Remote, in-person testimony should be equally allowed

The Idaho Legislature is again in full swing, and many Idahoans want to testify. Remote testimony is available, especially for those of us who reside in the north. 

Sign up, but beware, if it is an issue coming before the House State Affairs Committee, good luck in having your voice heard. Chairman Brent Crane routinely prioritizes “in-person” individuals to testify first, and then proceeds to call the “remote” testifiers. The recent testimony on HB 384 was no exception. Although the hearing lasted almost two hours, only 10 minutes at the end were allowed for remote testimony. This is a pattern for Representative Crane, as his 2023 hearings were conducted the same way.

I have testified before several committees. I am very pleased with the process, taking my place in line and hoping my name comes up. I listen to the Chairpersons switch back and forth between “in-person” and “remote.” I find it to be a fair way of letting all concerned individuals testify. Why does Chairman Crane refuse to do this? Does he believe that only “in-person” testimony is representative of all Idahoans?

This is not equitable in the least. All Idahoans deserve a right to be heard. Between missing work, trying to access childcare or dealing with Idaho’s inclement weather, many of us are unable to get to Boise. Our voices still count.

HEATHER STOUT

Moscow, Idaho