Panel passes tribal policing bill, 8-6

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.”