Idaho Panel Approves Bill to Revise Sexual Assault Statute

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho committee Tuesday unanimously backed a bill that would eliminate a resistance requirement from the Idaho sexual assault statute, despite concerns voiced by a conservative lawmaker.

Republican Rep. Ron Nate, of Rexburg, said by removing the resistance requirement from the statute, the state would place those accused of rape at risk of being falsely convicted. Chairman of the Criminal Justice Commission Sarah Thomas told the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee that over 30 other states have removed the resistance requirement from their statutes.

Further, she argued no other criminal statute makes a victim prove they resisted the crime. The bill also makes the sexual assault law gender neutral and strengthens spousal rape statues. The measure will now go to the House for a floor vote.