The Idaho Legislature fast tracked a bill today that concerns how the Capitol Mall gets used. This comes at the same time that Occupy Boise continues to keep a tent city up at the mall. That's been going on since November. The bill creates rules for the area around the statehouse, for current and future protests.
Rep. Scott Bedke (R-Oakley) is the bill's sponsor. He says without it, the protests next to the statehouse could grow without any rules to govern them. “If we have a texting while driving bill, the creative protestor now could, without any rules, bring wrecked cars and put them on the Capitol Mall as a monument to their speech.”
There are already regulations that govern the use of the capitol steps. This legislation would allow similar rules for the land in and around the statehouse. But it's not a done deal. The legislation still needs to be considered by lawmakers in the Senate. Meanwhile, it’s up to the courts to decide what happens with Occupy Boise’s ongoing protest vigil.
Copyright 2012 Boise State Public Radio
