Idaho State Capitol – On Thursday, House Speaker Scott Bedke/(R-Oakley) brought legislation to House State Affairs that would lock the number of legislative districts at 35. The legislation is a constitutional amendment because it is the first step to changing the constitution. Currently, the constitution requires that there are at least 30 districts and no more than 35 districts.
The legislation was printed and will soon have a full hearing in committee. Representative Brooke Green/(D-Boise) expressed concern with making changes to the constitution.
“Voters are not asking us to lock districts for legislative races.” Rep. Green explained. “Idaho is a nationwide model for fair, transparent redistricting.”
“If we are going to change the constitution, we need to tread lightly. The bill before us will require us to open up our state constitution and this deserves a lot of dialogue. This legislation is especially concerning because it ties the hands of future legislators. We should use serious caution when attempting to legislate the future.”