House Panel Clears Corporate Sponsorship of Idaho Parks

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A House panel has approved a proposal to let the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation receive money from corporate sponsors.

The sponsorships would generate an estimated $20,000 in the first year and up to $100,000 in future years. Parks and Recreation Director David Langhorst on Tuesday showed the committee examples of a business logo appearing on informational signs or on a mobile app. But Rep. Lynn Luker from Boise raised concerns with the language of the bill. The bill will likely undergo minor changes before the full House considers it.

Democratic Rep. Melissa Winthrow raised questions over which companies would be allowed to sponsor state parks. Langhorst says that the agency's board would likely say no to any political organizations. The bill unanimously passed the Senate in late February.