Representative introduces RS 32353 to clarify public-exposure statute after controversial Nampa parade

Representative Jeff Cornelis, R-District 12 (Nampa), introduced RS 32353, a draft that he said clarifies existing statute on public exposure after citizen complaints about a recent bridal parade in Nampa.

Cornelis described the draft as criminalizing certain public exposure behaviors, including “exposes developed female breasts including the areola” and similar language for altered or artificial breasts; he said the measure also makes it an offense to counsel someone to engage in the same conduct. “Law enforcement couldn't do anything about it and we got a lot of complaints in the city,” Cornelis said, explaining the impetus for the draft.

Sponsor comments and support Cornelis told the committee he had a letter from the prosecuting attorney indicating the draft was “written well enough that he could defend that,” and he said the city council and law enforcement supported the introduction. The chairman clarified that the committee was conducting an RS introduction and that in an RS hearing the representative could present the draft; if the bill reaches a full hearing the city council member who attended would be allowed to testify.

Why it matters: The draft seeks to clarify criminal prohibitions on public exposure and how they apply in public events with families and children present, according to the sponsor.

Committee action The committee considered the RS introduction; no formal vote on the substantive text occurred at the RS stage. The committee allowed the sponsor to present the RS and signaled that the draft could return for a full hearing where local officials could testify.