Gang penalties clear House
Legislation from Gov. Dirk Kempthrone aimed at stopping the increase of gangs in Idaho passed the House on a 59-7 vote Thursday.
Senate Bill 1336 defines what a gang is, sets stiff penalties for gang recruiters and for anyone who knowingly gives a gang guns, and strengthens penalties for crimes committed by gang members.
There was no objection to SB 1336 when the Senate approved it late last month, but Rep. Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise, warned her colleagues that the bill could have the unintended consequence of prosecuting children who have no gang affiliation but are expressing themselves “in ways that many of us might not understand.”
The bill defines a gang member as anyone who meets two of five qualifications, which include being “identified as a gang member” or frequenting a gang’s area and adopting its style of dress, use of hand signs or tattoos.
“It’s very easy to qualify as a criminal gang member under this statute,” LeFavour said.
Three other Democrats joined LeFavour in voting against the bill, as did Rep. Phil Hart, R-Athol.
– Meghann M. Cuniff
Boise
State Senate votes no on public lands sale
The Idaho Senate voted 34-1 on Thursday to send a message to Congress opposing any significant sell-off of Idaho’s federal lands – like the current Bush administration’s proposal to sell 26,000 acres in Idaho to raise money.
“This is about an issue that is very precious to us here in Idaho,” Senate Majority Caucus Chair Brad Little, R-Emmett, told the Senate.
Senate Minority Leader Clint Stennett, D-Ketchum, added, “I’d like to think that this is just a half-baked, crazy idea from some guys back east that don’t know what our public lands mean to us. … I believe it is important for this Legislature to weigh in heavily. … We need to push back, push back hard … and say no, you’re not selling off our public land.”
Sen. Gary Schroeder, R-Moscow, the Senate resources chairman, joined Stennett and Little in sponsoring the memorial, SJM 120.
The only “no” vote came from Rep. Monty Pearce, R-New Plymouth, who declared, “The federal government is the worst manager of our public lands. We see fires, we see mismanagement in every way. … So I’m voting no.”
The measure now moves to the House.
– Betsy Z. Russell
Get ideas for home, garden this weekend
More than 5,000 people dreaming of soothing waterfalls and lush lawns are expected to bring their wish lists to Coeur d’Alene this weekend for the 2006 Home and Garden Show sponsored by the North Idaho Business Contractors Association.
The annual event is a sure sign of spring, said organizer Aaron Rietze of Clearwater Summit Group Inc.
Visitors will find more than 100 booths sponsored by vendors offering everything from paving stones to water features.
This year’s gathering will feature four elaborate displays to give participants ideas about what’s possible in an ordinary backyard. Two water features circulating some 450 gallons of water will be a highlight of a production created by Moonlight Falls Landscaping, located in Priest River and Spokane.
Hours for the show are 1 to 8 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, with kids 12 and under free. The event is held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, 4060 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene.
– JoNel Aleccia