Assisted Suicide Bill Goes To Governor

The House has voted overwhelming to send a bill banning helping somebody else commit suicide to Governor "Butch" Otter for signature.  The 61-8 vote came after brief debate on the chamber's floor. Republican Representative  Lynn Luker of Boise argued prohibitions on assisted suicide were necessary to help prevent abuse of elderly residents by their caregivers who are seeking to profit from their patients' demise. Luker says the bill, which foresees penalties of five years in prison for violations, protects "all concerned." Democratic Rep. Grant Burgoyne complained this is inappropriate government intervention in a private decision. Burgoyne argued that. It's not the business of the government to involve itself in such a personal issue.