Anti-Abortion Bill Stalled

A controversial anti-abortion measure that pushed the legislative session into an 11th week still hasn’t reached the governor’s desk.

Lt. Gov. Butch Otter confirmed Wednesday that he is withholding his signature from the bill, HB610, because of concerns that proper procedures weren’t followed when the bill was amended in the Senate.

“It has nothing to do with the product,” said Otter, who presides over the Senate as its president. “My question is whether the process was followed.”

A conference committee proposed a new version of the bill after the House and Senate had each approved different language. The Senate ended up proposing a fourth version, which ultimately was passed.

Otter said he has sought guidance from the Idaho Attorney General’s office.

“If there’s nothing there and the legal boys tell me that, well then OK,” Otter said. “But if there is something there, I want to be prepared. I’ve told them what my opinion is, but I’m no lawyer.”

If the process wasn’t proper, the measure might not be a legal bill.

Otter has until tonight to sign the bill and transmit it to the governor.

, DataTimes