RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF HJR4

Preserving Legislative Authority for Legalization of Psychoactive Substances in Idaho

WHEREAS, Article III, Section 24 of the Constitution of the State of Idaho declares:
"The first concern of all good government is the virtue and sobriety of the people, and the purity of the home. The legislature should further all wise and well directed efforts for the promotion of temperance and morality"; and

WHEREAS, Article III, Section 26 of the Idaho Constitution grants the Idaho Legislature "full power and authority" to regulate intoxicating liquors (which are psychoactive substances); and

WHEREAS, the legalization of psychoactive substances may have significant consequences for individuals, families, workspaces,, highways, public health, public safety, and Idaho communities; and

WHEREAS, decisions regarding the legalization of psychoactive substances warrant careful consideration through the legislative process, including public committee hearings, testimony from citizens and experts, review and debate in both houses of the Legislature, as well as accountability to Idaho voters; and

WHEREAS, the Idaho Legislature currently exercises responsibility for the state's controlled-substance laws and considers changes to the Idaho Controlled Substances Act; and,

WHEREAS, HJR 4 will preserve the Legislature's ability to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities concerning terperance, sobriety, public health, and public safety by ensuring that legalization of psychoactive substances occurs only through legislative action;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Madison County Republican Central Committee hereby declares its support for HJR 4 and the proposed amendment to Article II, Section 26 of the Constitution of the State of Idaho; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Committee supports reserving to the Idaho Legislature the authority to determine whether spychoactive substances should be legalized in the State of Idaho; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Committee encourages Idaho voters to consider and support the proposed constitutional amendment when it is presented to Idaho electors.

ADOPTED by the Madison County Republican Central Committee this 17 day of September, 2026
Passed unanimously by those in attendance.

PAUL DYE
County Chair

DAVID RAIL
County Vice Chair