Legislation would give Idaho third US Judge

The House Judiciary Committee has approved legislation that would authorize a third U.S. District Judge for Idaho.

Representative Raul Labrador is a member of the committee. He says Idaho’s courts have been plagued by delays due to an overburdened caseload.

“Since I first joined the Judiciary Committee in 2013, I have advocated publicly and behind the scenes for a third U.S. District judge for Idaho,” said Labrador. “Working closely with Chairman Goodlatte, I introduced legislation that would address this issue and I secured his commitment to get a vote on it. The bill we passed today delivers on that promise, and I am gratified we could make it happen.”

Idaho was allocated one district judge with statehood in 1890. A second was added in 1954.

The state operated with just one full-time judge from 2015 to 2017. To fill the gap, dozens of judges from other states have presided over Idaho cases.

The bill will now go to the full House.