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 in section 31-2002. Both sections outline the Attorney General's responsibilities upon completing an investigation, including issuing findings, suggesting training, or pursuing further action as a special prosecutor.
Additionally, the bill makes technical corrections to existing laws, including revisions to the duties of the Attorney General in section 67-1401. Notably, it expands the scope of the Attorney General's authority to respond to allegations of any violation of state criminal law by elected officers, whether they are county or city officials, acting in their official capacity. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective immediately upon passage, with a specified full force date of July 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Bill Text: 31-2002, 67-1401