The police chief from the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes testified that his tribe is neutral on the Coeur d'Alenes' tribal policing bill; it wouldn't apply in their situation, he told the House Judiciary Committee.

Phil Lampert, a lifelong Benewah County resident, testified against the bill, saying, "This is a want, not a need. ... We have two separate governments there in Benewah County." He said, "Having state police authority given to the Coeur d'Alene Tribe will not necessarily stop crime on the reservation." Lampert said he has "no problem with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe's police department." But, he said. "We do feel that separate but respectful relations at this point in time probably will work best for us."

Shoshone County Commissioner Jon Cantamessa said things worked well for years. "What's changed?" he asked. "I believe it is the increased wealth of the tribe and their increased aggressiveness." He said, "I would ask you today to reject this bill and return the negotiation where it belongs, at the local level, where all citizens' concerns can be protected."

Kootenai County Commissioner Todd Tondee said, "This is just a simple issue that is muddied up with all these other issues being brought forward. This is only to allow the tribe to endorse state law. It doesn't say anything about tribal law." He said, "I am in favor of this. ... State violations will only be cited in state court, they will not go to tribal court." Tondee said, "This is a local issue, but it's a local issue that's not being handled locally, and it's a public safety issue."

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