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 the 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. It also 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.

Additionally, the bill revises Section 67-1401 to expand the duties of the Attorney General, including the responsibility to respond to allegations of violations by elected officers and to retain cases for further investigation and prosecution. The amendments include technical corrections and clarifications, such as changing the language regarding the Attorney General's jurisdiction and the ability of county prosecuting attorneys to also investigate these violations. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2025.

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