Former legislator Luke Malek nominated to State Board of Correction, discloses health-care lobbying work
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Summary
Luke Malek, a former prosecutor and six-year legislator, told the Senate committee he would be guided by constitutional and statutory duties as a Board of Correction member and disclosed he is a registered lobbyist for health-care organizations.
Luke Malek, a former prosecutor and six-year member of the Idaho House, appeared before the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee as the governor’s nominee to the State Board of Correction and said board members must prioritize constitutional duties and act as fiduciaries for the department.
Malek described his background as a prosecutor, private-practice attorney and former legislator (2013–2018). He said he chaired the governor’s committee on fentanyl and remains involved in related work. “I think having the right motivation... and then obviously the constitutional duties,” Malek told the committee when asked what is required of a board member.
When asked about potential conflicts, Malek disclosed he is a registered lobbyist for the Idaho Healthcare Association (representing skilled nursing and assisted‑living facilities) and the Idaho Community Health Center Association (federally qualified health centers). He explained that his law practice represents health‑care and other clients in multiple Idaho cities.
The committee thanked Malek for his willingness to serve. The chair said the committee will take up a formal vote on his appointment at the next meeting.