The ASUI Senate passed a resolution Wednesday regarding a piece of legislation it plans to take all the way to the Idaho State Capitol next year.
The bill supports granting residency fishing, hunting and trapping licenses and permits to non-resident, full-time students attending an accredited college or university in Idaho.
According to the legislation, prices for non-resident licenses are on average 556 percent higher, permits are on average 535 percent higher and tags are on average 280 percent higher than in-state residents.
ASUI Lobbyist Rachael Miller wrote the bill. Miller said if it’s approved she would meet with Rep. Caroline Nilsson Troy, who Miller said will sponsor the legislation.
Sen. Tanner Beymer said ASUI is now seeking out-of-state sportsmen to testify in favor of the bill during the legislative session next year.
Beymer also called upon other Idaho institutions to assist in bringing student issues to the forefront of the legislature.
“It’s about dang time that ISU, BSU and other accredited institutions within this state step up to the plate and join in the conversation. They’re reaping the benefits and it’s about time they put in the work too,” Beymer said.
The senate also unanimously passed a resolution, spearheaded by Sen. Zachary Spence, to include veterans from all wars in the University of Idaho’s non-discrimination clause.
Currently, the clause states, “The University of Idaho has a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability or status as a Vietnam era veteran.”
Spence said the reason the clause currently only includes Vietnam veterans is because of an act passed in the 1970s requiring nondiscrimination for Vietnam veterans at a time when some were treated wrongly due to negative press the war received.
Next week, Beymer said the senate can expect to vote on a resolution to call upon ASUI President Cruz Botello to immediately proceed with previously approved plans to convert a free space in the Idaho Commons next to Einstein Bros. Bagels, once occupied by the College of Education administration, into a student lounge.
Members of ASUI and UI administrators have suggested different options for the space over the past weeks. Ultimately, the decision will come down to Botello.
Botello said he has yet to see any official proposals on behalf of the administration in favor of another option aside from a student lounge.
Taylor Nadauld
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