Lawmakers: Concerns about respect, limits, a ‘Woodstock on our front lawn’

Rep. Janice McGeachin, R-Idaho Falls, said, “I’m just happy that we had a chance and an opportunity to hear from the public, because that’s really what this movement is really all about. We may not agree on everything, but … I’m glad that they had an opportunity to express their concerns.”

Rep. Cherie Buckner-Webb, D-Boise, said, “I have heard your voices. … We have work to do, and we thank you for being so powerful to step up and talk about that work. … The goal for me is to ensure that the legislation that goes forward is respectful. … We are neighbors, we’re friends, we’re colleagues, some of us are family, and so we do want to move forward in a very respectful way.”

Rep. Elaine Smith, D-Pocatello, said her motion was a compromise, offering to amend the bill simply by removing the emergency clause. Rep. Phylis King, D-Boise, offered an amended substitute motion to defer the bill and allow a subcommittee to work on changes.

Rep. Erik Simpson, R-Idaho Falls, said without the emergency clause, “In essence we would be announcing free camping on the capitol mall until July 1st. … I fear that we’re going to end up with a sort of Woodstock on our front lawn,” as other groups join in on other issues. “Waiting ‘til July 1st just sets a dangerous precedent.”