.

This bill requires individuals who are paid to gather signatures for initiatives and referenda to identify themselves as such when gathering signatures. The paid gatherers must verbally tell voters they are paid, wear a badge indicating they are being paid, and prominently note on their petition that they are being paid to collect the signatures. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps to combat abuse within the petition initiative process which has resulted in passage of multiple big government policies.

Increasing the Integrity of Ballot Initiatives Through Transparency of Paid Signature Gatherers.

This bill requires any bond ballot question or official statement which includes a statement about state tax relief funds to clarify the year state tax relief funds will retire. The bill also prohibits a ballot question or official statement from including any information regarding state tax relief funds unless a specific dollar amount of such funding is guaranteed to the taxing district. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect taxpayers from growing debt due to unsound fiscal policies by local governments by ensuring voters are informed of the costs associated with the bonds.

Increasing Clarity and Transparency on Ballot Questions Pertaining to Bonds and Tax Levies.

This bill makes it easier for counties to satisfy notice requirements to destroy noxious weeds, on private property, "including necessary destruction of crops," at the expense of the landowner. Currently, a property owner has five working days from the time of receipt of a notice to begin addressing weeds. This bill provides that when the property owner is "not known or readily available," service is considered satisfied eight days after the notice is postmarked or certified registered receipt at the address. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill provides government bureaucrats with overreaching powers to trespass onto private property and impose additional costs onto landowners without necessary protections.

Weakening Property Rights by Providing Government Officials Overreaching Powers to Trespass onto Private Property and Destroy Crops in Order to Control "Noxious Weeds".

This bill is designed to prevent large data centers from "double dipping" by receiving two separate economic development incentives for the same project. While the bill applies to all data centers, it primarily impacts Meta (Facebook) and its project in the City of Kuna. Due to the fact Meta is already eligible for a sales tax exemption, this bill prevents the company from also receiving property tax exemptions under the urban renewal district designation. As a result, property owners in Kuna will not be forced to subsidize the infrastructure costs of Meta, and instead receive tax relief due to the tax assessment on the Meta facility. Support is the Limited Government Position as while Meta (or any individual company) should not be provided any tax exemption or subsidy, this bill at least limits the extent of the cronyism. All state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone. Instead of attempting to centrally plan the economy, lawmakers should cut taxes across all industries, which will allow the free market to provide far greater job and business growth.

Providing Property Tax Relief to Homeowners by Blocking Crony Subsidies to Meta (Facebook) and Other Woke Corporations.

This bill increases and clarifies work search requirements for those receiving unemployment insurance benefits. Under the bill, those receiving benefits must conduct at least five "work search actions per week," these actions include job searches, completing a resume, attending a job fair, and more. The bill clarifies what constitutes a failure to apply for suitable work and what the appropriate exceptions are (illness, injury, or immediate family emergency). Lastly, the bill requires the Idaho Department of Labor to establish an email address and web portal allowing employers to report suspected violations of the law. Support is the Limited Government Position as combatting fraud within the state's unemployment insurance system is critical to maintaining low payroll taxes for businesses which are forced to pay into the system. While unemployment insurance should not be carried out by government - rather, a system should be established whereby individuals and companies can purchase into a program on the private marketplace - lawmakers have a duty to maintain the integrity of the system.

Strengthening the Integrity of the Unemployment Insurance System Through Increased Work Search Requirements.

This appropriations bill includes multiple end-of-year fund transfers but most notably provides $15 million to the Idaho Workforce Development Council for "semiconductor workforce grants." This funding is directed to Micron Technology to support their new semiconductor manufacturing facility in Treasure Valley. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this cronyism benefits a single government-favored company while shifting tax burdens onto other businesses and industries not favored by government. Instead of this cronyism, lawmakers should lower tax rates for all businesses and empower the free-market to expand economic growth.

Expanding Cronyism by Channeling $15 Million in Taxpayer Funds to Enrich Semiconductor Manufacturer Micron Technology through "Semiconductor Workforce Grants".

This bill increases the program maintenance budget for the Commission on Hispanic Affairs to an amount 54% higher than what would be appropriate taking inflation into account. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this frivolous commission is outside the proper role of government and a waste of taxpayer money.

Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Policies Through the Funding of the Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

This bill directs sales and use tax revenue to be withheld from any city or county which refuses to investigate or enforce any felony provision under state law. The bill is largely in response to localities across the nations whose prosecutors (typically receiving financial support from George Soros) refuse to enforce or prosecute certain crimes. Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill is especially necessary due to many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Increasing Public Safety by Withholding Tax Revenue from Localities Which Fail to Prosecute Felony Crime.

This bill expands the existing prohibition against local rent-control ordinances by now barring localities from forcing property owners from being forced to participate in any federal housing assistance program. The bill largely pertains to the federal Section 8 Housing Voucher program. Support is the Limited Government Position as landlords should not be forced to participate in federal welfare programs such as Section 8, which oftentimes places landlords at greater risk for property damage and uncollected rent.

Strengthening Property Rights and Combatting Local Government Overreach by Prohibiting Localities from Forcing Property Owners to Participate in Federal Housing Assistance Programs.

This bill permits an employee of a school or school district with an enhanced license to carry concealed weapons while on school property, provided that certain conditions are met. The bill also protects the employee's carry permit and information from public records requests. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens school security by improving the ability of teachers and other employees to protect students and themselves.

Strengthening School Safety by Allowing Employees to Conceal Carry on School Property.

This bill allows professional counselors and marriage and family therapists to opt-out of "counseling in support of goals, outcomes, or behaviors" due to "sincerely held religious, moral, or ethical principles." Support is the Limited Government Position as businesses and individuals should have the freedom to contract and not be forced to provide a service that violates their beliefs.

This bill appropriates over $29 million to the State Liquor Division, which represents an increase of over $1.8 million from the prior year. The appropriation provides funding for 261 full time employees as well as the relocation and remodeling of two government-run liquor stores. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this division is almost entirely unnecessary since the private sector - not government - is best equipped to operate liquor stores. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Growing Unnecessary Government Bureaucracy and Spending through a $29 Million Appropriation for the State Liquor Division Including Funding to Renovate Government-Run Liquor Stores.

This bill prohibits state and local governments from imposing any additional regulations on digital assets such as bitcoin, including taxes or restrictions on the holding or mining of digital currencies. Additionally, the bill bars the state from participating in the use, development, or testing of a central bank digital currency. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill protects civil liberties by preventing creation of a government currency that allows government to track and monitor every consumer transaction. Bitcoin and other digital currencies also serve as a critical safeguard for the U.S. monetary system, especially considering the disastrous policies and actions being taken by the Federal Reserve.

Protecting Civil Liberties by Banning Central Bank Digital Currencies and Preventing Localities from Imposing Regulations on Bitcoins and Other Digital Assets.

This bill prohibits any investigation under the Child Protective Act that is based on the immunization status of a child. Courts are also prohibited from terminating parental rights based on the immunization status of a child. Support is the Limited Government Position as strong parental rights is a critical element of a free society. It is the role of parents - not government bureaucrats - to evaluate the risks and benefits of providing their child a vaccination.

Strengthening Parental Rights by Prohibiting Vaccination Status from Being Considered in Child Protection Cases.

This bill appropriates over $169 million and 385.02 full-time positions to the Department of Environmental Quality for 2024, which represents an increase of nearly double the amount prescribed for inflation and general growth. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this state agency is tasked with a litany of unnecessary initiatives and grant programs. Additionally, the state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending Through a $169 Million Appropriation  to the Department of Environmental Quality.

This bill provides the Director of the Department of Insurance new power to impose large penalties on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) for any violation of regulations the state enacted in 2020. These regulations control prices and contract provisions negotiated between PBMs and local pharmacies. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the nation witnessed first-hand the disastrous consequences and cost of growing government regulatory power in healthcare (i.e., Obamacare). Instead of working to promote a freer market through regulatory reduction, lawmakers added a series of new mandates in 2020 which utilized government power to provide local pharmacies with more favorable outcomes in their private contract negotiations with PBMs. This bill merely further worsens the government overreach by subjecting PBMS to significant penalties for any violation.

Providing Government Bureaucrats New Powers to Enforce Overreaching Regulations Recently Imposed on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMS).

This bill contains a long list of new regulations on automobile manufacturers and on contract agreements with their dealerships. Most notably, the bill prohibits an automobile manufacturer from selling or leasing a vehicle directly to a consumer or performing warranty repair work. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill is an egregious example of government interference in the private contracting rights of the motor vehicle industry. This protectionism merely enriches dealerships (the middleman) while preventing the free market from expanding competition and lowering costs for consumers.

Increasing Government Interference in Private Contracting Agreements Between Automobile Manufacturers and Dealers and Imposing New Protectionist Mandates.

This bill prohibits localities from regulating the possession, sale, transfer, and manufacture of knives. Exceptions are provided under the bill that would allow schools, court houses, law enforcement and involuntary confinement facilities, and political subdivisions that regulate child care to regulate knives. Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms (including knives) is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure also helps protect against undue local regulation of the knife industry.

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Preventing Localities from Infringing the Right to Own or Carry Knives.

This bill appropriates over $84 million and 20 full-time positions to the Workforce Development Council for 2025, which is a budgetary growth more than three and a half times what is needed for inflationary growth from 2022. The bill also creates three new full-time positions. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill preserves and expands an unnecessary government agency, as the private sector is best equipped to advanced workforce development. Lawmakers should instead repeal overly restrictive licensing regulations that merely serve to limit competition in the workplace. Additionally, the state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Wasteful Spending Through an Over $84 Million Appropriation (350% Increase since 2022) to the Workforce Development Council.

This bill appropriates over $27.2 million for various Health Education Programs. For example, the bill appropriates $7.2 million to the University of Washington School of Medicine's WWAMI program. The University of Washington, known as the "nation's largest fetal tissue bank," offers clinical clerkships with Planned Parenthood and was recently sued for conducting a fetal tissue trafficking operation with the organization. Additionally, the University provides numerous courses surrounding critical race theory, LGBTQ health disparities, and transgender healthcare clinical rotations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers should not be forced to fund the college and higher educational costs of individuals who choose to pursue such career paths. This bill is especially troublesome considering the usage of taxpayer funds surrounding abortion and politicized trainings.

Forcing Taxpayers to Fund Aborted Fetus Trafficking and LGBTQ and Transgender Medical Training through a $27 Million Appropriation for Health Education Programs.

This bill places all administrative rules on a staggered, eight-year review cycle for reauthorization as well as requires legislative approval of all new rules via concurrent resolution. Additionally, the bill requires agencies to accept testimony on proposed rules via video or telephone (currently only oral or written). Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps combat regulatory overreach and provides greater oversight of the government bureaucrats who establish the rules but are unaccountable to voters.

Combatting Regulatory Overreach by Requiring All Administrative Rules to Undergo Review and Reauthorization Every 8 Years.

This bill appropriates $500,000 to the Rural Nursing Loan Repayment Fund. This program provides taxpayer-funded loan repayment to nurses working in regions with populations below 20,000. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to determine the need and distribution of nurses across the state. Taxpayers in urban areas should not be forced to subsidize the amenities of individuals who choose to locate in rural or other portions of the state where nurses may not be as accessible.

Growing Government Central Planning by Forcing Taxpayers to Pay Off the Student Loan Debt of Nurses in Rural Areas.

This bill asserts that parents are the "primary stakeholders" in education and establishes a framework which provides parents certain rights. Under the bill, parental consent is required for a student to take any noncurricular-related student survey, well-being questionnaire, or health screenings. Additionally, public schools are forbidden from enacting any policies which prohibit school personnel from notifying parents of a student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being, among other protections. Support is the Limited Government Position as strong parental rights in their child's education is a critical element of a free society. This measure ensures children are not subjected to sensitive topics without the consent of parents.

Strengthening the Integrity of the Public Education System by Asserting Parents are the "Primary Stakeholders" in Education and Providing Parents a Series of Rights.

This bill, called the Parental Rights in Medical Decision-Making, protects a parents' right to make health care decisions for their children and guarantee access to their children's medical records. Specifically, the bill prohibits an individual - unless provided by court order - to furnish a health care service or solicit to furnish a health care service to a minor child without obtaining the prior consent of the minor's parent, with exceptions during medical emergencies. The bill also prohibits a health care provider or government entity form denying a minor's parent access to health information that is requested by the parent. Those subject to violations of these provisions make seek relief through a private right of action. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps protect individual liberties and promote child safety by ensuring parents are making the medical decisions for their minor children.

Year	Edu	Energy & Env	Speech	Health	Liberty	Law & Gov	Security	Reg	Tax & Fiscal	Work & Labor
2024	33.33	0	80	30	100	45.83	100	0	13.04	33.33
2023	100	100	0	50	100	0	100	50	13.95	100

ILA

Christopher M. Allgood