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Panel approves print of bill to extend Attorney General investigatory authority to city elected officials
Summary
Representative Bruce Skog introduced RS31834 to give the Idaho Attorney General authority to investigate alleged criminal violations by city elected officials; the committee voted to introduce the bill for further consideration.
Representative Bruce Skog, District 10, told the House Judiciary and Rules Committee RS31834 would extend to city elected officials the authority the attorney general now has to investigate allegations of criminal violations by county elected officials.
Skog said a 2014 provision enabled the attorney general to investigate criminal-code violations by elected county officials but excluded city elected officials (mayors and city council members). He told the committee that local prosecutors sometimes decline to investigate alleged misconduct because of close local relationships, and that the attorney general’s office has no parallel authority for city officials.
Why it matters: The bill would give the attorney general parity to investigate elected officials at the city level, creating a state-level investigatory option where local prosecutors may face conflicts. The sponsor said the measure is intended to ensure consistent investigatory authority across local governments.
Skog described prior legislative history: a similar measure advanced in the last session but failed on the Senate floor after a tie vote. He said he is working with Representative Chris Bruce and expects testimony from the attorney general’s office at a full bill hearing.
Action: Representative Handy moved to introduce RS31834; the committee voted by voice and the motion carried. The transcript records the motion carried but does not record individual yea/nay counts.
Next steps: The bill was printed for additional hearings, and the sponsor indicated the attorney general’s office and other witnesses would likely be invited to a full bill hearing.
