STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS29225 / HJM003
This joint memorial requests that Congress close a legal loophole that could theoretically allow some crimes
committed in the portion of Yellowstone National Park that is located in Idaho to go unpunished. The Sixth
Amendment requires that a person be tried by a jury from the state and district where the crime was committed.
Since all of Yellowstone is included in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming, and because
no one lives in the portion of Yellowstone located in Idaho, in theory no constitutionally legitimate jury could
be seated to try a defendant prosecuted for a crime occurring there. This joint memorial requests that Congress
place the portion of Yellowstone located in Idaho under the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for
the District of Idaho, closing the loophole.
FISCAL NOTE
There is no anticipated impact to any state or local fund.
Contact:
Representative Colin Nash
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 01/27/2022, 3:03 PM