Sharia law is on the mind of House members lately, and it’s showing in their questions concerning a child support collection compliance proposal.
If Senate Bill 1067 doesn’t pass, the state will lose more than $16 million in federal funds for its child support collection program. Millions more in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds is also at stake. Sharia law concerns may derail the bill in the House. (Read our coverage here.)
This isn’t the first time talk of Sharia law has happened this session. A number of House Judiciary and Rules Committee members attended a March lunch discussion called “The True Face of Islam in Idaho.” Jud and Rules members who were present include Rep. Shannon McMillan, R-Silverton, Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, Rep. Kathleen Sims, R-Coeur d’Alene, Rep. Ron Nate, R-Rexburg, and Rep. Don Cheatham, R-Post Falls. Also present: Sen. Sheryl Nuxoll, R-Cottonwood, who testified against the legislation during the House hearing and said she would change her Senate vote if she could.
The House Judiciary and Rules Committee will vote on the legislation Friday after the House adjourns for the day. On Friday morning, Rep. Nate said it doesn’t look like the bill will pass.