Votes on parental rights bill, cannabis oil bill both on hold ‘til Friday

Both a controversial House-passed parental rights bill, HB 113, and the measure to legalize a non-psychotropic oil extracted from cannabis for treatment of children with a severe form of epilepsy, SB 1106, were discussed in the Senate State Affairs Committee this morning, but the panel put decisions on both measures off pending amendments. Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, pointed out numerous legal flaws in HB 113, and said he wants to work with the sponsors and others to craft a new version that’s “clean” to be introduced on Friday.

On the cannabidiol oil bill, Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa, said he wanted the measure sent to the Senate’s amending order for extensive amendments to address concerns raised by law enforcement and the state Office of Drug Policy. McKenzie said instead of legalizing the oil, the changes would create an “affirmative defense” for anyone arrested or charged for having it. But amid questions, the committee voted instead to hold the bill for further discussion and bring it back up no later than Friday.