Idaho Legislature hires own lawyers to defend new initiative

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — In a story May 24, 2021, about two lawsuits filed over Idaho's new initiatives law, The Associated Press erroneously reported that the state Legislature would be represented by different attorneys for each case. In both cases, the Idaho Attorney General's Office will represent the state and a private law firm will represent the Legislature.

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho Supreme Court has agreed to allow the state Legislature to intervene in two lawsuits that challenge the same restrictive voter initiative law, meaning taxpayers will pay for two separate legal teams in each case.

The Idaho Press reported the Legislature will be represented by the Idaho attorney general’s office in one case and private attorneys in the other case.

Some have said the defenses will argue different aspects of the law, while others have said it is a waste of taxpayer dollars.