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Committee introduces resolution to amend Idaho Constitution around ballot initiatives
The Senate State Affairs Committee introduced a joint resolution that would ask voters to amend the Idaho Constitution concerning voter initiatives. Sen. Doug Okuniewicz, R-Hayden, introduced the resolution on Wednesday, referencing the bill that Idaho Legislators passed in 2021, SB 1110. After a challenge, the Idaho Supreme Court deemed the legislation unconstitutional in August 2021. The bill, which […]
Idaho Senate committee introduces bill to prohibit ‘vaccine materials’ in food
The Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee introduced a bill on Tuesday that would mandate consumers be made aware in labeling if “vaccine materials” are in food. Sen. Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton, introduced the bill, saying it simply adds a section to existing code because people want to know what’s in their food. The bill would […]
Ammon Bundy pleads guilty to trespassing at Meridian’s St. Luke’s hospital
This story was first published Jan. 23, 2023, by Idaho Reports. Former gubernatorial candidate Ammon Bundy pleaded guilty to misdemeanor trespassing Monday rather than proceed with the trial set for this week. The trespassing charge stems from an incident when Bundy refused to leave the property of St. Luke’s medical center in Meridian in March […]
Idaho House committee prints bill to prohibit state from funding non-governmental events
The Idaho House State Affairs Committee unanimously introduced a bill Thursday that would prohibit state agencies from donating to or sponsoring non-governmental organizations, unless approved by the governor. The bill would include events such as LBGTQ+ pride events, rodeos and church events, said Rep. Jason Monks, R-Meridian, who sponsored the bill. There is an exemption […]
Report outlines abuses people with developmental disabilities face in Idaho
Maria Juarez knew her son would eventually need help from caregivers other than herself. She knew she would have to expose him to adults outside of her family. Brandon Juarez has Down Syndrome and is unable to speak. When a day came that Maria learned of his abuse, the Nampa mother remembers asking her son […]
Lawsuit dismissed in ex-legislative intern’s lawsuit after $200,000 settlement
Fourth Judicial District Judge Jason Scott dismissed the lawsuit filed against the Legislature by a former legislative intern who said she was raped by ex-Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger, following a possible settlement. Von Ehlinger was convinced of the rape last year. The lawsuit’s stipulation to dismiss does not specify the details around why parties agreed […]
Idaho one of few states with no appropriated funds for domestic violence services
Editor’s note: This story was originally published Dec. 12 on Idaho Reports. Idaho is one of the only states that provides no general fund dollars for domestic violence services, outside of funding the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance. Idaho does have a dedicated fund that generates $15 per marriage license, $20 per […]
Idaho inmate Pizzuto’s execution canceled, state doesn’t have lethal injection chemicals
This story was first published on Nov. 30, 2022, on Idaho Reports. The state of Idaho no longer plans to execute Gerald Pizzuto Jr. on Dec. 15 after being unable to obtain the necessary chemicals for his scheduled lethal injection killing. The Idaho Attorney General’s Office filed a notice with the court Wednesday, just 15 […]
As execution date nears, Pizzuto again asks Idaho judge for stay
This story first appeared on Idaho Reports on Nov. 22, 2022. The execution date set for Gerald Pizzuto Jr. is now less than a month away, and defense attorneys have again asked a judge to postpone the execution. On Tuesday, Idaho County District Court Judge Jay Gaskill heard brief arguments on the request for a […]
Bundy paid $4,000 in campaign funds to his criminal defense attorney’s firm
A review of gubernatorial candidate Ammon Bundy’s campaign finance report shows he paid $4,000 in campaign donations to the law firm that represented him in a criminal case. The payment, made Aug. 8 to Idaho Injury Law Group on Franklin Road in Boise, is part of the public report on the Secretary of State’s website. […]
State ordered to pay $321,224 in legal fees over Idaho’s transgender birth certificate lawsuit
A federal judge has ordered the state of Idaho to pay $321,224.50 in legal fees stemming from a lawsuit over a bill the Idaho Legislature passed in 2020 regarding birth certificate changes. The issue went before the Board of Examiners Subcommittee meeting Tuesday and will go to the full board for a vote in the […]
Idaho gubernatorial candidate Ammon Bundy convicted of contempt, sentenced to 10 days jail
This story was originally published on April 7, 2022, on Idaho Reports. Ada County Magistrate Judge Annie McDevitt heard arguments Thursday from Independent gubernatorial candidate Ammon Bundy, accused of violating a court order. Bundy faced a contempt charge stemming from an initial conviction when he refused to leave the Lincoln Auditorium at the Idaho Statehouse during a 2020 special […]