BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A senator from the Magic Valley is pushing legislation to keep felons out of Idaho's public schools. The Senate Education Committee voted Tuesday to introduce a bill by Republican Sen. Lee Heider that would require school boards to deny enrollment to anyone convicted of a violent felony. Heider acknowledges such cases are rare, but he recounted for lawmakers how two felons recently caused problems for classmates and administrators at a regional high school.

Heider believes felons are more likely to be involved in gangs, peddle drugs or be sexually active than their peers. He also says felons have other options for earning their General Equivalency Degree. His bill would apply to pupils sentenced for a violent misdemeanor or felony or crimes that carry a year or more in prison.

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