Local officials, advocates warn HB 896 could erode local control and be weaponized
Public commenters and the Association of Idaho Cities warned the committee that HB 896 could centralize enforcement powers and be used against locally elected officials; witnesses urged tweaks (e.g., county prosecutor referrals) and cure processes before penalties like withholding funds or disqualification.
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A caller from Idaho Falls urged the committee to reject or amend HB 896, arguing the measure "picks on local, elected officials" and that local constituents should have the primary means of holding leaders to account. The commenter said the statutory penalty allowing disqualification from office was "pretty bad" and asked the committee to remove employment and public-office disqualification provisions.
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