Rep. Redman pitches two new bills, gets one introduced

Rep. Eric Redman, R-Post Falls, persuaded the House State Affairs Committee to introduce one of two bills he proposed this morning, this one to allow parents to designate another family, after vetting by a non-profit, to care for their children while the parents are unable to, as they’re going through rehab, in need of support, or off serving in the military, without risk of their children going into foster care. “The real benefit of the sovereign states is there are 50 laboratories capable of creating and adding policy that truly benefits their citizens,” Redman told the committee, saying he learned of the idea at a conference in Florida. He said the concept has worked well there, for “parents who may be going through a challenging time in his or her or their lives.”

“Idaho Safe Families gives parents peace of mind that their children are protected and nurtured while they might get clean and sober, get back on their feet after a crisis,” Redman said. “Yes, there are certain times when child protective services should step in, but this program is designed to keep that parental crisis from escalating to that point.” Redman said he’d met with state Health & Welfare officials about the idea.

Rep. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, asked Redman if he had a “real-life example” of such a situation. Redman said no, but said, “I have talked to a Christian counselor in Coeur d’Alene, and I’ve shown ‘em the program, they said it’s a fantastic one and they’re anxious to get going on it.” He said the counselor said some parents fear their kids will be taken away. “If they don’t have that fear, they’re more likely to step up and say we need help.”

The committee agreed to introduce the bill; Chairman Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, said it’ll likely go to the Judiciary Committee for any further hearing.

Redman’s second proposal was less successful. He called it the “Peter Falk bill,” and said he heard about it at an ALEC conference in San Diego, where he was introduced to the daughter of the actor of Columbo fame. Redman said a guardian prevented the daughter from visiting with her aged father while he was suffering from dementia and dying. His bill would add a new section to Idaho law preventing a guardian from blocking an incapacitated person from getting visits, telephone calls or personal emails. “Isolation is elder abuse. This RS was designed to improve protect for the elderly and disabled,” Redman told the committee.

Rep. Gayle Batt, R-Wilder, questioned how that would apply to a minor who is incapacitated, and Rep. Lynn Luker, R-Boise, said he had concerns about the bill. “Guardians are in place for a reason,” he said. “I’m concerned about simply removing that guardian’s authority by a presumption. … Broadly speaking, I like the idea, but I’m concerned there’s maybe a step missing in this process.”

Batt moved to return the bill to Redman, and the motion carried with just one “no” vote, from Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens.