Same-Sex Marriages Out; Jet Ski Rules In

Without comment, Gov. Phil Batt has signed a law forbidding legal recognition in Idaho of same-sex marriages that might be valid in another state.

The legislation skimmed through the 105-member Legislature with just 10 dissenting votes and was among bills signed into law by the governor Monday.

Sponsors argued that without action by the Legislature, if another state validates same-sex marriages, Idaho would have to recognize them because of a state law granting approval to contracts and agreements that are legal in other states.

Hawaii has been considering legislation allowing same-sex marriages but hasn’t approved it.

The new law, which went into effect as soon as Batt signed it, also bars legal recognition of any marriage entered into with intent of circumventing Idaho laws.

During the first workday after adjournment of the election-year session, Batt also signed bills clearly allowing local governments to regulate the use of Jet Skis and making it easier to prosecute health professionals for sexually assaulting patients.

The legislation doubling the statute of limitations from one to two years for sexual battery by a doctor or other health care provider was prompted by civil lawsuits filed by patients against a former Rexburg physician and the hospital where he worked for his alleged sexual assaults.

And the bill giving local governments clear power to regulate Jet Skis and other personal watercraft is the result of rising public aggravation with the machines.

The bill allows maximum 5 mph speeds within 100 feet of shores or docks and designation of “No Jet Ski” zones and “Jet Ski Only” zones.