Senate session delayed as panel debates constitutional convention bill

More than half an hour after the Senate was supposed to convene this morning, the Senate State Affairs Committee is still debating SB 1350, legislation to set out rules for Idaho delegates should an Article V constitutional convention be called by the states. “This is not a call for a constitutional convention,” said Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill, R-Rexburg. “It seems like a prudent safeguard in case we do need it. … I don’t think it does harm, I think it might help.”

Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, said just last year, while speaking to the Federalist Society, the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was asked if holding a constitutional convention is in the nation’s interest. “He thought it was a horrible idea, his words, not mine,” Davis said. “This is not a good century to write a Constitution.”

Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum, said even if Idaho were to limit its delegates to a particular topic, other states might not. “We know once it’s open, all the discontent of all sides is open and present at that point,” she said.

Sen. Todd Lakey, R-Nampa, said, “The risk I think is worth the effort because of where we’re going, and Congress’ inability to … exercise control, particularly in fiscal matters.”