Bill Description: House Bill 591 would reduce the governor's role in appointing the attorney who serves on the Industrial Commission by giving the Judicial Council a major role.

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Does it in any way restrict public access to information related to government activity or otherwise compromise government transparency or accountability? Conversely, does it increase public access to information related to government activity or increase government transparency or accountability?

House Bill 591 amends sections 1-2102 and 72-501, Idaho Code, to involve the Judicial Council in the process of selecting an attorney to serve the Industrial Commission. Currently, the governor appoints this individual. Under the proposed change, the Judicial Council would choose 2-4 options and the governor would be required to select one of them. 

This change would remove power from an elected official who must answer to the voters and grant it to unelected commissioners who do not answer to the voters. 

This shift represents a reduction in government accountability. 

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