Bill Analyses and Ratings
Bill Information: S1248 – Repeal of Capital Crimes Defense Fund Authorization
Bill Summary
Senate Bill 1248 repeals Section 19-5908 of Idaho Code, which authorized the Capital Crimes Defense Fund for state appellate public defenders. The bill is part of the Idaho Code Cleanup Act initiative, through which the Legislature identifies and removes provisions deemed obsolete, outdated, or unnecessary. The repeal takes effect July 1, 2026, under an emergency declaration.
Overall Assessment
This bill removes an obsolete funding authorization from Idaho’s legal code as part of a routine cleanup effort. The repeal streamlines state law by eliminating a provision the Legislature has determined is no longer necessary for Idaho’s public defense system. The change represents a minor administrative improvement to government efficiency.
Rating Breakdown
ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (1)
Section 1 explicitly states the Legislature's intent to ensure state laws are "streamlined, up-to-date, and essential for the citizens of Idaho" by removing provisions "identified as obsolete, outdated, or unnecessary." This repeal directly implements that goal by eliminating Section 19-5908, demonstrating responsible government housekeeping and the termination of programs that have outlived their usefulness.
ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (0)
The repeal of the Capital Crimes Defense Fund authorization does not address citizen participation in government, electoral processes, primary elections, or voting procedures. This is a technical code cleanup measure unrelated to civic engagement.
ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (0)
This bill concerns the repeal of a public defender funding provision and has no connection to education policy, parental rights in schools, curriculum standards, or educational choice programs.
ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (0)
The repeal of a capital crimes defense fund provision does not affect agricultural policy, farming operations, ranching, or water rights for agriculture.
ARTICLE V. WATER (0)
This bill addresses public defender funding and has no impact on water rights, water management, inter-basin transfers, or state water policy.
ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (0)
The repeal of Section 19-5908 does not address environmental stewardship, natural resource management, land use, or federal environmental regulations.
ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (0)
This bill concerns judicial code cleanup and does not affect energy policy, energy independence, resource development, or utility regulations.
ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (0)
The repeal of a public defender funding provision has no connection to the Idaho National Laboratory, nuclear research, or technology development.
ARTICLE IX. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS (0)
This bill does not address private property rights, eminent domain, regulatory takings, or land development regulations.
ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (0)
The repeal of the Capital Crimes Defense Fund authorization does not concern state or federal land management, land ownership, or sovereignty issues.
ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (0)
This bill addresses public defender funding and has no impact on wildlife management, hunting, fishing, or predator control policies.
ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (0)
While the bill repeals a fund authorization, it does not substantively affect economic growth, commerce, industry, small business development, or transportation infrastructure.
ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (0)
This bill concerns judicial code cleanup and does not address healthcare delivery, patient rights, insurance regulations, or welfare programs.
ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (0)
The repeal of a public defender funding provision does not affect family values, traditional marriage, right to life issues, or children's welfare policies.
ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (0)
This bill does not address policies affecting older Americans, including healthcare access, employment opportunities, or social services for seniors.
ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (0)
While the bill repeals a capital crimes defense fund, it does not modify criminal justice procedures, sentencing policies, victims' rights, gun rights, or the death penalty process itself. The repeal removes only an obsolete funding mechanism without changing substantive criminal justice policy.
ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (0)
This bill concerns state judicial code and does not address national defense, military operations, veterans' affairs, border security, or terrorism prevention.
ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (0)
The repeal of the Capital Crimes Defense Fund does not affect judicial elections, constitutional interpretation methods, or the selection process for judges and justices.
ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (0)
This bill does not address religious freedom, free exercise of religion, conscience protections, or government interference in religious practices.