POCATELLO (ID)
Idaho State Journal
By Dan Boyd - Journal Writer
POCATELLO - There are a stack of bills dealing with sexual offenders piling up on the desk of Debbie Field, the chairwoman of the House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee.
Some deal with removing the statute of limitations on sex abuse cases and one reportedly goes so far as to institute a mandatory death penalty sentence on any sex offender found guilty of molesting and murdering a child.
After a spate of high-profile sex offender cases this summer, legislators are talking tough on strengthening the state's laws.
But a proposal that Rep. Donna Boe, D-Pocatello, is considering co-sponsoring is among the most intriguing, from legal, ethical and religious points of view.
More than a decade ago, the Legislature exempted clergy from an obligation to report knowledge of sexual abuse. Most other professionals are required to divulge such information.
“Doctors, teachers and all these other professions have to report,” Boe said. “But I think there will be some details to be worked out.”