Lawmaker wants comprehensive drug policy office

BOISE – A North Idaho lawmaker has introduced legislation to transform Idaho’s drug czar position into the head of an official Office of Drug Policy overseeing the state’s anti-drug efforts.

Rep. Jim Clark, R-Hayden Lake, called the bill to write the position into law a “great step forward.”

“It’s a very important position that has to come under the control of the office of the governor,” he said. “That puts a shining light on it, that adds emphasis to it, and that’s what’s been needed probably for the last 10 years.”

The chief of the Office of Drug Policy would coordinate with cities, counties and law enforcement and lead the Interagency Committee on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment.

Former Gov. Jim Risch created the drug czar post last year through an executive order to oversee and coordinate the state’s anti-drug initiatives.

The office will cost an estimated $250,000 per year and have a staff of at least three, according to the legislation.