Idaho Governor Butch Otter has allowed a pair of measures to become law without his signature, allowing lawmakers to officially close out their work for the session without debating whether to override a pending veto.
Otter on Wednesday allowed a bill that would drastically overhaul the state’s trespass laws to become enacted without his signature despite citing concerns that the proposal could have chilling effects on sportsmen and recreationists.
The measure attempts to update trespass laws in three different sections of Idaho law by revising private property notice requirements, and raising the penalties for trespassing.
The bill also allows verbal permission from the property owner to access private property; awards the prevailing party attorney fees in a civil suit; and makes the first offense with no damage an infraction instead of a misdemeanor.
Representatives of hunting and angling groups, as well as law enforcement officials, said provisions regarding the posting of private land were made more confusing by the bill.
Meanwhile, Otter also allowed a measure repealing a 2016 non-compete law to become enacted without his signature.
The bill revises that law that made it easier for Idaho employers to sue former employees over non-compete agreements.
Supporters of the change pointed to more than 100 Idaho business leaders who wrote a letter to Otter urging for the law’s repeal.
Otter’s inaction means Idaho lawmakers are finished for the year and can return home. The 2018 session lasted 80 days. The Legislature tends to run short in election years so lawmakers can leave to campaign. All 105 state lawmakers are up for re-election this year. (AP)
