Latest news with #IdahoAttorneyGeneral'sOffice
New York Post
03-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Idaho AG bans ‘Everyone is Welcome Here' signs at public schools, says the ‘political statement' violates state law
Idaho's attorney general has ruled that the 'Everyone is Welcome Here' signs that stirred up controversy for 'inadvertently' sparking division must be removed from every public school in the state. A legal opinion was released on Friday by Attorney General Raúl Labrador's office that officially banned signs like the one Lewis and Clark Middle School teacher Sarah Inama displayed in her classroom in February. The AG's office found that banners like Inama's, which read 'Everyone is Welcome Here,' violates the state's vague House Bill 41 prohibiting flags or banners alluding to or depicting any political viewpoint in public schools. Advertisement 'These signs are part of an ideological/social movement which started in Twin Cities, Minnesota following the 2016 election of Donald Trump. Since that time, the signs have been used by the Democratic party as a political statement. The Idaho Democratic Party even sells these signs as part of its fundraising efforts,' the office's statement said. 3 A legal opinion released by the Idaho Attorney General's Office determined that the 'Everyone is Welcome Here' banner can't be hung in public schools. KTVB-TV Inama made headlines last winter when the West Ada School District ordered her to remove her 'Everyone is Welcome Here' sign featuring cartoon hands in various skin tones. Advertisement Inama originally took the poster down, but had a change of heart and put it back up over the weekend. The district administration asserted that Inama needed to take it down because the message 'is not something that everybody believes,' she told KTVB. According to emails from the district obtained by the Idaho Statesman, the district took issue with the different skin-toned hands, which apparently violated the state's requirement that all displayed content be 'neutral and conducive to a positive learning environment.' 3 The opinion asserted that the banner was 'part of an ideological/social movement.' Advertisement The Idaho Democratic Party started to sell the merchandise inspired by the posters on March 25 'after hearing from Idahoans who wanted a way to show support for Ms. Inama,' the party's communications director Avery Roberts wrote in an email to The Post. 'Across the state, parents and teachers, regardless of their political affiliations, want children to have a fair shot. They're working hard to build strong public schools where every student feels welcome and has the support they need to succeed,' Roberts wrote. 3 The teacher at the center of the poster controversy has hung up the poster annually since 2017. Lewis and Clark Middle School 'We're not doing this to make money. The signs and stickers barely cover costs. What matters is the message. Taking a stand against discrimination shouldn't be a partisan issue, and we hope leaders in every party see it that way.' Advertisement The office's opinion goes on to note that Inama began displaying the signs in her classroom shortly after Trump's first term in 2017 and accused her of hanging it to 'share her personal, ideological beliefs.' Per the office's opinion, certain types of student artwork could also be prohibited from being hung in schools.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Idaho DMV, Star Card texts are scams, state officials warn
Claiming to be from the Idaho DMV, some of the scam texts say your driver's license could be immediately suspended unless you pay — through a suspicious link. (Courtesy of Getty Images) Idaho government officials are warning that text messages about unpaid traffic tickets and the newly required Star Card are scams. Idaho law enforcement agencies never send texts to people to demand payments, threaten penalties for violations or tolls that haven't been paid, or for missed jury duty, the Idaho Attorney General's Office said in a news release. 'Scammers stole over $63 million from Idahoans last year, predominantly targeting our seniors,' Attorney General Raúl Labrador said in a statement. 'These scammers are now using fake DMV texts to steal even more. Idaho families need to know that legitimate government agencies never demand payments through text messages.' Claiming to be from the Idaho DMV, some of the scam texts say your driver's license could be immediately suspended unless you pay — through a suspicious link. The Idaho Attorney General's Office urges Idahoans to look out for red flags, like: Demanding payment urgently — or through gift cards. Threats to suspend licenses, or even arrest. And suspicious web links that might look official. If you receive a suspicious text, do not click any links or share your personal information. Report the text to the Federal Trade Commission, and delete it. The FTC's fraud reporting website is The Idaho Transportation Department is also warning Idahoans about scam texts that falsely promote online payments or quicker access to REAL IDs, also known as Star Cards. 'Scammers are targeting Idahoans with messages that look official but are completely fake,' Idaho DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan said in a statement. 'Your REAL ID can only be obtained in person through an authorized DMV office, not by clicking a link in a text message.' Find accurate information about Idaho services for the DMV and REAL ID online at the Idaho DMV website, at SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Idaho Supreme Court hears arguments in abortion ballot initiative lawsuit
In a packed hearing room, the Idaho Supreme Court hears oral arguments in a lawsuit challenging state officials' descriptions of an abortion rights ballot initiative on Friday, April 25, 2025. (Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun) The Idaho Supreme Court on Friday heard arguments in a lawsuit that alleges state officials drafted biased and misleading information for voters on an abortion rights ballot initiative. Idahoans United for Women and Families, the group behind the ballot initiative, in January sued, alleging ballot titles and financial analysis — developed by state officials for voters to see — are inaccurate. 'Idahoans need clear and concise information about a proposed ballot initiative's fiscal impact and its purpose to decide whether to say yes or no at the ballot box — based on their understanding, and not on confusion,' said Anne Henderson Haws, an attorney with the law firm Holland & Hart, which is representing the abortion ballot initiative group. 'The fiscal impact statement and the ballot titles prepared for the Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act fail to meet these standards.' As Idaho Legislature winds down, Republican lawmakers maintain strict abortion bans State agencies defend the descriptions — which use 'fetus viability' in one reference, and say the initiative will marginally raise state expenses. The agencies, which wrote the ballot titles and fiscal analysis, say they comply with state law. 'To the extent there's a gap here, I think the gap between their definition and the term fetal variability is worlds larger than the gap between the term fetal viability and fetus viability,' said Idaho Solicitor General Alan Hurst, who works for the Idaho Attorney General's Office. 'And if the two terms are not synonymous — like if fetus favors us slightly, and fetal favors them slightly, which we don't concede — then why is it that the one that's in favor wins out, when the statutory standard is you're not supposed to be either in favor or against?' The ballot initiative proposes abortion exemptions to Idaho's strict abortion ban laws for emergencies, fetal viability and other reproductive health protections. The court will issue a decision at a later date. In 2023, the Idaho Supreme Court ordered the Idaho Attorney General's Office to rewrite ballot titles for an unsuccessful election reform ballot initiative, following a lawsuit. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The ballot titles, developed by the Idaho Office of the Attorney General, are brief descriptions of the initiative. The short title doesn't say that the law would allow emergency abortions after viability, Idahoans United spokesperson Melanie Folwell previously told States Newsroom. And the short title uses the term 'fetus viability,' which is not the medical phrase, the initiative group argues. That conflicts with the long title's use of the term 'fetal viability,' the group argues. Justices repeatedly asked Idaho's solicitor general why the attorney general's office used a different term than the initiative's policy. Hurst said the AG's office believes fetal viability and fetus viability are essentially the same term. At one point, Justice Robyn Brody questioned whether the language was meant to evoke the broader abortion debate. Anti-abortion activists often call fetuses unborn children. But abortion-rights activists often frame abortion in terms of medical freedom for pregnant patients. Hurst then referenced news writing standards by the Associated Press, a prominent international news wire outlet, that advise against using the terms 'pro life' and 'pro choice' in news articles. 'There are no neutral options here. To the extent the neutral options are here, its fetus viability — fetal viability,' Hurst replied. 'That's more favorable to their side than to ours. The AG has not used pro life language in this. He has done his utmost to use language that is consistent with the way the initiative frames things.' Justice Cynthia Meyer soon pointed out that the Attorney General's Office's long title uses the term 'life of the unborn child.' The bigger issue is with the fiscal impact statement, Folwell previously told States Newsroom. The fiscal impact statement says the initiative wouldn't affect taxes or the state's general fund, but it says the initiative could minorly affect state expenses — in Medicaid and prisoner populations. CONTACT US 'Passage of this initiative is likely to cost less than $20,000 per year. The Medicaid budget for providing services was about $850 million in FY2024,' the fiscal impact review said. 'If passed, nominal costs in the context of the affected total budget are insignificant to the state.' Initiative organizers argue that's not true. Justice Colleen Zahn pressed an attorney for Idahoans United on how the initiative wouldn't raise costs, since Idaho pays for Medicaid patients who need care from complications from abortion pills. 'There's no evidence that it would increase costs so as to increase any budget that doesn't already exist,' Henderson Haws said. The fiscal analysis was prepared by the Idaho Division of Financial Management, an agency overseen by Idaho Gov. Brad Little. After filing four proposed policies in August, Idahoans United for Women and Families narrowed its focus down to one policy that would establish a fundamental right to contraception and fertility treatments under Idaho law. That would include: in vitro fertilization; making decisions about pregnancy and childbirth; legalizing abortion before fetal viability; and preserving the right to abortion after viability in medical emergencies. Under the proposed initiative, fetal viability would be determined by a physician and what treatment is available. In the medical community, viability is generally considered to be between 23 to 24 weeks of gestational age. Initiative organizers are collecting signatures in the hopes of qualifying the initiative to be considered by Idaho voters in the November 2026 general election. A ballot initiative is a proposed law that Idaho voters can approve or reject — independent of the Idaho Legislature. Only the Legislature can propose constitutional amendments, unlike many other states. To pass, the initiative would require a simple majority support from voters. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Idaho joined a drug price settlement. Find out if you qualify for compensation.
People who purchased generic prescription drugs between May 2009 and December 2019 may be eligible for compensation in the settlement, the Idaho Attorney General's Office said. (Getty Images) Idahoans should see if they're eligible for compensation as part of a proposed settlement over an alleged conspiracy to inflate generic drug prices and limit competition, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador said. Idaho is among 50 states and U.S. territories that are seeking preliminary approval for the $39.1 million settlement with drug manufacturer Apotex in federal court in Connecticut, the Idaho Office of the Attorney General announced in a news release. A coalition of states last fall also announced a $10 million settlement with Heritage Pharmaceuticals. 'When companies conspire to fix prices, real people pay the price — especially Idaho families who rely on affordable prescription drugs,' Labrador said in a prepared statement. 'I encourage every Idahoan who purchased generic medications during the covered period to review their eligibility and seek compensation if you qualify. Our office will continue to defend the integrity of the market and ensure Idahoans are protected from corporate misconduct.' People who purchased generic prescription drugs between May 2009 and December 2019 may be eligible for compensation in the settlement, the Idaho Attorney General's Office said. Here's how to find out if you're eligible: Visit which lists generic drugs involved in the settlements Email info@ Call 1-866-290-0182, a toll free number SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Boise-area sheriff criticizes a new Idaho law he says police can't enforce
Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford on Wednesday criticized a new law that bans the city of Boise from flying Pride flags, saying it was unclear how police could enforce it as written. The law, originally House Bill 96, limits governments to flying certain flags, including the American flag, the Idaho flag, military flags and flags representing government entities. The legislation went into effect April 3, but the city of Boise has kept its Pride flag up, prompting a warning letter from the Idaho Attorney General's Office. Many people also reported the city to the Ada County Sheriff's Office, Clifford said in a statement emailed to the Idaho Statesman. After the public complaints, Clifford asked his legal team to review the new code, he said. But the lawyers found that there are no penalties, no information about what level of crime is involved (misdemeanor or felony, for example) and no explanation as to how an officer would enforce the law, the statement said. 'Without clear direction in the law, no law enforcement in the state of Idaho has the authority to issue citations or make arrests in this situation,' Clifford said. 'This situation highlights the importance of thoughtful collaboration in the legislative process. I strongly urge Idaho legislators to work closely with subject matter experts when drafting legislation to ensure that future statutes are clearly enforceable and contain the necessary legal structure to support their implementation.' Bill sponsor Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, did not immediately return a request for comment. Clifford sent a letter to the city of Boise similar to his public statement. He also indicated that the volume of flag complaints has been burdensome for his department. 'These messages have come in through nearly every channel available to the public — Ada County Dispatch, patrol supervisors, our social media accounts, and our general public inbox,' Clifford said. 'Responding to these concerns has placed a strain on our staff and resources, pulling attention away from other essential duties.' Clifford's message struck a very different tone from Attorney General Raúl Labrador's letter, which said Boise could lose state money if it continues to fly the Pride flag. Labrador also said he had spoken with legislative leaders who said they 'will respond next session with strong enforcement tools.' However, his letter also highlighted the lack of penalties, with Labrador writing that the law 'relied on the good will of elected officials for its enforcement.' 'While we are sorting out the reach and impact of HB 96 — which includes neither definitions nor enforcement mechanisms, we will continue to fly the flags currently on display at City Hall,' Boise spokesperson Emilee Ayers told the Statesman. During this year's legislative session, no one testified or debated about the bill's enforcement mechanisms. However, a couple lawmakers did express concern with the lack of definitions in the bill, such as not defining what a flag is. 'There's always going to be some interpretation of law and we're going to have to say what's a sign and what's a flag. That's the only interpretation that's going to have to be determined,' said the bill's Senate floor sponsor, Sen. Ben Toews, R-Coeur d'Alene, during debate. 'Other than that, it's very definitive.'
