Eye On Boise

Denney kills Sunshine Law expansion

Posted by Betsy

May 5, 2009 1:56 p.m. • 13 comments

Idaho’s speaker of the House has decided to unilaterally kill legislation to expand Idaho’s Sunshine Law, which would have ended the state’s distinction as one of just three states with no personal financial disclosure requirements for elected officials or candidates. “The Senate and the governor worked on it, but the House wasn’t included,” said House Speaker Lawerence Denney, R-Midvale. “I think it’s an issue that’s not ripe on the House side yet.” The bill, SB 1156, passed the Idaho Senate unanimously on April 2. The next day, Denney ordered it held at his desk rather than assigning it to any House committee for a hearing; it’s there still, and Denney says that’s where it’ll stay. You can read my full story here at spokesman.com.

13 comments on this post so far. Add yours!

RathdrumBob on May 05 at 2:04 p.m.
I think it’s time for the House to get over the pettiness! How about working together with the Senate and the Governor for the people of the state of Idaho?!?! This sounds like little kids on the playground. Which one is going to pick up his ball and go home?
scootermom on May 05 at 2:06 p.m.
And this is what passes for leadership …..
annoyed_IDcitizen on May 05 at 2:20 p.m.
House Leadership must think Idahoan’s are too stupid to understand full disclosure —it gives a stink of hiding something. If nothing to hide then give it a fair hearing and put our elected officials on the spot. If they can’t justify killing the bill then give it a fair vote. Come on House work with and for the people not against them –we aren’t stupid
Lisa on May 05 at 2:26 p.m.
Bob…Denny has no balls he just wants to go home.
stebbijo on May 05 at 2:59 p.m.
This looks like a game of quid pro quo. Since the Governor won’t give into the House’s wishes, the House has decided to be belligerent by punishing the citizens and skate by another year without disclosure laws - refusing to allow this obviously ready bill to move forward. Idaho has distinctions for sure - ones that make them look like a state called Idumbho. The House really screwed up on this one, but I still don’t want a gas tax.
slfisher on May 05 at 9:17 p.m.
Making decisions about bills based on whether the House was included? Good heavens, my nine-year-old daughter is more mature than that.
souper6 on May 06 at 9:35 a.m.
Denny needs to retire from politics and go back to breeding donkeys and horses and leave them out of Idaho lawmaking. He’s already got a House full of jack-asses! Our House of Representatives is an embarrasment to Idaho and the Republican Party. Idahoaan’s want disclosure and we want it now!!!