Rep. Elaine Price introduces RS 32,517 to clarify legislature's role in ending disaster emergencies

Representative Elaine Price introduced RS 32,517 to the House State Affairs Committee, saying, "I'm here to introduce RS 32,517 and this legislation is under Idaho code 46,108 which is the disaster emergencies" and that the bill seeks to clarify the Legislature's role in terminating a state of disaster emergency.

The bill would amend Idaho Code §46-108 to add language addressing the Legislature's ability to terminate a declared state of disaster emergency while the Legislature is in session and to reflect a mechanism when the governor has convened a special legislative session by proclamation under the constitution. "If the gentleman on the second floor has exercised his authority to convene a special session of the legislature by proclamation under section 9 article 4 of the constitution of the state of Bridal, then he may declare a disaster emergency," Price said in explaining the change as written on line 20 of the draft.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about the bill's effect and time limits. Representative Pahanka noted language on the first page (line 34) that says the governor "shall not continue the state disaster emergency beyond 60 days" and asked whether that would limit disaster responses that take longer than 60 days. Price replied that "this was already in Code, we're just clarifying that it can just be 60 days." Representative Scott asked Price to bring information to the committee about the kinds of disaster emergencies that are currently declared, such as weather- and water-related events.

The committee voted to introduce RS 32,517 on a voice vote. The chair called the question: "Seeing none, the motion is to introduce RS 32,517. Is there discussion on that motion? Seeing none, all in favour signify by saying aye." The motion carried on the voice vote.

The introduction creates a vehicle for future committee consideration; no final policy change was adopted at this meeting.