Tense hearing at Idaho Capitol over picketing bill prompts protest at lawmaker's home

A bill that would prohibit targeted picketing outside officials’ homes drew a large crowd at the Idaho Capitol on Wednesday, a protest outside a state lawmaker’s house and the arrest of an Eagle man.

The bill bars anyone from picketing outside someone’s residence with an intent to “harass, annoy or alarm” another person and classifies it as a misdemeanor. Rep. Greg Chaney, R-Caldwell, who co-sponsored the bill, posted on Facebook on Wednesday that about 15 people gathered outside his house Wednesday night.

Idaho State Police also arrested David Pettinger, 44, at the Statehouse shortly after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday over two outstanding warrants. He faces charges of resisting or obstructing officers and assault or battery upon certain personnel, according to the Ada County Sheriff’s Office.

“I’m more frustrated for my family than anything,” Chaney said by phone Thursday.

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