You should have received your Idaho Voter’s Pamphlet in the mail outlining the pros and cons for HJR 5. I will be voting NO because it just isn’t necessary to amend the Idaho constitution; at the beginning of each session, the legislature already reviews and approves agency rules (which have the force of law and have been supported in the courts).
Two years ago, there was an amendment on the ballot almost identical to HJR 5. It will be on the ballot again this year. I voted to support it on the House Floor this year, only because there are so few ballot initiatives, and I believe voters should have an opportunity to weigh in on things.
However, as a citizen in the voting booth, I will VOTE NO on HRJ 5. Certainly, there are times that I have rejected agency rules because they didn’t meet legislative intent. Next session, I’m particularly interested in how the rules will be created as they impact the bill I passed last session (H528), sexual assault evidence processing. I have a vested interest in being sure that the agency meets the spirit of the law since victims have not been appropriately supported in the system to this point.
I have heard more about the history of last initiative, and the political motivations behind it, which cause me more concern. I am going to vote NO on HJR 5. It is important to trust and respect the balance of power established in our government. The interest of the Legislature should not unfairly outweigh the interest of the executive branch. We must have checks and balances.
HJR 5 would give too much power to a legislature that already seems a little too arrogant when it comes to making decisions about what is best for its citizens. I recommend voting NO.