Remote testimony idea praised
BOISE – An effort to allow remote testimony at legislative hearings was introduced in the House Health and Welfare Committee on Thursday, though it isn’t expected to advance this session.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Caroline Troy, R-Genesee, would create a pilot program to explore ways for Idaho citizens to testify at committee hearings without needing to travel to Boise.
Troy said several states already allow distance testimony for some or all committee hearings. Alaska, for example, allows testimony from 23 remote sites across the state. The Washington Senate started a pilot program in 2015, using six sites.
“When I worked at Washington State University, almost a third of my team was located on the West Coast,” Troy said. “We did a lot of distance testimony; it was an everyday occurrence for us. So I’ve been looking at how we can use the technology that’s already in the capitol so citizens across the state can have their voices heard.”
As Troy envisions the program, committee chairmen would have the discretion to allow or prohibit remote testimony during particular hearings. If allowed, each committee member could sponsor up to two constituents to testify, so long as they live at least 100 miles outside of Boise. Such testimony would be handled the same as in-person witnesses. The system likely would use video conferencing equipment at county extension offices or other state facilities, although those details haven’t been finalized.
Committee members praised the bill, saying it was a “fantastic,” “beautiful” and “neat idea.”
House committee chairmen, however, “have some concerns” with the proposal, Troy said, so she doesn’t expect the bill to advance this session.
Nevertheless, there’s some belief that chairmen already have the discretion to allow remote testimony. Consequently, she thinks there may be an opportunity for some limited distance testimony next year.
“We’ll keep exploring the costs, (and) I might still find some chairmen for next session,” Troy said. “At least we have the idea out there.”