By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“I’ve never had a student take such an initiative and take such an active interest in and then actually showing up and helping the bill work through the process.” - Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard
More than a month after a bill she wrote to outlaw the sale of human remains took effect, University of Idaho law student Desalyn Swank walks down the halls of the Idaho State Capitol. (Photo by Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun)
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
Idaho law student writes bill to ban sale of human remains — before she can even practice law
By Kyle Pfannenstiel
When Desalyn Swank applied to law school at University of Idaho, she said she made it clear she wanted to reform the state’s laws.
Before her first year at law school ended, she already had.
Dr. William Smock, medical director of the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, part of the Alliance for HOPE International, speaks to students about evidence and how to detect staged scenes during a mock crime scene exercise. This year, at least five states have considered “hidden homicide” legislation. (Photo courtesy of Gael Strack/Alliance for HOPE International)
COURTS + POLICING
‘Hidden homicides’: Families push states for more scrutiny of domestic violence deaths
By Amanda Watford
Families who believe local officials prematurely ruled their loved ones’ deaths suicides or accidents — rather than investigating whether domestic violence played a role — are pushing lawmakers in a growing number of states to require additional scrutiny.
Advocates call the deaths “hidden homicides” — killings they say may be staged to look like suicides, overdoses or accidents and then overlooked by investigators. Some advocates argue that requiring additional investigative steps could prevent potential evidence from being lost before a case is closed.
Members of the Idaho Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee and their staff tour Southwest Idaho Treatment Center, or SWITC, in Nampa on Nov. 20, 2024. (Photo by Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun)
COMMENTARY
With Idaho’s history, everyone should pay attention to evolving language of institutionalization
By Tara Rowe
A shift back to overreliance on this practice by either federal or state policymakers presents the same constitutional and moral danger of the state’s long past, writes guest columnist Tara Rowe.
MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US
Federal judge halts proposed HHS changes to teen pregnancy prevention program | Kelcie Moseley-Morris
ICYMI
Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting
Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall
Idaho Press: Caldwell increases 308 city fees, adds 50 more
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