Mega Loads Bill Signed Into Law

Idahoans seeking to use the courts to challenge plans for hauling heavy, oversized loads on state roadways will now have to put some money down to do so.  The state Board of Education is expected to consider the proposals at a meeting Thursday. Boise State University is seeking the lowest increase at 5 percent, while the University of Idaho has recommended the largest increase at 8.4 percent. Idaho State University and Lewis-Clark State College are each seeking a 7 percent tuition hike. The costs would increase $266 to $454 per year for full-time undergraduate students, under the proposals. Board executive director Mike Rush warned last month that the schools would have to lean further on student tuition and fees. That's because state support for higher education is poised to further decline under a budget for next year.