Idaho lawmakers and the Coeur d’Alene Indian Tribe gave negotiation a shot, hoping that compromise and reason would resolve the dilemma over law enforcement on Coeur d’Alene Reservation lands in Benewah County. Negotiation failed. Now, in the name of public safety, it’s time for the Legislature to revive the bill it was on the verge of passing last year to achieve cross-deputization of tribal police officers, who are fully certified and meet the same professional qualification standards as county deputies. In short, the measure would empower tribal police officers to enforce traffic infractions and crimes on the reservation, even against nontribal members/Spokesman Review Editorial Board. More here.

Question: Do you think the Legislature will pass a law this year that mandates cross-deputization on the Benewah County part of the Coeur d'Alene Reservation, if Benewah County officials object again?