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House advances legal protections for private polling locations, passes HB 6-13
Summary
The Idaho House suspended its rules and passed House Bill 6-13 to limit certain civil liability for election workers, volunteers and nonprofit polling locations used for election-day activity; the measure passed on a 68–0 recorded tally with two members absent.
The Idaho House of Representatives on Feb. 13 moved quickly to adopt a bill intended to reduce liability concerns for private sites used as polling places.
Sponsor remarks: Representative (speaker 11) told colleagues HB 6-13 would limit civil liability for election workers, volunteers and nonprofit hosts when activity is related to election day and would allow county clerks to submit a list of private polling locations to be covered under a Secretary of State self‑insured general liability policy. The sponsor said the measure is crafted to comply with the state constitution and stop short of full indemnification.
Why it matters: County clerks had flagged concerns that some communities rely on private venues — including churches and assisted living facilities — for in‑person voting and need clarity about exposure to lawsuits. The bill aims to provide a mechanism for limited liability protection while preserving constitutional limits on indemnification.
Procedure and vote: Members voted to suspend the rules to consider the bill immediately; the clerk reported 68 ayes and two members absent on the suspension motion. With no debate on final passage, the clerk again reported 68 ayes and two absent and the House approved HB 6-13. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate.
What supporters said: The sponsor emphasized the practical need to ensure enough accessible polling places are available for in‑person voting and described coordination between county clerks, the Department of Administration and the Secretary of State to make additional coverage available by election day.
What opponents said: There was no recorded floor opposition during the brief floor consideration.
Next steps: The bill is headed to the Senate for consideration.
