Transcript Highlights:

• We have growth projected for the central part of the state, the Southwest part of the state.
• of the state the the central part of the state the Southwest<00:15:13.399><c> part</c><00:15:13.600>
• Again, this is part of that one total number.
• Again, this is part of that one total number.
• Again, this is part of that one total number.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• part of what the was part of that wasn't part of what the the<01:39:32.000><c> governor's</c><01:39:
• Do you agree with any part of that?
• ><03:37:58.120><c> part</c><03:37:58.279><c> of</c><03:37:58.399><c> my</c> um but I part of part of
• my part of my um but I part of part of my part of my need<03:37:59.199><c> you</c><03:37:59.319><c> know
• this money okay so obviously that part that<05:33:17.760><c> part</c><05:33:17.920><c> would</c><05:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 713, which would require mile markers on Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway. The sponsor and DOT testimony described the road as a heavily traveled but isolated corridor with little or no cell or radio service, frequent accidents and breakdowns, and serious public-safety problems when emergency responders cannot quickly locate incidents. Members discussed where markers should be placed, how frequently they should appear, whether both sides of the road should be marked, and the potential cost; DOT said the project could be done with federal funds and might be combined with other work to reduce mobilization costs. The committee agreed the bill was straightforward and voted OTP 18-0, with discussion that a friendly amendment might be offered later to refine the language. The committee then heard HB 563, concerning calculation of adequate education grants. Testimony explained that the bill would add fiscal capacity disparity aid in FY 27 and increase the special education differentiated aid factor, while also reducing extraordinary needs grants so the overall fiscal impact would be net neutral. Members noted the changes were limited to the second year because of the budget process and school district ballot timing. Supporters argued the fiscal capacity aid would help property-poor towns and should be expanded, while others emphasized the bill’s budget-neutral structure. The committee voted to retain HB 563 for further consideration in the budget process. Finally, the committee opened HB 675, which would limit the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. A Derry resident and former local official testified in favor, arguing that property taxes are too high, that school spending has outpaced town-side tax caps, and that local voters should have more control over school budgets. Committee members questioned whether the issue should instead be handled locally through existing processes or broader governance changes, and one member noted the state’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The discussion continued, but no final action on HB 675 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second part I made, Mr.
• not part-time anymore.
• </c><01:48:43.119><c> of</c> behavior management is a huge part of behavior management is a huge part
• That's part of that part right there.
• Our members are part of their communities. They're part of the Rotary.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 362, which would grant the Department of Education rulemaking authority related to educator licensure and testing requirements, including passing scores on professional education assessments. Representative Ladd said the bill is intended to preserve New Hampshire’s standards for classroom teachers and CTE instructors, while allowing DOE flexibility through rulemaking. He emphasized maintaining high standards, including for career and technical education, and said he was open to DOE clarifying the language further. Committee members raised concerns that the bill, as written, could remove language recognizing industry-recognized credentials for CTE instructors. Department of Education Director Steven Appy said DOE had drafted an amendment to clarify that the requirement applies to an initial New Hampshire license, to exempt CTE teachers from content exams, and to preserve current administrative practice allowing basic academic skills testing and industry-recognized credentials as substitutes. The committee discussed the distinction between basic academic skills tests and content assessments, and Appy said the amendment was meant to avoid conflating those requirements. The chair said the committee would take up executive session on HB 362 and related bills later. The committee then took up House Bill 90, which narrows and defines the rules for part-time teachers, especially in concurrent enrollment settings. Representative Ladd explained that the bill is meant to allow qualified college faculty or adjuncts from the University System or Community College System to teach high school concurrent-enrollment courses when local schools lack a teacher with the needed master’s-level credentials, particularly in math and STEM subjects. He said the bill is intended to expand student access to college-level coursework, save money, and preserve standards, while still requiring background checks and adherence to ethics and conduct rules. Members began asking questions about how the bill would work in practice, including certification and endorsement issues, but the hearing was not concluded in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Apologies should be from our part here.
• Apologies should be from our part here.
• Apologies should be from our part here.
• </c> types of phrases that they use as part types of phrases that they use as part of<00:46:52.559><c
• </c> um uh the 80 counties that are not part um uh the 80 counties that are not part of<00:59:45.160>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Louis Park, Hopkins, and part of Medina. I'm a practicing lawyer.
• About 25% of our assistant public defenders are part-time.
• They run their private practices and work part-time for us.
• It is really in two parts.
• </c><01:09:18.440><c> of</c> immigration work but that is part of immigration work but that is part of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> language is related to new language part language is related to new language part of<00:02:14.560
• </c> part is actually already in the bill. part is actually already in the bill.
• I will tell you that the part product. I will tell you that the part that<00:48:47.599><c> Mr.
• of time which parts you liked and which parts weren't good enough for you.
• I'm happy to be a part of that.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committees resumed discussion of amendments to a bill dealing with licensing moratoria, change-of-ownership rules, and related provider oversight issues. Amendment A8 would prevent a licensing moratorium for certain intermediate care service settings from blocking a new license when the change is due to a change of ownership, including temporary licenses and transitional licenses. Department of Human Services staff said they were still reviewing the language but explained the department’s concern was maintaining program integrity and ensuring owners go through full change-of-ownership review so the agency can see who owns a provider and check compliance history. Senators supporting the amendment argued it would keep legitimate businesses from being harmed by a moratorium and could help preserve providers when ownership changes or family members take over after a death. A8 was adopted on a roll call, with both committees voting in support. Amendment A9, also on the moratorium topic, would exempt a change of ownership from the moratorium so long as it does not increase license capacity or service scope. The department said it needed more analysis to avoid unintended consequences, but the amendment was added to the working bill. Amendment A10 proposed a more detailed, data-driven framework for the moratorium and included a provision about refunds after implementation; department staff said the language would add cost and would require technical assistance, while senators emphasized the need to address licensure backlogs and avoid making provider delays worse. A10 was approved by the committees, though not unanimously. Amendment A11 would have set standards for how the commissioner designates provider types or program areas as moderate or high risk, with added transparency criteria. The department said the commissioner already has that authority and raised concerns about federal requirements and the state’s corrective action plan, and Senator Hoffman withdrew the amendment. Amendment A12, offered by Senator Fateh, would preserve remote supports by removing bill language that repealed the service and would add safeguards for remote overnight supervision, including staffing ratios to ensure emergency response times can be met. Several senators supported keeping remote services as an important, cost-effective option amid workforce shortages, while the department said it had program integrity concerns and supported the governor’s proposal to remove the service. The committee nevertheless advanced A12, with members noting the need to balance safety and integrity with access to services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just so you can take that back to your folks and show them, and I believe that's going to be part of
• So far, Idaho educators have requested more than 1,500 tiles to be part of this art presentation.
• But I will say it's been a fragile ecosystem, trying to coordinate all of these moving parts.
• I think it was an important part is just how we are, what the best path is.
• And I think that goes to the point you were making, that grounding part about Dr.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The America 250 and Idaho Advisory Council approved the April 6 meeting minutes and authorized two additional grant awards for the city of Eden and Elmore County, completing the Celebration Fund grant approvals. Staff reported that the fund now has a remaining balance of about $64,685, with most of the original $250,000 already distributed to local celebrations across the state. The committee also reapproved the treasurer’s $30,000 spending authority. Members received updates on the ambassador program, which now includes nearly 2,000 ambassadors across 170 cities, 44 counties, 50 businesses, 31 schools, and 23 veterans organizations. Treasurer Ellsworth highlighted strong turnout and publicity for recent events statewide, including museum programs, lectures, and community celebrations, and reported progress on the Liberty Bell restoration and carriage project, including a donated truck from Kendall Ford. The council also discussed the upcoming Liberty Grove designation in Payette and the continued display of quilts and other promotional materials. Secretary McGrane gave a detailed logistics update on the July 4 Capitol celebration, noting the event is about 75 days away and will include a veterans pancake breakfast, the Boise parade, a concert, booths, and space for protests at the old Ada County Courthouse. He asked to release previously reserved Capitol dates now that the main event date is set, and members agreed. He also said the committee is seeking private fundraising support through the Community Foundation and a dedicated IdahoA250.com link, with any contracts to be routed through the co-chairs. Andrew Finstuin of Boise State provided an update on the statewide higher-education civics initiative tied to America 250, describing course and program efforts at Idaho’s universities and colleges, including civic dialogue tools, Canvas modules, orientation workshops, patriotic music programs, civics badges, and community reads. Members praised the work as a lasting legacy beyond the 2026 celebration. The committee tentatively scheduled its next meeting for 10 a.m. on the 4th and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kim Bant, the 63rd district, part of Kenton County and Boone.
• </c> it and act like he was part of that. it and act like he was part of that.
• If you just add it and it's part of the bill, then we're good. Okay. Thank you, Mr.
• If you just add it and it's part of the bill, then we're good. Okay. Thank you, Mr.
• Yes, that would come under the first part where it's, um, the patient authorizes it.

Keywords: Call to Order 00:00 Roll Call 00:03 HB 185 Discussion 1:00 HB 185 Vote 2:05 HB 455 Discussion 3:30 HB 455 Vote 9:00 Adjournment 10:30, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if she's on their registered part or just watching it on.
• Yeah, she might be signed up on the just watching part. Okay, we'll move on.
• That's the part we're trying to improve on in the legislation.
• So again, just to clarify, that's already happening as part of this grant.
• That's already happening as part of this grant. We're already doing that.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee first considered and approved the gubernatorial appointment of Alan Kavanaugh to the Pardons and Parole Commission, recommending confirmation to the floor by voice vote. The committee then heard and sent to print RS 33024, a technical fix by Senator Nichols clarifying that sex-offender residency restrictions also apply near locally permitted daycares, while not expanding licensing or enforcement and applying only prospectively. The committee also sent to print RS 33058, Senator Ruchti’s large probate/guardianship rewrite, described as a multi-year effort to reorganize the code, add constitutional protections, expand guardianship and conservatorship options, and streamline procedures. Members praised the work and noted it had been developed with courts and stakeholder input. The main substantive hearing was on Senate Bill 1226, sponsored by Senator Wintrow and co-sponsored by Representative Hill, which would require DNA collection for misdemeanor sexual battery and domestic violence offenses, reorganize DNA collection statutes, and clarify that the misdemeanor additions are prospective while existing felony collection provisions remain retroactive. Testimony from Idaho State Police, a Boise State criminal justice professor, the Women’s and Children’s Alliance, and Representative Hill supported the bill as a way to improve accountability, close investigative gaps, and reduce cold cases. After discussion about retroactivity and collection gaps, the committee voted to send SB 1226 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also took testimony from Amy Anderson, a retired Idaho Department of Corrections employee, on her nomination to the Pardons and Parole Commission; no vote was taken on her appointment at this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The admin, the consumer ad and public relations part of our budget.
• Our office is broken down into several parts, but the food service is that part of the budget, so that
• They're part of a plate.
• Just two-part question real quick.
• One more final parting thought. Okay. One more final parting thought.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Agricultural Affairs Committee approved the minutes from January 26, 2026, and announced a brief follow-up meeting on Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. with one item on the agenda. The main presentation was from the Idaho Potato Commission, introduced by Jamie Hyam, who reviewed the commission’s finances, noting about $15.3 million in assessments and related revenue, $812,000 in reserves after obligations, and no budgeted revenue from the new Idaho potato license plate because it had not yet been received when the budget was set. Members asked about the license plate revenue, and Hyam said it had exceeded expectations and was generating significant funds for the highway fund. Hyam also described the commission’s work in promotion, research, education, and export development. He highlighted partnerships with the University of Idaho and the potato seed program, explaining that new varieties can take 10 to 12 years to develop and that public research helps keep seed access broad rather than controlled by private companies. He said the commission is focused on trade and market access, especially Mexico, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, while noting that Japan remains a long-running challenge. He also discussed competition from China, India, and other countries, rising input costs, labor and succession issues, weather and disease pressures, and the impact of GLP-1 drugs and changing dietary trends on potato consumption. Committee members asked about domestic demand, export markets, tariffs, quality control, and the role of Idaho branding. Hyam and commission staff said domestic demand remains strong but is pressured by overproduction, higher yields, and health trends; they also said the commission monitors product quality through employees in stores nationwide. The commission emphasized that Idaho potatoes remain a premium product and closed with a national advertising spot promoting the “Grown in Idaho” seal. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• up to a lot of organizations that didn't necessarily have the credentialing that they should be a part
• If we go to the next sheet, I think there's three other entities that need to be part of reporting.
• But that having been said, they should be part of it as well. I don't... that's what I have.
• And that's where in section A, you know, it talks about the charity care might be part of it.
• Capital needs might be part of it.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first addressed Senate Bill 2387, which had previously included language expanding the definition of a sexual assault victim advocate to include advocates from organizations serving victims of sexual trafficking or other sexual violence. After concerns were raised that the language could broaden participation in forensic interviews beyond appropriately credentialed organizations, the parties agreed to remove that added language. The committee then reconsidered its prior action, adopted the amendment striking the new language, and passed SB 2387 as amended on a 12-0-1 roll call vote. The bulk of the meeting focused on Representative Nelson’s proposed changes to a 340B-related bill, centered on expanding reporting and transparency requirements. His draft would require hospitals to report how 340B savings are used, and would also add reporting by drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, and health insurers on rebates, pricing, ownership interests, 340B savings, premiums, claims, and related data. Nelson argued the reporting was needed to give lawmakers better information about how the 340B program affects hospitals, insurers, pharmacies, and public costs, and noted the Department of Corrections also benefits from the program. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of more transparency. Sanford Health Plan said it needed more time to review carrier impacts and had concerns about employer-related language and rebate reporting. The North Dakota Hospital Association supported hospital transparency and said the broader approach was appropriate because hospitals are only one part of the 340B system. Several members raised procedural concerns about the scope of the proposal and the lack of a drafted LC amendment. The committee decided not to take final action on the 340B proposal that day, instead forming a subcommittee led by Representative Hendricks, with Representatives Dobervich and Bolinske, to work with LC and return with drafted language for further review on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the K-12 part of the Prop 98 guarantee.
• of the K-12 part of the 98 guarantee.
• Just how K-12 part of the 98 guarantee.
• That $1.9 billion is part of how that $10.9 billion is used.
• I'm actually a really large part of the Hiram Johnson community.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held its first hearing of the year on Proposition 98, focusing on the Governor’s budget estimates for the three-year budget window, the Public School System Stabilization Account (PSSA), and repayment of education deferrals. The Department of Finance said the minimum guarantee would rise by about $21.7 billion over the 2025 Budget Act, with increases in each year, full repayment of the existing settle-up obligation in 2024-25, a new $5.6 billion settle-up obligation proposed for 2025-26, and a higher guarantee in 2026-27. Finance also noted revised downward estimates for transitional kindergarten attendance and Los Angeles County property tax reimbursements, and said community colleges would be funded above the split because of enrollment growth. The Legislative Analyst’s Office emphasized fiscal risk and volatility, warning that recent revenue gains are tied heavily to the stock market and tech sector and could reverse quickly. The LAO argued the Governor’s proposed $5.6 billion delay shifts risk into future years and recommended instead fully funding the current estimate, making a larger reserve deposit, considering advance payments or pension-related uses, and finding additional non-Prop 98 solutions to reduce the state’s structural deficit. On the reserve and deferral items, Finance described revised PSSA deposits and withdrawals that would leave about $4.1 billion in the reserve by 2026-27, and both Finance and the LAO supported paying off the remaining LCFF and SCFF deferrals as good fiscal practice. Committee members questioned the size of the settle-up amount, the degree of revenue volatility, the use of the reserve, and the ongoing K-12/community college split. Finance said the proposal is meant to avoid overappropriation if revenues fall, while the LAO said a buffer of roughly $3.5 billion would address typical forecasting risk. Public commenters, including school boards, county offices of education, teachers, and advocacy groups, largely opposed the $5.6 billion withholding or settle-up delay, calling it a manipulation of Prop. 98 and urging full funding and more stable revenue solutions. Several speakers also urged dedicated funding for students experiencing homelessness. The hearing ended with no vote, and the chair announced that broader program discussions would occur in later hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the things about Cal State San Marcos that's part of...
• I don't just speak for Cal State San Marcos, this is part of the ethos of Cal State, and that's really
• And a part of that is that we're innovative in the way that we do it.
• That was an important part of launching that, is making sure that it intersects uh... the innovation
• Can you elaborate more on that because I was more intrigued by that part of the of your.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That wasn't part of the deal.
• We are a part-time legislature.
• Part of the deal was not to cut them. It was never in there to cut them. Yep. Never part of it.
• Part of the deal to not to support that. Part of the deal to not cut<00:13:01.040><c> them.
• Never part of it. You were saying Yep. Never part of it.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the other part, you know.
• Know, and then the other part was with the state's attorney, so I think there is a cost in there even
• So I don't know that just removing that piece actually removes the fiscal part of it.
• I think the money needs to be part of the final discussion on the floor. ...needs to be part of the final
• Yeah, they're part of the committee in Section 2. Yeah, they're part of the committee in Section 2.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs appropriation. Representative O’Brien explained the House changes, including funding for a restored Veterans Benefits Specialist FTE, salary equity adjustments for the commissioner and veterans service officers, one-time funding for veteran homelessness services, carryover authority for the Fargo Fisher House, and a highly rural transportation grants program. Members also discussed the commissioner’s prior salary increase and the use of transportation grant funds for administrative costs, as well as the status of the Fisher House project. The committee adopted amendment 25.092.0203 and then gave SB 2025 a do pass recommendation as amended, with Representative O’Brien as carrier. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2307, the library bill. Members debated a proposed amendment that would have removed the fiscal note, but several members objected on policy and process grounds, citing constitutional concerns, potential costs to counties and state’s attorneys, and the fact that the bill had not been heard as a full policy hearing. The amendment failed 4-19. The committee then voted do not pass on SB 2307 as introduced, and Representative Murphy was named carrier. The committee also briefly discussed House Bill 2188 on the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority. Representative Bosch described the program’s grant and low-interest loan authority and the Senate’s reduced funding levels. The committee amended the bill to restore the Senate funding amounts in Section 3, then passed the bill as amended, with Representative Kempenich carrying it. Finally, the committee considered two rural development bills and chose Senate Bill 2097, the rural endowment fund bill, for do not pass while advancing House Bill 2390, which uses regional councils to distribute rural development grants. The committee amended HB 2390 to lower the population threshold from 4,500 to 3,000, kept the 50% set-aside for communities under 1,500, and then passed the bill as amended, with Representative Mitskog as carrier.

Transcript Highlights:

• , that's one of the biggest changes of the bill, to add to this, and that's why House File 2360 is part
• , that's one of the biggest changes of the bill, to add to this, and that's why House File 2360 is part
• of the country where capital just parts of the country where capital just traditionally<00:03:19.840
• And part of the reason we're that.
• And the unique part of ourselves in.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 2360, as amended by H.F. 2360A1, which would create a state-level New Markets Tax Credit-style program modeled on the federal program. Chair Swedzinski explained that the bill is intended to drive investment across Minnesota, including a requirement that at least 50% of the $200 million allocation be directed to greater Minnesota, and noted that the program would run for 12 months with state oversight to help guide investments. Testimony in support came from Alex Stuponic of Advantage Capital and Jason Wabama of Advanced Machine Guarding Solutions in Hibbing. Stuponic described the federal New Markets program as a tool for directing capital to low-income and underserved communities, cited Minnesota projects that have already benefited from federal funding, and argued that state programs in other states have successfully attracted more investment. Wabama said the credit could help rural businesses like his expand, noting that his Hibbing company has grown from one employee in 2021 to 22 employees and hopes to reach 50 employees while eventually becoming an ESOP. Chair Gomez raised concerns about the bill’s changes, especially the set-aside of half the funds for one region and the five-year carryforward, saying the proposal seemed arbitrary and more permissive and that there was likely not room in the budget for the $100 million cost this year. In response, Swedzinski said the fiscal note pushes costs into future years, with the first costs beginning in 2028-2029, and emphasized that the structure would allow the investment benefits to occur upfront. The amendment was adopted, and the bill, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that's a big part of what we have been focused on.
• And so that's a big part of what we have been focused.
• , is we do part of it through the public television and then part of it through you guys.
• , is we do part of it through the public television and then part of it through you guys.
• So as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Congress requires, as part of the state's application,

Summary: The Rural Health Transformation Committee approved the May 28 minutes and received a status update from DHW Director Juliet Sharon on the Rural Health Transformation Program. Sharon reviewed the committee’s expedited review process for solicitations and subgrants, explained where funding opportunities are posted, and noted a new email subscription feature for stakeholders. She said the department has focused first on administrative and contractor awards, with provider-oriented subgrants coming soon, and said the committee will receive information on applicants, scoring, and awards. Members raised concerns about process complexity, outreach, and whether smaller rural providers may be disadvantaged; Sharon said DHW is working to simplify applications and expand outreach. The committee also discussed the first maternal and child health solicitation, with Sharon saying she would follow up on the applicant pool and would bring any need to pivot back to the committee. The committee then heard from the Idaho Military Division on its rural health priorities. Bureau Chief Wayne Denny said the division is partnering with DHW on modernizing the 911/emergency communications system, including next-generation 911 work with counties, relocating the backup state communications center, and coordinating exercises. He also described rural health extenders, including community health workers and community health EMS, and said the goal is to place at least one paid full-time EMS provider in every county and use prevention and chronic-care management to reduce emergency room use. Members asked about how the extenders would function, how the 911 work would be funded and implemented county by county, and how sustainability would work after the five-year grant period. Jennifer White of the State Board of Education outlined higher education and workforce proposals, including mobile simulation training, shared statewide clinical infrastructure, learn-in-place programs, and targeted equipment and facilities for nursing and allied health. She said the board is also working on graduate medical education, with about $5 million of ready-to-launch projects and roughly $3 million still available, and proposed a strategic rural GME incubator and a rural training site network. A lengthy discussion followed about whether remaining funds should support GME, broader medical education, or undergraduate medical education, including a proposed University of Idaho/University of Utah partnership and possible satellite campus. Some members supported using funds to build Idaho’s medical pipeline and noted existing policy for UME expansion, while others warned against creating long-term state obligations without legislative approval. The committee also discussed outreach, the first federal progress report due at the end of August, and plans to create a governor-appointed rural health transformation task force with legislative and stakeholder representation. The meeting ended with plans for an additional committee meeting on August 18 and a later meeting in late September, with adjournment following.

Transcript Highlights:

• part.
• We'll start with the power part first. All right. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• The transparency part would help us with that goal and how many we actually need.
• They have a similar karst topography to this part of Missouri.
• The only part of the bill that directly affects Ameren is the part on load shedding.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's a two-part answer.
• And that's part of what makes up that $1.4 billion.
• Well, that's part of it as well.
• Well, that's part of it as well.
• It's part of that $1.4 billion.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That’s the same conversation in part as before. I’m sorry.
• That’s the same conversation in part as before.
• There's three or four in the northern part of the state.
• There's three or four in the northern part of the state.
• There's three or four in the northern part of the state.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee began by introducing several RSs, then heard and advanced a series of gubernatorial reappointments, including Skip Smeiser to the Idaho Lottery Commission, Jerry Aldapie to the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board, and Nikaela Black Abrams to the Idaho State Racing Commission. The committee also heard Bud Tracy’s reappointment to the State Building Authority, with Tracy briefly describing his interest in continuing to serve, though that appointment was held for a later vote. Members then considered election-related legislation. Senate Bill 1398 would restore and align Idaho’s presidential primary with the state primary in May; the Secretary of State, county clerks, and the League of Women Voters supported it, citing higher turnout, easier participation than caucuses, and cost savings. House Bill 872 would eliminate the separate ballot page for constitutional amendments and initiatives, with supporters saying it would save money and reduce confusion, while the League of Women Voters opposed it as making direct democracy less distinct. House Bill 831 would require schools used as polling places to be free of instructional activity on election day and allow districts time to adjust schedules; clerks, the Secretary of State, and the League supported it as improving voter access and student safety. All three bills were sent to the floor with due-pass recommendations. The committee also advanced House Concurrent Resolution 32, which affirms Idaho energy sovereignty and prioritizes in-state dispatchable generation and property rights; the sponsor said it supports reliable, affordable energy and limits impacts from transmission projects, and it passed with a due-pass recommendation. House Bill 893, a codifier cleanup bill, also passed unanimously. House Bill 817, which updates tobacco retail laws to better accommodate premium cigar retailers and adult-only cigar events while keeping youth protections in place, drew support from a small business owner and industry representatives and was sent to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. Finally, Senate Bill 1397 would bring private wastewater corporations with more than 100 service connections under Public Utilities Commission rate regulation; supporters said it would protect customers from unregulated monopolies, and the bill advanced with a due-pass recommendation.