Idaho
Doors open for Idaho’s trigger law to take effect
Jun. 25—Friday’s Supreme Courtroom determination overturning Roe v. Wade triggered a 2020 Idaho legislation that can quickly outlaw nearly all abortions within the state.
The statute, Idaho Code 18-622, was contingent upon the courtroom issuing a ruling “that restores to the states their authority to ban abortions.”
The legislation takes impact in 30 days. It says anybody who performs or makes an attempt to carry out an abortion “commits the crime of felony abortion,” which is a felony punishable by two to 5 years in jail.
Those that carry out or try and carry out abortions, or who help within the process, may even have their skilled licenses suspended for at least six months on first offense, and completely revoked if there is a second offense.
Home Majority Caucus Chairperson Megan Blanksma, R-Hammett, and Sen. Todd Lakey, R-Nampa, co-sponsored the 2020 laws.
Blanksma mentioned when she launched the invoice two years in the past, she did not think about it might take impact this shortly.
“I believe we’re all shocked at how shortly the courtroom acted,” she mentioned. “And I am grateful they acted as shortly as they did.”
Idaho Code 18-622 supplies an “affirmative protection” in opposition to prosecution in sure conditions, corresponding to when the mom’s life is in peril or in instances of rape and incest which were reported to legislation enforcement.
The legislation additionally particularly signifies that girls who obtain abortions will not be topic to felony prosecution.
In her written response to Friday’s ruling, nevertheless, Idaho Democratic Get together Chairperson Lauren Necochea questioned how lengthy that can stay the case.
“In the present day’s determination overturns 50 years of established reproductive freedoms and begins the clock on a terrifying countdown right here in Idaho,” she mentioned. “Roe v. Wade protected our state from essentially the most excessive positions of its Republican lawmakers. … We have now seen Republican legislators carry payments that will put sufferers on trial for homicide in the event that they obtain abortions. We should brace for extra excessive measures to comply with this ban.”
For instance, some Idaho Republicans are already suggesting that the Legislature ought to ban any drugs or medication that induce abortions, even when they will also be used as contraception. There’s additionally hypothesis they might attempt to goal medical doctors in neighboring states who provide abortions to Idaho residents.
Blanksma mentioned such conversations shift consideration away from what the Legislature ought to actually be doing.
“Our focus must be on supporting ladies who need assistance,” she mentioned.
For instance, she pointed to the house visitation and lactation applications obtainable on the Central Public Well being District, the place she serves as vice chairperson.
“We have already got quite a few assist applications in place (for expectant moms), however we have to strengthen them and ensure individuals learn about them,” Blanksma mentioned. “We have to take a look at our adoption legal guidelines and foster care legal guidelines. I believe we even have to begin speaking about fathers who stroll away from pregnancies.”
Gov. Brad Little sounded the same notice in his response to Friday’s ruling.
“In the present day’s determination is the end result of pro-life efforts to defend the defenseless,” he mentioned. “Nonetheless, we totally acknowledge this monumental second in our nation’s historical past means we should confront what we all know might be rising wants for girls and households within the months and years forward. We completely should come collectively like by no means earlier than to assist ladies and youths going through surprising or undesirable pregnancies.”
That features entry to adoption companies and well being care, Little mentioned, in addition to “monetary and meals help, counseling and remedy, and household planning.”
Such assurances rang hole for some, nevertheless.
The Idaho Academy of Household Physicians, for instance, issued a press release saying it is “distressed” by the impression Friday’s ruling may have on Idaho households.
“Limiting entry to complete reproductive well being companies will result in unsafe abortions and unsafe pregnancies, which can disproportionately have an effect on individuals of coloration, low-income people, rural residents and different weak populations,” the group mentioned.
Home Minority Chief Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, mentioned the Supreme Courtroom “simply made thousands and thousands of girls second-class residents.”
“In reversing 50 years of precedent, the courtroom has eviscerated the elemental constitutional proper to privateness, opening the door to massive authorities to police the intimate particulars of our private lives. Sadly, Idaho’s GOP politicians have confirmed themselves wanting to flex this energy.”
Earlier this yr, the Republican-dominated Legislature amended Idaho’s fetal heartbeat abortion ban invoice, which was enacted in 2021.
The measure prohibits most abortions after a fetal heartbeat might be detected. New language was added this yr permitting kin of the mom to sue abortion suppliers; nevertheless, that modification is at present on maintain whereas the measure is being challenged in courtroom.
In any case, the invoice signifies that if the Supreme Courtroom overturns Roe v. Wade, then Idaho Code 18-622 takes priority and turns into the guiding statute.
Spence could also be contacted at bspence@lmtribune.com or (208) 791-9168.
Idaho
Man killed in northern Idaho crash – East Idaho News
The following is a news release from Idaho State Police.
Idaho State Police is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Monday at 10:38 a.m. on Highway 95 northbound at Eid Road in Latah County.
It was discovered that a blue 2001 Ford Focus, occupied by a 40 year old male of Lewiston, was traveling north on the highway when it approached stopped traffic. Traffic was stopped due to construction in the area.
The blue Ford Focus approached the stopped traffic, swerved, striking the side of a white 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, then drove off the right shoulder down an embankment.
The driver of the Ford Focus was not wearing a seatbelt and sustained severe injuries due to the crash. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The driver of the Chevy Silverado, a 65-year-old male of Lewiston, was wearing a seatbelt and was uninjured. He remained at the scene and cooperated with investigating officers.
The highway was closed for approximately three hours while agencies responded and investigated the crash.
Next of kin has been notified.
Latah County Sheriff’s Office, Moscow Fire/EMS, and the Idaho Transportation Department assisted with the incident.
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Idaho
NIC enrollment climbs after fall count
Enrollment at North Idaho College grew 15% since last fall, according to State Board of Education data.
There are 4,585 students at the college this October, up from 3,979 in 2023 and 4,296 in 2022. However, the college is still 3% down in overall enrollment from four years ago.
The growth comes as NIC fights to retain accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The college Wednesday welcomed three new trustees, who ran on a platform of retaining accreditation and creating stability for the school.
The numbers continue a jump noted in August, after enrollment increased for the first time in more than a decade. In 2011, NIC had 6,750 total students.
The October numbers capture both full-time students, at 1,209, and part-time students at 2,898, an 18% increase. The part-time list includes high school students taking dual-credit classes. There are 478 students enrolled in career-technical programs — a 14% increase from last year, but a 22% decrease from four years ago, when 612 students took CTE courses.
Tami Haft, NIC’s dean of enrollment services, presented the enrollment data to NIC trustees Wednesday, and audience members applauded the news of enrollment increases. Haft noted that the college attracted 211 new students, a 37% rise in new student enrollment.
Here’s how NIC’s student enrollment breaks down:
- 47% of students are in programs to transfer to a four-year university.
- 38% are in dual-credit courses.
- 10% are in career-technical education.
- 5% are in non-degree programs.
Click here to see the fall enrollment numbers for colleges and universities statewide.
Idaho
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