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Idaho Senate adopts resolution to study state response to COVID-19, authorizes legislative committee
Summary
The Idaho Senate voted 25-9 to adopt Senate Concurrent Resolution 102, asking the Legislative Council to appoint a committee to review the state's COVID-19 response. Sponsors said the review aims to improve future preparedness and is not intended to assign blame; estimated cost is up to $10,000 and will be covered from existing legislative funds.
The Idaho Senate on Wednesday adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 102, requesting the Legislative Council to appoint a committee to study the state government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and identify lessons to guide future emergency planning.
Senator Sarah Foreman, who opened debate on the resolution, said the study "does not seek to point fingers or impart blame" but is intended to gather information that could aid preparedness for future crises. Foreman told colleagues the review is meant to support "transparency and accountability in state government." She said the work can be accomplished within funds already appropriated to the legislature and that "the total expenditure of funds should not exceed $10,000."
Senator Tara Lenny spoke in support, saying public discussion of pandemic actions had not been fully completed. "I don't think we litigated it in the first place," Lenny said, listing concerns about mandates, school and hospital policies, and economic effects as topics a formal review could examine.
The resolution was moved and seconded on the floor. The secretary conducted a roll call on final passage; the tally showed 25 senators in favor, 9 opposed and 1 absent. The president announced that, "the majority having voted the affirmative, Senate Concurrent Resolution 102 has passed the Senate," and the resolution will be transmitted to the Idaho House of Representatives.
Sponsor statements emphasized the narrow scope of the request: the resolution asks for an after-action review to identify practices to retain and mistakes to avoid in future emergencies. The sponsor also said the resolution should not increase the general fund and will use legislative appropriations.
What happens next: the Legislative Council must decide whether to appoint the committee described in the resolution and determine its membership, timeline and reporting requirements. The resolution itself requests the study; it does not itself create policy or require agencies to take action.
