Plan Would Make Officials’ Slates Secret

Concerned that somebody might use schedules of public officials to stalk or attack them, the House State Affairs Committee has approved introduction of legislation to allow them to keep their schedules and appointments secret.

The legislation will return to State Affairs for a hearing later. Although some lawmakers appeared to have problems understanding the proposal, there was no opposition.

The bill says that any schedule, list or calendar of a public official’s future appearances can be kept from public disclosure, if the official chooses.

Although the measure would cover all public officials, Rep. Paul Kjellander, R-Boise, told committee members it is intended to protect the governor.

When he was governor, Democrat John Evans always had a security officer with him at public events. But the last two governors, Democrat Cecil Andrus and Republican Phil Batt, have made little use of security or Idaho State Police protection.