Panel passes tribal policing bill

The House Judiciary Committee has voted 8-6 to send the tribal policing bill to the full House with a recommendation that it “do pass.” Rep. Kathy Sims, R-Coeur d’Alene, voted with the majority in favor. “It was a safety issue,” she said. “Kootenai County has done a wonderful job.”

She said testimony from Kootenai County Sheriff Rocky Watson was particularly convincing. Chief Allan, chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, said, “I’m excited. … I think this is the right thing to do.” Betsy Russell, EOB

Hats off to Betsy who did another excellent job reporting from the Capitol, in what proved to be a VERY long day.