The Idaho House of Representatives ended the 2020 legislative session Friday after balancing fears of spreading the coronavirus with potential vetoes of several bills that they will now be powerless to do anything about.
The House voted 32-28 to end the session a day after the Senate went home.
One bill that could be vetoed by Governor Brad Little bans transgender people from changing the sex listed on their birth certificates despite a federal court ruling the state lost two years ago declaring such a ban unconstitutional, and that the Idaho attorney general’s office says could end up costing the state and taxpayers $1 million dollars if it goes to court again.
Another measure under scrutiny bans transgender women from competing in women’s sports despite also getting warnings that such a law is unconstitutional.
Both bills had overwhelming support among House and Senate Republicans. Governor Little has until next week to make a decision, and hasn’t yet indicated his intentions.
A handful of large Idaho businesses have asked him to veto the bills because they make Idaho look intolerant. Republican House Speaker Scott Bedke says that if not for the virus, the House would have remained in session to override vetoes. (AP)
