Rating: +1

Bill Summary:

House Bill 16 amends Idaho Code § 19-4902 to expand access to legal representation in post-conviction relief cases. It allows indigent defendants to be appointed counsel for second or successive post-conviction petitions under limited circumstances—specifically, when new evidence or a change in the law justifies further review. The bill ensures that appointments are not automatic and maintains court discretion to deny frivolous or meritless petitions.

It does not create an entitlement or mandate excessive legal spending, but rather closes a gap in the current system for cases with legitimate legal grounds to be heard again.

Reason for Rating:

The Idaho Republican Party platform upholds the rule of law, judicial fairness, and individual rights. H0016 supports a justice system that functions correctly by ensuring that credible post-conviction claims—especially those involving new evidence—can be evaluated properly with legal representation. It avoids wasteful or automatic appointments while preserving due process.

By enhancing fairness without imposing broad mandates or expanding bureaucracy, this bill reflects principled conservative governance and earns a positive rating.