HJR2: Don't buy this amendment

Why I am voting against HJR 2.

1. It is NOT necessary. The separation of powers is already in place.

2. HJR 2 actually ENHANCES the power of the Legislature.

Read the “legalese:” “Constitution of the State of Idaho be amended by the addition of a new section of 29, to confirm that the legislature may authorize executive rulemaking.” The legislature already has the power to challenge any “executive” rule (the governor), but this expands that oversight to “executive branch agencies.” Please go to the Idaho state website and look at the list of “Executive Branch Agencies” There are 49 of them. So, if you want a totally dysfunctional government, allow ANY legislative body to arbitrarily “change the rules” of how any of these state agencies work to meet the needs of the people in the state of Idaho who rely on these agencies to protect our health, the safety of our buildings, the quality of our drinking water, what you can read in your library.

We were all asleep at the switch when trapping was added to a hunting and fishing section of the Idaho Constitution, and now you, your pets, and maybe even your kids, are at risk of being maimed or killed if you venture off the trails in our forests. And this NEW addition to the constitution ties the hands of Fish and Game or any other executive agencies to create new rules about trapping unless the legislature approves. This is a terrible amendment.

KRISTY REED JOHNSON

Post Falls