Courts + Policing
Bill to change the Idaho Judicial Council advances to Senate floor
Despite opposition from judges and attorneys from various corners of Idaho, and some hesitation from committee members, the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee advanced a bill Wednesday that makes major changes to the Idaho Judicial Council. The council handles complaints against judicial members and guides the selection process for appointments when there is a judicial […]
Idaho Health and Welfare Director: The child welfare process explained
Given an increased interest in the child welfare system, I would like to share a bit of the process and the role of the Department of Health and Welfare. First, I need to be clear that specific child welfare cases are confidential, and we cannot release any details about specific cases. We often would like […]
Lethal injection confidentiality bill clears Idaho Senate, heads to governor’s desk
A bill granting confidentiality to suppliers and manufacturers of lethal injection drugs in Idaho passed the Idaho Senate on Friday in a 21-14 vote, with bipartisan opposition. It now heads to Gov. Brad Little’s desk for his signature or veto, having already passed the House of Representatives. House Bill 658 extends legal protection to any […]
Idaho House passes bill changing judicial appointment process
The Idaho House of Representatives passed a bill that makes systematic changes to the judicial appointment process on Friday, less than 48 hours after it was introduced and without input from the judiciary branch. House Bill 782 passed on a 44-24 vote, with bipartisan opposition and support. It makes several changes to the Idaho Judicial […]
Idaho House will hear bill making major changes to Idaho Judicial Council
The Idaho House Judiciary and Rules Committee sent a bill to the House floor on Thursday that makes major changes to the judicial appointment process less than a day after it was printed and without input from the judiciary branch. The committee voted 10-7 to send the bill to the floor without a recommendation as […]
BYU-I sexual abuse Title IX lawsuit moves forward after 6 years
A federal judge determined this month that the six-year-old lawsuit against Brigham Young University-Idaho, revolving around allegations of sexual impropriety, must move forward. A female student filed the lawsuit in 2016, alleging a professor was sexually harassing and abusing her at the university. The professor, Stephen Stokes, died in July 2016 due to complications during […]
Late in session, House panel will consider major changes to Idaho Judicial Council
A bill that would make sweeping changes to Idaho’s judicial council will have a public hearing in the House Judiciary and Rules Committee on Thursday, less than a day after it was printed in the House Ways and Means Committee. The changes the legislation would make to the selection process of judicial nominations has prompted […]
Idaho governor, AG file lawsuit to stop encampment protest in Boise
Gov. Brad Little and Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden filed a lawsuit Monday in an attempt to remove an encampment of protesters across from the Capitol building, according to a press release from the governor’s office. Little has asked the Idaho Department of Administration to seek an injunction on behalf of the state barring individuals […]
Execution chemical secrecy bill brought back for vote, moves to Senate
The Idaho Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee brought back a bill on executions by lethal injection Monday, moving it forward in a 5-4 vote, after it stayed in committee last week due to a tie. Last week, House Bill 658 stayed in committee due to a 4-4 vote. Sen. Patti Anne Lodge, R-Huston, was absent during that […]
Want to help improve Idaho’s justice system? A new committee is seeking applications
The Idaho Supreme Court is looking for candidates to join a new committee that will help shape the future of Idaho’s judiciary. The state’s highest court this month announced it will create a Special Committee on Judicial Recruitment and Selection. The committee will evaluate ways to improve Idaho’s recruitment of judges, as well as concerns […]
‘A crisis that is hiding in plain sight’: Missing and murdered women of color
WASHINGTON — Parents at a Thursday congressional hearing about missing and murdered women of color detailed their frustrating attempts to get the attention of law enforcement and adequate media coverage. “This is a crisis that is hiding in plain sight,” said Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Democrat and chair of the U.S. House Oversight Subcommittee […]
Idaho Gov. Little unveils ‘Operation Esto Perpetua’ initiative to fight fentanyl
Idaho Gov. Brad Little is asking for $250,000 to launch project “Operation Esto Perpetua,” an initiative he said will connect law enforcement, policymakers and families to fight fentanyl and other drugs in the state. Little unveiled the initiative during a press conference Thursday afternoon at the Idaho State Capitol after originally previewing it during January’s […]