Idaho Briefs March 18, 2012

House approves bill to end local responder fees

BOISE - The Idaho House has approved legislation that would prohibit communities from charging fees when emergency responders are called to traffic accidents.

A bill sponsored by Nampa Republican Rep. Christy Perry cleared the House Friday on a 54-7 vote.

Perry said state lawmakers should be opposed to letting local governments bill for emergency services already being paid for by tax dollars. Perry argues the fees - which can reach hundreds of dollars - are just a form of double taxation.

Support for the bill also came from cities, counties and insurance companies - though fire districts lodged objections.

The bill applies only to responses to motor vehicle crashes and doesn't prohibit fees for ambulance and towing services or repairs to public property.

It now goes to the Senate for review.

Boise police don't know where 18 weapons went

BOISE - Police in Boise said they don't know what happened to 18 weapons that were supposed to be destroyed because the paperwork is missing.

An internal audit revealed the discrepancies late last year, showing that 18 out of 156 guns slated to be destroyed had incomplete paperwork.

The weapons were no longer needed for evidence, were unsafe or were otherwise unsuitable for auction. After officials realized the paperwork was missing, the police department asked the Ada County Sheriff's Office to conduct a criminal investigation. No charges have been filed. During the investigation, a part-time employee responsible for the record-keeping resigned.

Deputy Chief of Operations William Bones said the department has since made changes to the way the records are kept.