Idaho House passes resolution to amend state constitution, restrict marijuana legalization

EastIdahoNews.com file photo BOISE (Idaho Capital Sun) — The Idaho House passed a resolution on Wednesday seeking voter approval to amend the state constitution and give the Legislature exclusive authority to regulate marijuana.  House Joint Resolution 4 aims to eliminate voters’ ability to legalize marijuana through a ballot initiative. As a resolution, the legislation does not hold the force of law. Instead, it would place a question on Idahoans’ ballot about whether to amend Idaho’s Constitution to allow only the Legislature to have a say in legalizing “psychoactive substances.” A majority of voters would need to vote yes in order for the constitution to be amended.  RELATED | Idaho Gov. Brad Little signs $300 mandatory minimum fine for marijuana possession into law Currently, a “Decriminalize Cannabis Now” ballot initiative is in the signature gathering process, according to VoteIdaho.gov. If it qualifies, and if the Senate approves House Joint Resolution 4, then both questions would appear on the 2026 ballot, sponsor Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa said.  Skaug said the resolution comes from a place of concern for the “virtue and sobriety” of Idahoans.  “It’s time for Idahoans to proactively decide the state’s fate relative to marijuana, psychoactive substances and narcotics,” Skaug said. “I’m asking that we let our state go on the offense.”  The House passed the resolution largely along party lines, with Democrats arguing that it is unnecessary and not the proper role of government.  The resolution is headed to the Senate side, where it must receive at least a two-thirds majority vote to be placed on the ballot. The Idaho House of Representatives voted largely along party lines to advance House Joint Resolution 4, which aims to amend Idaho’s Constitution to give the legislature the exclusive authority to legalize marijuana. Rep. Robert Beiswenger, R-Horsehoe Bend, was the only Republican to vote in opposition of the resolution. | Courtesy Idaho in Session The post Idaho House passes resolution to amend state constitution, restrict marijuana legalization appeared first on East Idaho News.
Source: eastidahonews.com