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Committee introduces measure to bar state employees from assisting outside parties against Idaho in legal matters
Summary
Representative Judy Boyle introduced RS 32,417 to prohibit state employees from assisting external entities in litigation against the state. The committee voted to introduce the request statute; members raised questions about whether legislators count as state employees and how whistleblowing exceptions would apply.
Representative Judy Boyle introduced RS 32,417 to the House State Affairs Committee. The measure, as described by Boyle, "will just ensure that state employees do not assist any outside entities against the state of Idaho in a legal matter."
After brief discussion, Representative Palmer moved to introduce RS 32,417 and the committee approved the motion by voice vote. Committee members asked questions about scope and consequences. Representative Green asked whether legislators would be considered state employees; Representative Boyle replied, "we are paid from the state of Idaho, so I think we're probably state employees." Representative Barbieri asked how the measure would address whistleblowing and potential protections for employees who report wrongdoing; committee members said that subject could be discussed further at a hearing.
The committee's action was to introduce the request statute and refer it to the full hearing process; no final policy decision or vote on the substance of the measure occurred during today's meeting.
