Proposes an amendment to House Rule 70 to add certain restrictions regarding admittance to the floor of the House.
Summary
House Resolution 4 proposes an amendment to Rule 70 of the Idaho House of Representatives rules governing who may be admitted to the House floor during sessions. The resolution keeps the existing categories of people allowed on the floor—legislators, elected state officials, former legislators, legislative employees, and members of the news media—but adds or clarifies restrictions on access and movement during floor proceedings.
Under the amended rule, elected state officials, former legislators, legislative employees, and media representatives must wear badges prepared by the Chief Clerk to enter the floor. Only legislators, legislative employees, and media representatives may remain on the floor while the House is conducting business. Elected state officials and former legislators must be sponsored by a legislator to enter, and they must leave before business begins unless the Speaker authorizes them to stay. Any other guest must be cleared through the Speaker or designees and through the Sergeant at Arms.
Impact
The resolution would change the internal operating rules of the Idaho House rather than state statute. Its practical effect is to tighten access control to the House floor, formalize badge requirements, and give the Speaker and Sergeant at Arms greater authority over guest access and presence during floor sessions. It affects legislators, former legislators, elected state officials, legislative staff, the press, and any other visitors seeking access to the chamber floor.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears procedural and administrative rather than controversial. There is no recorded committee debate or vote history provided, so no clear partisan or public opposition is evident. The tone of the resolution is orderly and institutional, suggesting general support for maintaining chamber security and decorum.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are the tighter restrictions on access to the House floor and the discretion given to the Speaker and Sergeant at Arms. Former legislators and elected state officials are subject to sponsorship and must leave before business unless specifically allowed to remain, which could be viewed as limiting access or transparency. The rule also narrows who may be present during business to legislators, legislative employees, and the media, which may raise concerns from those who favor broader access for guests or officials.