This week's update: Religious Liberty, Guns, Common Core, Big Gov't, Choose Life, and more! Plus, don't forget our upcoming activities and events.


** Religious Freedom Extends Beyond the Chapel Doors
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This week at the Madison Liberty Institute, our BrushFires ([link removed]) project is celebrating the House's choice to repeal common core, but there is still work to be done. On the student front, our Spark Freedom ([link removed]) project has some exciting activities coming up this week. Our first screening ([link removed]) for Operation Underground Railroad's (O.U.R.) special documentary is this coming Monday. Our Boise team interviewed ([link removed]) Mr. Blaine Conzatti with the F ([link removed]) amily Policy Alliance for Idaho ([link removed]) . And lastly, week five of the 2020 Legislative Session ([link removed]) is coming to a close and time is up for introducing new bills in committee.

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about religious liberty. The question “how far does religious liberty extend?” has become a huge topic among our local, state, and federal representatives. Unfortunately, this mindset from lawmakers across the country is resulting in legislation being proposed that are direct attacks on our ability to stand up for our religious convictions. And unfortunately, Idaho is not exempt from these kinds of discussions.

Recently, members of the Madison Liberty Institute attended a forum at the Idaho Capitol. One of the panelists at the forum went as far to say that "religious liberty ends at the door of the churches." She continued to express that while every person has the right to believe whatever they want, they do not have the right to publicly act on those beliefs.

So, how far does religious freedom extend?

Individuals have the right to practice their deep-rooted beliefs without undue government interference. Individuals have the right to live and work according to their sincerely held religious convictions.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that...

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

And on top of that, the Idaho Constitution under Article 1, Section 4 states that...

“The exercise and enjoyment of religious faith and worship shall forever be guaranteed.”

All men and women should be guaranteed the right to express their beliefs openly without fear of state-sponsored persecution or harm from others. At the Madison Liberty Institute, we support religious liberty and the protection of churches, faith-based employers, and organizations from inappropriate legal restrictions which would infringe on their right to practice their freedom of conscience. Especially here in Idaho!

Madison Liberty Institute ([link removed]) | BrushFires ([link removed]) | S ([link removed]) park Freedom ([link removed]) | Contribute ([link removed])
“That religion, or the duty which we owe to our CREATOR, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore, all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practise Christian forbearance, love, and charity; towards each other.”

- James Madison, Virginia Declaration of Rights, 1776


** Legislative Update
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With today, week 5 of the 2020 Legislative Session comes to a close and the deadline for introducing new bills is quickly approaching (02.10.20). This means many of our State Senators and Representatives are scrambling to finish legislation and have it introduced in committee.

COMMON CORE: The most exciting highlight from this week was the House Education committee ([link removed]) chose to repeal the Idaho content standards (Common Core) for math, language arts, and science with a committee vote of 10 to 5! However, there is still work to be done on this front. Common Core will now be voted on in the Senate Education Committee ([link removed]) . If the Senate chooses to repeal Common Core, then it is out. Therefore, we highly encourage you to contact these senators and encourage them to oppose Common Core! To make things easier, we invite you to use our new “Contact Your Representatives” tool ([link removed]) to send an email to the committee encouraging them to vote to repeal common core.

CHOOSE LIFE: Senator Regina Bayer ([link removed]) (R-Meridian) introduced Senate Bill 1249 ([link removed]) , which would add “Choose Life” as a new specialty license plate available at the Idaho DMV. Of each $35 plate registration fee, $22 will be given to local pregnancy resource centers that promote a culture of life. This bill was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee and a third hearing will take place soon.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: A new bill introduced by Senator Cherie Buckner-Webb ([link removed]) (D-Boise) in the Idaho State Senate (SB.1275 ([link removed]) ) proposes to amend Idaho code to require health benefit plans to cover six months of birth control at a time (including abortifacients). Senate Commerce & Human Resources Committee ([link removed]) voted to send the bill to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Not only is this legislation backed by Planned Parenthood (which should be enough to raise a red flag), the bill goes beyond the proper role of government and is positioned to infringe on religious liberty here in Idaho. We encourage you to contact your legislators ([link removed]) and
other members of the legislature to voice your opposition to this legislation.

2ND AMENDMENT: Idaho is potentially taking one more step to complete Constitutional Carry in the Gem State by reinforcing second amendment rights through a new proposed law. Introduced this week by Representative Christy Zito ([link removed]) (R-Hammett), House Bill 394 ([link removed]) would amend existing law to allow individuals who are legal residents of the United States to carry a concealed handgun without a permit in city limits. (Permitless concealed carry is already allowed outside of cities in Idaho.) In support of this proposed legislation, the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance ([link removed]) held an emergency gun rally this past Wednesday and had a strong turn out of 2nd Amendment loving Idahoans.

NANNY STATE: Last year, Representative Rod Furniss ([link removed]) (R-Rigby) sponsored House Bill 179 ([link removed]) (HB.179aa ([link removed]) ) regarding motor vehicle insurance. The legislation passed and went into effect this year. Now, any owner of an uninsured vehicle that does not fill out a form to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles will have their vehicle registration unceremoniously dropped by the DMV. To reinstate your vehicle’s registration, a hefty fee of $75 dollars must be paid. Although there are cases of uninsured vehicles that are being driven and put others at risk in the process, this law is punishing law-abiding citizens along with those who are actually driving uninsured. This week, Representative Heather Scott ([link removed])
(R-Blanchard) proposed legislation (RS27622) in the House Business Committee ([link removed]) that would have repealed last year's law. Unfortunately, Rep. Scott's proposal did not receive a majority of votes in the committee and, therefore, failed to become an official bill and advance any further this session.

We hope you will join us in the watchful care of the privileges we enjoy as citizens of this great state and nation. Stay tuned for our update next week, and learn more about current legislation by checking out our bill alert section (#bilss) below!
Support Madison Liberty! ([link removed])


** Family Policy Update ft. Blaine Conzatti
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Blaine Conzatti from the Family Policy Alliance of Idaho ([link removed]) joins Lindsey Zea ([link removed]) of the Madison Liberty Institute at the Idaho State Capitol to talk about current events and upcoming legislation. Check out the video update HERE ([link removed]) .


** Brushfires Update: Your Voices Have Been Heard!
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After much effort on your part, your voice has been heard and the House Education Committee voted to repeal Common Core (10-5)! The Idaho content standards will now be voted on by the Senate Education Committee. We invite you to use our new "Contact Your Representative" Tool ([link removed]) to send an email to the committee with your thoughts on Common Core.

The Restoration Generation, a group from our Spark Freedom project, is offering weekly seminars on current events and the Constitution. Over the next few weeks, God’s Hand in the Building of America seminars ([link removed]) will be held at our Spark Freedom Center ([link removed]) every Thursday evening from 5-7 PM. We encourage you to attend and learn more about our country's religious roots.

If you are interested in starting a BrushFires group in your county or community, please click HERE ([link removed]) to learn more about our civic engagement project and how you can get involved.

Like us on Facebook! ([link removed])


** Spark Freedom:
Mark Your Calendars!
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Our Spark Freedom students are excited for next week! Our Students Against Slavery will be volunteering at the O.U.R Operation Toussaint screening in Idaho Falls ([link removed]) on February 10 and will be hosting their own event in Rexburg on February 20 ([link removed]) . TPUSA will host "Fighting Fake News" ([link removed]) with two guest speakers, Elijah Schaffer ([link removed]) and Alex Fletcher ([link removed]) on February 11 at the Paramount 5 in Rexburg, Idaho. All three events are open to the public. We hope to see you there!

Don't forget to visit us on Facebook ' Spark Freedom at Madison Liberty Institute' ([link removed]) to see more announcements and event details.


** Operation Toussaint Showing in Idaho Falls and Rexburg!
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Madison Liberty is partnering with Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) ([link removed]) and volunteers to host a screening of the documentary Operation Toussaint at Edwards Theater in Idaho Falls ([link removed]) on February 10th and Paramount 5 in Rexburg ([link removed]) on February 20th. This event will help raise money for Operation Underground Railroad’s future missions to rescue people around the world from human trafficking and aftercare support. The documentary, Operation Toussaint takes us along on the mission that saved many trafficked humans in Haiti in 2018. The trailer for the documentary can be viewed HERE ([link removed]) .

We hope you all will take the opportunity to attend either of the screenings as well as check out Spark Freedom's O.U.R. student chapter ([link removed]) - Students Against Slavery.

For additional information, please contact Ms. Madison DaBell (mailto:[email protected]?subject=O.U.R.) .


** Liberty Resource:
Becket Fund
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This week for our liberty resource we wanted to share the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty with you. This organization is a "a non-profit, public interest law firm defending the freedom of religion of people of all faiths." We highly encourage you to visit their website and check out the resources they have to offer.

Resource Link ([link removed])




** Meet Alehtse Hernandez
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This week, we are excited to highlight Ms. Alehtse Hernandez, a communications intern with the Madison Liberty Institute. Alehtse is a journalism major at BYU-Idaho. Her primary responsibilities at Madison Liberty are to assist the Spark Freedom project with their communications efforts.

Click HERE ([link removed]) to learn more about Alehtse.

Get Involved! ([link removed])
Legislative Summaries & Bills of Interest
[Click HERE to contact your legislators.] ([link removed])
H0308 ([link removed]) : Handheld devices, restriction ban
* Status: House, Transportation & Defense
* Quick summary: House Bill 308 - Handheld Devices Restriction Ban ([link removed])

H0309 ([link removed]) : Budget stabilization fund
* Status: U.C. to be returned to Transportation & Defense Committee
* Quick summary: House Bill 309 - State & Local Roads Funding ([link removed])

H0310 ([link removed]) : Background checks, sources
* Status: Passed House, Senate, Health & Welfare
* Quick summary: House Bill 310 - Background Checks, Sources ([link removed])

H0312 ([link removed]) : Daycare facilities, licensing
* Status: House, Failed
* Quick summary: House Bill 312 - Daycare Licencing ([link removed])

H0313 ([link removed]) : Acupuncture, licensing
* Status: House, Passed. Senate, Commerce & Human Resources
* Quick summary: House Bill 313 - Acupuncture Licensing ([link removed])

H0314 ([link removed]) : Deaf, hard of hearing, terminology
* Status: House, Passed. Senate, Passed
* Quick summary: House Bill 314 - Revising Terms in the Idaho Code ([link removed])

H0315 ([link removed]) : Controlled Substances schedule I
* Status: House, Passed. Senate, Passed

H0321 ([link removed]) : Liquor, plazas, theaters
* Status: House, Passed. Senate, Passed

H0322 ([link removed]) : Presidential primary, party change
* Status: House, U.C. to be returned to State Affairs Committee

H0330 ([link removed]) : Non-Resident Hunting License Fee
* Status: House, Passed. Senate, Resources & Environment

H0332 ([link removed]) : Driver’s licenses, issuance, fees
* Status: House, Passed. Senate, Transportation.

H0341 ([link removed]) : Medical Billing
* Status: House, Health & Welfare

H0342 ([link removed]) : Telehealth services
* Status: House, Passed. Senate, Health & Welfare

H0343 ([link removed]) : Bonded wine warehouses
* Status: House, Passed. Senate, Passed

H0346 ([link removed]) : Distracted driving
* Status: House, Transportation & Defense

H0347 ([link removed]) : Bond elections, eleven months
* Status: House, Passed. Senate, State Affairs.
* Quick summary: House Bill 347 - Bond Elections ([link removed])

H0349 ([link removed]) : Marriage license, application
* Status: House, Judiciary, Rules & Administration

H0351 ([link removed]) : Medicaid reimbursements
* Status: House, Passed. Senate, Health & Welfare

H0352 ([link removed]) : Grocery tax credit
* Status: House, Revenue & Taxation
* Quick summary: House Bill 360 – Sales, use tax, food exemption ([link removed])

H0358 ([link removed]) : Daylight saving time, exemption
* Status: House, U.C. to be returned to State Affairs Committee
* Quick summary: House Bill 358 – Daylight saving time, exemption ([link removed])

H035 ([link removed]) 9 ([link removed]) : Property tax repeal
* Status: House, Ways & Means

H0360 ([link removed]) : Sales, use tax, food exemption
* Status: House, Ways & Means

H0361: ([link removed]) Abortion, illegal
* Status: Status: House, Ways & Means

H03 ([link removed]) 64 ([link removed]) : Education, school year start date
* Status: House, Education

H03 ([link removed]) 79 ([link removed]) : Presidential primary, party change
* Status: House, Passed. Senate, State Affairs

H03 ([link removed]) 91 ([link removed]) : Youth athletes, chiropractors
* Status: House, Health & Welfare

H03 ([link removed]) 93 ([link removed]) : School levy, bond elections, dates
* Status: House, State Affairs

H03 ([link removed]) 94 ([link removed]) : Concealed weapons, legal residents
* Status: House, State Affairs
* Quick summary: Idaho legislative session continues with a bang, pro-gun legislation introduced ([link removed])

H0 ([link removed]) 402 ([link removed]) : Child protection, training
* Status: House, Judiciary, Rules & Administration

H0 ([link removed]) 403 ([link removed]) : Child protection, parental right6
* Status: House, Judiciary, Rules & Administration
* Quick summary: House Bill 403 - Child Protection, Parental Rights ([link removed])

H0 ([link removed]) 406 ([link removed]) : Female genital mutilation, child
* Status: House, Judiciary, Rules & Administration

H0 ([link removed]) 407 ([link removed]) : Income tax credit, food sales
* Status: House, Revenue & Taxation

S1226 ([link removed]) : Civil Rights
* Status: Senate, State Affairs

S1232: ([link removed]) Inmate Savings Accounts
* Status: Senate, Passed. House, Judiciary, Rules & Administration

S1241 ([link removed]) : Legalize Hemp
* Status: Senate, State Affairs

S1247 ([link removed]) : Wolf Zones
* Status: Senate, Resources & Environment

S124 ([link removed]) 9 ([link removed]) : Choose life license plate
* Status: Senate, Third Reading
* Quick summary: Support Life Here in Idaho ([link removed])

S12 ([link removed]) 75 ([link removed]) : Insurance, contraceptive, six month
* Status: Senate, 2nd reading
* Quick summary: Idaho Religious Liberty is Under Attack ([link removed])

S103 ([link removed]) : Warrantless arrest
* Status: Senate, State Affairs


** Legislative Progress Report:
Week 5 (as of 02.07.2020)
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[link removed] full report HERE ([link removed])

Legislation
* New legislation prepared: 461
* Changes, amendments, and engrossment: 58
* Total legislation: 519

Introductions
* Bills: 228
* Resolutions, Memorials, Proclamations (both houses): 26

Action
* Bills passed (both houses): 8
* Bills awaiting signatures: 4
* Bills signed by Governor: 4
* Resolutions, Memorials adopted: 2

Bills Passed by Chamber
(and pending in the other)
* Senate: 21
* House of Representatives: 32

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The Madison Liberty Institute is an independent research and educational organization whose mission is to promote the founding principles of the American republic, free-market solutions, and “secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.” Our vision is a freer, more prosperous future. One where our neighbors and future leaders understand and champion the virtues and institutions that create a more harmonious society and protect our rights to life, liberty, property, conscience, and the pursuit of happiness.
Copyright © 2020 Madison Liberty Institute

Our mailing address is:
Madison Liberty Institute, PO Box 22, Rexburg, Idaho 83440

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