Counsel for the State

The 2020 election was historic for its turnout, the way many Idahoans voted and the fact that it was held during a once-in-a-century pandemic. So how did things go? Why was Idaho able to count its votes so quickly? What are the key takeaways? And what issues will election supervisors be working on as they turn their attention to the next big vote? Chief Deputy Secretary of State Chad Houck and Ada County Clerk Phil McGrane join co-hosts Brian Kane and Scott Graf for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of Idaho elections. Recorded Nov. 18, 2020.

Deputy Attorney General Brian Kane joins Scott Graf to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected state government, the authority various government entities have to protect public health, and where Idaho's Open Meeting Law currently stands. Recorded Nov. 3, 2020.

Idaho Supreme Court Justice Robyn Brody joins Counsel for the State for a wide-ranging discussion about everything from the court's role in state government and its behind-the-scenes process for issuing opinions, to her campaign for office and affinity for the Ford Pinto. With co-hosts Scott Graf and Brian Kane. 

Idaho lawmakers will convene in Boise August 24 for a special session associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Special legislative sessions aren't frequent occurrences in Idaho, but they have happened with some regularity at various points in the state's history. In this episode of Counsel for the State, Deputy Attorney General Brian Kane discusses the law around special sessions, the governor's role in the process, and offers some historical perspective.

Did you know Idahoans donate to more than 4,500 charities and non-profits each year? These entities hold more than $9 billion in assets and employ more than 50,000 people. And during the 2020 legislative session, Idaho lawmakers created a new law to help beef up oversight. During this episode of Counsel for the State, we discuss the new law, its origins and the attorney general's role in enforcing it. With guests Brian Kane and Brett DeLange. 

In the first episode of Counsel for the State's second season, we explore consumer protection issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumer Protection Division Chief Brett DeLange joins Brian Kane and Scott Graf to discuss Idaho's price gouging law and COVID-19-related scams. 

The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division interacts with more than 1,000 Idahoans each month. Assisting these constituents is a team of dedicated OAG employees who do some of the division’s most important and visible work. They are not attorneys, but rather specialists who must be well-versed in things like fraud, the latest scams, motor vehicle issues as well as landlord and tenant matters. Guests include Lee Post and Rachelle Littau, two specialists who help Idahaons with consumer-related issues every day. 

One of Attorney General Lawrence Wasden's highest profile roles as the state's attorney is advising lawmakers during their annual legislative session. With the 2020 session underway, OAG legislative liaison Brian Kane sits down with Counsel for the State host Scott Graf to discuss the working relationship between the Office of the Attorney General and state lawmakers. 

Idaho state government is made up of a number of offices and departments we hear about on a regular basis. But it’s also comprised of numerous agencies, commissions, bureaus and boards that don’t often make headlines, but that play an important role in our state’s day-to-day. In this episode of Counsel for the State, we’ll introduce you to a body that plays a very important function in our state, but that sometimes flies under the radar: the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses.

Earlier this month, Idahoans went to the polls and cast ballots on Election Day. In most contests, the outcomes were clear. In a few others, that was not the case. In this episode of Counsel for the State, we discuss post-election matters that can involve the Office of the Attorney General. With Deputy Attorney General Robert Berry and Assistant Chief Deputy Brian Kane.