ID S1189

Amends Section 73-113, Idaho Code to establish statutory interpretation principles for the Idaho Code.

Requires statutory language be given its plain, usual and ordinary meaning, with literal words serving as the best guide to legislative intent when the statute is clear and unambiguous.

When a statute allows multiple conflicting interpretations, courts must consider the reasonableness of proposed interpretations and construe the statute as a whole, disfavoring interpretations that render the statute a nullity or produce absurd results.

Requires words and phrases be construed according to context and approved language usage, with technical or legally-defined terms interpreted according to their peculiar and appropriate meaning or definition.