Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Human Trafficking topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee sends AG authority bill on human trafficking to the floor after supportive testimony
Summary
Representative Bruce Skaug presented H 518 to allow the Idaho Attorney General to accept and prosecute human-trafficking cases at the request of local law enforcement. Law enforcement and victim-service representatives testified in favor; the committee recommended the bill be sent to the floor.
Representative Bruce Skaug (District 10) presented H 518 and told the committee the measure had passed unanimously in the House. He said the bill would permit local law enforcement or a chief/sheriff to request that the Attorney General's Office accept and prosecute human-trafficking cases, eliminating the need for referrals to pass through a county prosecutor's office first. "The legislation granted the Attorney General authority to accept investigations and prosecute human-trafficking cases upon request from local law enforcement," Rep. Skaug said, characterizing the change as an initial step toward a more coordinated statewide approach.
Supporters included Robert Gillis of Idaho Tough on Crime, who cited experience with specialized units in Los Angeles and urged similar capacity in Idaho; Lieutenant Jason Kimball of the Nampa Police Department, who said cases often cross counties and would benefit from a centralized hub; and Jeannie Strohmeyer of the Nampa Family Justice Center, who argued a centralized, trauma-informed prosecution model would reduce repeated recounting by victims. Senator Keyser moved to send H 518 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation; Senator Foreman seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.
