BOISE -- A bill introduced Tuesday in the House State Affairs Committee would set a standard for leaders in Idaho's House of Representatives.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Julie Ellsworth, R-Boise, would remove House leaders from their leadership position if they are convicted of DUI or a drug offense.
"It creates a standard of leadership, they are automatically held to the standard when elected into leadership in the House," said Ellsworth.
House leaders include the speaker of the House, majority leader, assistant majority leader, majority caucus chair, along with committee chairmen and vice chairmen.
Ellsworth introduced the legislation after Senate Majority Caucus Chairman John McGee was convicted of driving under the influence last summer. McGee survived a Senate confidence vote earlier this year, meaning he was not removed from his leadership position in the Idaho Senate.
Ellsworth explains why she would like to see a standard set among House leaders.
"I think you need to have a standard in place so when situations arise you're not subject to who or what personalities are involved in it, that there's an actual standard," said Ellsworth. "It's like as a mom. You give your kids a standard, 'You come home at midnight and I don't mean 10 after midnight.' It's a standard. These are leaders elected among leaders and there should be a standard in place."
The bill won introduction Tuesday in House State Affairs Committee by a 10 to 8 vote. It will now go before a public hearing.
