Idaho committee introduces resolution saying federal pardon of Dr. Fauci need not bar state prosecutions

The Idaho House State Affairs Committee voted to introduce RS 32,005 on a voice vote and sent the resolution to the second-reading calendar with a do-pass recommendation.

Representative Neil Tanner, the sponsor, told the committee the resolution is intended to clarify that a federal pardon for Dr. Anthony Fauci “does not affect legal proceedings, investigations and potential prosecution for state crimes under the authority of state government.” Tanner also criticized Fauci’s pandemic guidance, saying it had led to business shutdowns and “mass panic” in Idaho and that the federal pardon “does not inspire confidence” in the wake of those policies. Those statements were offered as the sponsor’s view and were attributed in committee to Tanner.

The resolution, RS 32,005, as described by Tanner, reiterates the separation of federal and state jurisdiction and states that a federal pardon does not preclude state criminal investigation or prosecution. When asked whether he had evidence of state crimes, Tanner said, “I have not seen any come forward.”

Committee members did not identify specific state charges or ongoing investigations tied to the resolution. The committee clerk recorded Representatives Achilles and Morley as voting no on the motion to introduce; the motion carried and the resolution was placed on the second-reading calendar.

Next steps: RS 32,005 will appear on the House second-reading calendar for further committee consideration and debate.