Idaho Bill Challenges Indefinite Detention of American Citizens

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho Senate panel introduced a bill that seeks to bar state and local law enforcement officials from helping the federal government indefinitely detain American citizens without charges.

The measure got its first hearing in the Senate State Affairs Committee on Monday. Sen. Monty Pearce of New Plymouth says it's needed, to help Idaho preserve its constitutional rights. It's a response to a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act that allows indefinite detention of some terrorism suspects. Civil liberties activists say the law is unconstitutional.

The effect of the bill, dubbed the Idaho Liberty Preservation Act, remains unclear, should it become law, because federal statutes usually trump those of states. But other states have joined the push, as well. Michigan's state Senate, for instance, has passed a similar measure.