Bill to create federalism committee heads to governor’s desk

An amended version of a bill to create a panel of lawmakers that will monitor how federal laws affect Idaho’s sovereignty is headed to the governor’s desk.

The legislation easily passed the Idaho House on Tuesday in a 54-14 party-line vote, with only Democrats voting against.

Under the bill, the panel will include 10 lawmakers, but additional members can be added to subcommittees if needed to look at particular issues. The amended version also only allows the committee to hire private attorneys if both the Speaker of the House and the Senate President Pro Tem approve.