MY TURN: Human rights task forces urge legislators to vote no on bills

To Members of the Idaho State House and Senate,

The Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai and Latah county Human Rights Task Forces in North Idaho, with a combined membership of over 1,500 people, stand united against two dangerous bills currently in the Idaho State Affairs Committee, S1220 and S1240.

S1220 changes Idaho’s existing law redefining "domestic terrorism" and proposes a group must have proven coordination with a foreign organization to be designated as “domestic terrorists.” This bill would exclude most groups in our country that conduct organized violence and would essentially make Idaho’s domestic terrorism law useless. The Aryan Nations would not qualify as domestic terrorists under S1220.

S1240, by removing Idaho’s ban on private militias, would repeal Idaho law that states the only legal militia is the National Guard under the Governor’s authority. S1240 opens the door to the growth of paramilitary groups and threatens the safety of our communities.

The changes these bills propose would make Idaho law inconsistent with federal law and other law enforcement agencies nation-wide. Counter-terrorism experts and the FBI are watching the evolution and growth of extremist groups in the United States with alarm. Former Attorney General, Jim Jones, states that these bills, “will deprive Idaho law enforcement of their best tool against dangerous groups like the Aryan Nations and send out a message across the country that Idaho is once again opening its door to violent extremists.” This is no time to weaken the laws meant to protect Idaho’s citizens.

Our Human Rights Task Forces were created in response to militia activity in North Idaho. We have personally witnessed armed vigilantes on the streets of our own communities creating fear and intimidation. We urge you to vote No on S1220 and S1240. Current Idaho law that addresses militia activity should be enforced, not repealed. Please enter our written testimony into public record.

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Latah County Human Rights Task Force

Bonner County Human Rights Task Force

Kootenai County Human Rights Task Force on Human Relations

Boundary County Human Rights Task Force