Four former governors support the emergency powers bill

All four living former Idaho governors expressed their support for current Governor Brad Little’s veto of House Bill 135 and Senate Bill 1136, titled the “emergency powers bills,” on Friday.
 During a press conference, Little announced he will veto the “emergency powers bills” passed by the Idaho House and Senate, saying the bills are “overly restrictive and handcuff the state’s ability to take timely and necessary action to help Idahoans in future emergencies,” said a press release. The two bills were passed with the intention to limit the amount of power that one individual may have without restricting the timeliness the governor may respond to major crises, said a respond letter sent from the Idaho State Majority Caucus.
 During the governor’s press conference, former governors C.L. “Butch” Otter and Dirk Kempthorne made statements expressing their support and former governors Jim Risch and Phil Batt provided written statements in support. Former Governor Batt referenced his own experience with the 1996 Panhandle Floods and his ability to initiate and continue emergency declarations at the request of Idaho communities, ultimately overcoming the crisis.
 “Governors need the ability to act quickly during an emergency to protect lives, jobs, and the economy,” said Batt. “The governor’s emergency authorities are recognized in our state constitution and should be maintained.”
Former governor and current U.S. Senator Risch said any governor must have the ability to react quickly and efficiently during a crisis. While he recognizes such authority should not be unlimited, it should also not be hindered with potential unknown crises in the future. During the press conference, former Governor Kempthorne said he is proud to join the other former governors in support of Little. As well as Batt, Kempthorne said the two bills are unconstitutional by the Idaho State Constitution. Also at the press conference, former Governor Otter said he supports Governor Little’s decision because the legislation threatens all future Idaho governors as well as all future emergencies. Otter also said the ability to act swiftly and effectively during an emergency is the proper role of the executive, versus the legislation, which is designed to be a deliberative body.
 “I applaud Governor Little for vetoing these bad bills,” said Otter.
 In response to Little’s decision, the Idaho Senate Majority released a letter explaining their displeasure in the governor’s decision to veto the “emergency powers bills,” and that the purpose of the legislation is to rebalance power. A purpose of the two bills was to ensure Idahoans maintain local control, said Senate Majority Leader Kelly Anthon, and prevent the formation of a dangerous distribution of power.
 “We still firmly believe that no single individual should have unlimited power to restrict citizens without appeal, to shutter businesses, limit citizens’ movements, or stop them from attending school or church,” said the Idaho Senate Majority letter. “We see no place for a Governor to restrict citizens beyond 60 days, truly without limit, and for our citizens to have no appeal process.”
 On Tuesday, the Idaho Senate Majority released another letter in response, saying they recognized that while they could not undo the veto, they would continue to advocate for their constituents. While Little has vetoed the two bills, the legislation will continue to focus on other pressing matters, such as lessening the tax burden of Idaho citizens to help with economic growth.