Gov. Little vetoes bill that would have tightened requirements for citizen initiatives

[TexasTowelie]

Idaho Gov. Brad Little has vetoed one of two controversial bills that would tighten the process to get citizen initiatives on the ballot. He said he plans to veto the second one, as well.

In a veto letter quietly posted to the governor’s website Friday, Little said he is concerned about the bills not being able to withstand a legal challenge. He vetoed SB 1159, and said he plans to veto HB 296.

The veto was the first of his tenure as Idaho’s governor, and he said he reluctantly vetoed the legislation.

“I agree with the goals and the vision of S 1159 and H 296,” Little stated in his letter. “Idaho cannot become like California and other states that have adopted liberal initiative rules that result in excessive regulation and often conflicting laws.”

Read more: https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article228888829.html

[yonder]

1. The first three or four months of each year, when the legislature is in session,

seem to get wilder every year. Idaho already has one of the most restrictive citizen initiative processes around, thanks to legislation passed several years ago. I guess the Medicare Expansion initiative put on the ballot and passed in November must have pissed our conservative majority lawmakers off enough to try to keep that from happening again.

Their authoritarian tendencies are on full display once again. They love thumping their chests about freedom, liberty and citizen rights, but when it comes down to it, they don't want to hear any squawking from their constituents at all.

[hermetic]

2. What you said

in your first paragraph is exactly why. I'm proud to say I was part of a large group that protested then called/wrote Gov. Little asking him to veto.

Are you in Boise? Wherever, Dem groups are growing around the state and making plans for what we can do. I do hope you will find one locally and join in.

[yonder]

3. Yes, on the bench.

It was sweet seeing the governor's office getting swamped with phone calls against sb 1159. Something like +/- 4400 against and 13? in favor. Our new governor had little choice in vetoing it, although he claims that veto was because of constitutional concerns. Which is probably correct too. But then the Statehouse knuckleheads turn right around, split it into 4 separate bills and reintroduce those last Monday. Talk about tone deaf. Which just goes to show how serious they are about "their way only" and "no dissent".