By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports
The House State Affairs Committee introduced a bill Monday to penalize any municipality that declines to enforce a felony law by withholding sales and use taxes.
Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, introduced the bill saying it is similar to HB 2, a bill that would penalize municipalities that pass any kind of resolution or ordinance stating it will not enforce abortion law.
Skaug said the new bill will not compete with HB 2. This bill would apply to any felony crime.
Since the 2022 overturn of Roe v Wade, those providing abortions in Idaho can be charged with felonies, with only rare exceptions for reported rape and incest, as well as the life of the mother.
Skaug’s new bill applies only to state law, as the state does not have jurisdiction over federal law.
Should it pass, the bill would affect any mayor, council, board of commissioners, city, county, or other governmental entity that passes an ordinance, resolution, executive order or formal proclamation stating it will not investigate or pursue felony crimes. Municipalities would have 180 days to repeal any declaration it had made. If so, the state tax commission could restore any withheld tax moneys.
The bill must still have a full public hearing to advance to the full House.
Ruth Brown | Producer
Ruth Brown grew up in South Dakota and her first job out of college was covering the South Dakota Legislature. She’s since moved on to Idaho lawmakers. Brown spent 10 years working in print journalism, including newspapers such as the Idaho Statesman and Idaho Press, where she’s covered everything from the correctional system to health care issues. She joined Idaho Reports in 2021 and looks forward to telling stories about how state policy can impact the lives of regular Idahoans.