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Committee advances H 685, a sentencing enhancement for masked offenses
Summary
The House Judiciary, Rules & Administration Committee voted to send H 685 to the floor with a DO PASS recommendation; two members recorded NAY. Supporters and law enforcement testified, and members asked questions about scope and impact.
Chairman Skaug presented H 685, a bill proposing a sentencing enhancement tied to masked offenses. Law enforcement and public safety representatives testified in support, including Captain Lawrence Skoglund of the Nampa Police Department, Chief Steve England of the Hailey Police Department and the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association.
Committee members questioned how often the enhancement would be applied, whether it would operate as a deterrent, whether commonplace clothing such as baggy hooded sweatshirts might be covered, and raised concerns about effects on masked law enforcement. Representative Stone moved to send H 685 to the House floor with a DO PASS recommendation; the motion carried by voice vote. Representatives Mathias and Gannon requested to be recorded voting NAY. Chairman Skaug will sponsor the bill on the floor.
