Lawmaker panel advances bill lifting Idaho's militia ban
BOISE (AP) — A panel of Idaho lawmakers has advanced a bill that would repeal the state’s primary law banning private militias.
The move from the House Transportation and Defense Committee came Wednesday afternoon after the lawmakers heard from several residents who said the legislation could dangerously embolden the paramilitary groups that already exist throughout the region.
The bill comes from Idaho National Guard general counsel Maj. Steve Stokes, who said it was part of an ongoing effort to eliminate laws and regulations that are considered unnecessary red tape, as directed by Idaho Gov. Brad Little.
The law, which says people can’t start their own military company and also bars cities and towns from creating a local paramilitary service, is overly broad, doesn’t include enforcement language and doesn’t apply to the Idaho Military Division, Stokes said. The law also prohibits parades by armed groups, with special carve-outs for military veterans, the Idaho National Guard and other organizations.
https://www.eastidahonews.com/2022/02/lawmaker-panel-advances-bill-lifting-idahos-militia-ban/
= new reply since forum marked as read
