Lawmakers eye early adjournment

BOISE (AP) - The Idaho Legislature doesn't start until another two months, but state lawmakers are already hoping for an early adjournment.

Idaho's legislative leaders met Friday to discuss the upcoming 2015 legislative session just days after Republicans maintained their supermajority control of statewide and constitutional offices in Tuesday's general election.

Lawmakers from all corners of the state will gather in Boise on Jan. 12 to approve the budget, review rule changes and pass legislation, according to Idaho law.

Legislative Council co-chair and Senate President Pro Tem Brent Hill of Rexburg said he expects lawmakers to finish by April 3, barring any major conflicts. "We want to set realistic dates, not hopeful dates," Hill said.

House Minority Leader John Rusche reminded the room that the handful of lawmakers who were just newly elected may need more time to learn how the statehouse works. "Let's not stifle the discussion and limit their representation of their districts by pushing too hard," Rusche said.

The aggressive deadline is just one week longer than the 2014 legislative session, which was Idaho's shortest session in a decade.