House seeks to impeach judges favoring same-sex marriage
The Idaho House of Representatives voted 44–25 March 20 to send a non-binding memorial to the Senate by Rep. Paul Shepherd to Congress proclaiming Idaho’s desire to impeach federal judges who rule in favor of same-sex marriage.
Eleven Republicans and all 14 House democrats rejected the measure. House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewiston, said he is against the measure because it could cast Idaho in a bad light.
“What this memorial says is that we are so against gay marriage … we’ll try to impeach any judge who doesn’t see it our way, the way the Legislature of Idaho has it,” Rusche said.
Concealed carry moves forward
A concealed carry bill was voted along party lines to the House floor by the House State Affairs committee last Friday that clarifies an Idaho citizen’s right to carry a concealed firearm outside of city limits without a permit.
The bill would elaborate on protections for Idaho citizens, stating that Idahoans can carry concealed weapons outside of city limits even if they are not sport shooting or hunting.
Originally, the bill would have removed the exemption, allowing Idaho public officials and government employees to carry concealed firearms without a permit. However, after public testimony, sponsor Rep. Judy Boyle, R-Midvale, said she decided to keep the exemption.
Boyle said the exemption was first created a few decades ago, after a sheriff revoked a state senator’s concealed carry permit following a dispute.
She said the senator felt intimidated by the revocation.
“That’s why he put (the exemption) in the code, and it’s been there ever since,” Boyle said.
Currently, open carry is allowed anywhere in Idaho, and concealed carry is allowed outside of city limits without a permit. However, citizens do need a concealed carry permit when carrying inside city limits and on college campuses.
ASUI elections coordinator resigns
ASUI Elections Coordinator Emily Stephens resigned from her position Thursday, according to Assistant Director of Student Involvement Katie Dahlinger.
Stephens served alongside co-elections coordinator James Morrell during last fall’s election season, and Morrell will continue his work during the ASUI spring election cycle.
Alysha Van Zante, ASUI Communications Board chair, said she is proud of the work Stephens did during her tenure and believes her absence will not negatively impact the spring election season.