This bill amends various sections of the Idaho Code to enhance the authority of the Attorney General in investigating allegations of violations of state criminal law by elected county and city officers. Specifically, it removes a provision that previously exempted violations of the open meetings law from such investigations. The bill introduces a new section, 50-238, which explicitly allows the Attorney General to conduct investigations against city elected officers, mirroring the existing provisions for county officers. Additionally, it clarifies the definition of "official capacity" for both county and city officers, ensuring that actions taken while using public resources or funds are included under this definition.

Furthermore, the bill makes technical corrections to existing laws, including revisions to the duties of the Attorney General in Section 67-1401. It emphasizes that the Attorney General's jurisdiction does not exclude county prosecuting attorneys from investigating or prosecuting violations. The bill declares an emergency, establishing an effective date of July 1, 2025, for these changes to take effect. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen accountability for elected officials by providing clearer guidelines and authority for investigations into their conduct.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 31-2002, 67-1401
Engrossment 1: 31-2002, 67-1401