Idaho House Considers “Standards” Bill

A bill introduced Tuesday in the House State Affairs Committee would set a standard for leaders in Idaho's House of Representatives.   The bill, introduced by Rep. Julie Ellsworth, R-Boise, would remove House leaders from their leadership position if they are convicted of DUI or a drug offense. 

House leaders include the speaker of the House, majority leader, assistant majority leader, majority caucus chair, along with committee chairmen and vice chairmen. Ellsworth introduced the legislation after Senate Majority Caucus Chairman John McGee was convicted of driving under the influence last summer.  McGee survived a Senate confidence vote earlier this year, meaning he was not removed from his leadership position in the Idaho Senate.  The bill won introduction Tuesday in House State Affairs Committee by a 10 to 8 vote.  It will now go before a public hearing.