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Committee advances repeal of Idaho Women’s Commission despite opposition from women's groups
Summary
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted to send S 1236 to the Senate floor; the bill would repeal the inactive Idaho Women’s Commission. Witnesses from the American Association of University Women and the League of Women Voters opposed the repeal, urging revival rather than removal.
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted to send S 1236, which would repeal the Idaho Women’s Commission, to the Senate floor after debate and testimony on Feb. 11.
Senator Lenney, who introduced the repeal, described S 1236 as part of code cleanup related to the Idaho Code Cleanup Act and said the Idaho Women’s Commission "had not been operating for the last 17 years" and that the repeal would have little community impact.
Several witnesses urged the committee to retain or revive the commission. Dr. Mary Mosley, president of the American Association of University Women in Idaho, testified in opposition and said during her remarks that "a woman was a person with two X chromosomes," a definition she offered in testimony. Kathy Dawes, a Moscow resident, said she believed there is "a need and desire to reestablish the Idaho Women's Commission." Marsha Bravo of the League of Women Voters said the League opposed S 1236 and noted that "women make up 52% of Idaho's population, but are under represented in state leadership," arguing repeal would send a negative message.
Committee members expressed a range of views. Senator Den Hartog, supporting the motion to advance, called the measure a code cleanup and said legislative representation for women is adequate within the Legislature. Vice Chairman Bernt said he would not support the motion and urged citizens who want the commission revived to act in the coming year. Senator Ruchti also opposed the motion, citing that reestablishing the commission could be a step forward. Senator Toews said he and family members supported moving the bill forward but reiterated that revival could occur through private action.
Senator Den Hartog moved and Senator Toews seconded the motion to send S 1236 to the floor with a do pass recommendation; the motion carried by voice vote with Senator Ruchti and Vice Chairman Bernt recorded as voting nay. The bill will now proceed to floor consideration in the Senate.
The committee record reflects a split between members who view the repeal as administrative code cleanup and witnesses and members who warned that removing the statutory commission forecloses a government-led avenue for addressing women's representation and related issues.
