Transcript Highlights:

• You have any opportunity to talk to them, please do.
• Let's say that we have a county that has a great job opportunity, and all of a sudden the state does
• something that removes that job opportunity.
• And if they're unemployed, they might be selling their house to move to a new job opportunity, right?
• So, yes, I do think there's a number of other opportunities that folks could...

Bills: HB111, HB108, HB145, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HB63, HB64, HB165, HB184, HB200, HB4, HB7, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB88, HB96, HB166, HB285, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Summary: The House spent much of the meeting on recognitions and tributes, including remarks supporting New Mexico’s dairy industry, honoring Gadsden Independent School District educators and students, recognizing Broadband Day at the Capitol, and celebrating the retirement of Representative Susan Herrera. Members from both parties praised Herrera’s long public-service career, especially her work on water, acequias, land grants, rural communities, modernization, early childhood, and predatory lending reform. Herrera thanked colleagues and said she was leaving to spend more time with family, grandchildren, and personal pursuits. The chamber also received a Senate message on House amendments to Senate Bill 3, with the Senate concurring in most items and asking the House to recede from two provisions. Committee reports were then adopted on a series of bills and resolutions, including House Bills 99, 206, 213, 250, 267, 270, 322, and 323; Senate Bills 17, 48, 55, 104, and 193; House Joint Resolution 5; and House Memorial 39. Most reports were adopted without objection, while some bills were advanced with committee substitutes or referrals to other committees. On third reading, the House passed several measures. House Bill 63, funding New Mexico Finance Authority water projects, passed 66-0; House Bill 64, appropriating about $13.25 million for PPRF-related funds, passed 67-0; House Bill 285, refining the disabled veteran property tax exemption, passed 67-0; House Bill 165, expanding C-PACE economic development uses, passed 67-0; House Bill 184, consolidating legacy fund investment accounts, passed 67-0; and House Bill 200, appropriating $10 million for the New Homes for New Mexico starter-home program, was debated at length and then passed. House Bill 291, the tax cleanup bill, drew a failed floor amendment that was tabled 41-24 before the bill passed 59-8. The debate on HB 200 focused on whether the program would help smaller builders and rural communities, while the HB 291 amendment debate centered on adding broader tax provisions and concerns about fiscal impact and policy scope.

Bills: HB111, HB108, HB145, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HB63, HB64, HB165, HB184, HB200, HB4, HB7, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB88, HB96, HB166, HB285, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Summary: The House resumed third reading after a brief evacuation caused by a fire alarm, which members later said was triggered by a faulty sensor in the print shop. The chamber then completed final passage on three bills. House Bill 111 passed 51-3 after debate in which a member from Lee objected that the bill’s language shifted the burden onto landowners and water right owners to prove innocence. House Bill 96, as amended, passed 61-0 after a friendly floor amendment added minority leader appointments to the proposed space commission working group and set the working group to dissolve on December 31, 2026. House Bill 108, as amended, passed 63-1; it made technical changes to soil and water conservation districts, including clarifying district definitions, director appointment procedures, and tax procedures.

Transcript Highlights:

• background, retail sales taxes are imposed on retail sales of most articles of tangible personal property, digital
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify. Thank you, Paul. Please proceed. Thank you, Mr.
• So this is an opportunity to give some relief to cities that are trying to do the right thing by living
• And thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak on this bill. I agree.
• And I want more people to have that opportunity. So please vote yes.

Bills: HB2376, HB2584, HB2610, HB2615, HB2089, HB2194, HB2257, HB2528, HB2175, HB2334

Keywords: property tax, reform, local government, taxpayer, funding, agriculture, tax exemption, farm machinery, equipment, sales tax, HB 2610, property tax exemption, nonprofit housing, affordable housing, low-income housing, community use, temporary use, charitable property, Washington property tax, Department of Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• My oldest daughter, now 25, has had the opportunity to receive nurturing, high-quality education from
• And for those who are secure in their affordability, this tax credit offers an opportunity to invest
• The way to flourish is to provide a quality opportunity for a child to earn the funds.
• It also provides us with an opportunity to scale the program and also to study it.
• At the appropriate time, I hope that we will give this idea an opportunity.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met under suspense-file procedures, with the chair explaining limits on testimony, position letters, and that bills with fiscal impacts of $150,000 or more would generally be sent to suspense rather than voted on immediately. Several bills were pulled from hearing, and a consent calendar of committee bills later passed 4-0. AB 761 by Addis, the only item initially slated for a vote, was ultimately held over to the next hearing. The committee heard testimony on a series of tax-related proposals. AB 232 would create catastrophe savings accounts for homeowners to save pre-tax money for wildfire, flood, or earthquake-related expenses; it drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, but was sent to suspense. AB 1443 would exempt tips from state income tax for five years and was supported by the California Restaurant Association and a restaurant owner, but also went to suspense. AB 1435 would provide relief to businesses and property owners facing cleanup and security costs from unauthorized encampments and illegal dumping; it received broad support from business, real estate, trucking, retail, and local government representatives, and was referred to suspense. The committee also heard AB 1428, which would create a California Affordable Child Care Fund financed by a 0.5% tax on income above $10 million; child care workers and SEIU-backed witnesses supported it, while taxpayer and business groups opposed it as harmful to competitiveness and affordability. AB 691 proposed a tax credit for adopting shelter pets and covering veterinary costs, AB 1219 proposed a middle- and low-income personal income tax cut, AB 1354 proposed a credit for increased homeowners insurance premiums, AB 19 proposed an education savings account/voucher-style program, and AB 567 proposed insurance rate stabilization and related tax/fund changes; each drew testimony for and against where present, but all were referred to suspense. The meeting ended with the committee adjourning after the held-over AB 761 item was postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, this program would offer opportunities for individuals to be able to use this, but at a lower
• Madam Chair, committee members, I don't have any prepared final comments, but I appreciate the opportunity
• Around what are different aid flows, what are different grant opportunities where we can see reductions
• And this is where the decision landed as an opportunity here. Thank you. I'll just be blunt.
• My mission, my vision, core values: providing access and opportunity for all students, no matter where

Bills: HF2430, HF2433

Keywords: education finance, teacher training, Read Act, state aid, school funding, education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation

Transcript Highlights:

• I went to medical school in Spain and had the opportunity to spend almost my entire career delivering
• My sister, Darcy McGill, and I are grateful for the opportunity to share how Florida's wrongful death
• And I'd like to thank all of you for allowing me the opportunity to speak.
• And I'd like to thank all of you for allowing me the opportunity to speak.
• Thank you, everybody, for this opportunity. I'm a physician in Panama City, Florida.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard three bills. SB 514, by Senator Harrell, clarified that medical quality review committees used by managing entities are treated like other medical review committees for purposes of civil liability and public records protections. The committee adopted a Harrell amendment removing the word “malpractice” from the title, heard support from the Florida Hospital Association, Florida Association of Managing Entities, and Florida Smart Justice Alliance, and then voted 11-0 to report the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 734, by Senator Yarborough, which would repeal the current wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The bill drew extensive testimony from families describing deaths they said were caused by medical negligence and from supporters including AARP and the Florida Justice Association, while opponents from the health care, insurance, and business sectors argued it would raise malpractice premiums, increase litigation, worsen physician shortages, and reduce access to care. After debate, the committee voted 9-2 to report the bill favorably. Finally, SB 538, by Senator Bradley, was presented as the state courts legislative package. It updates court operations by clarifying duty judge requirements, removing a location limit on duty hearings, repealing a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and allowing alternative judicial authentication of oaths and acknowledgments when a court seal is unavailable. The bill received supportive waiver forms from the Florida Bar ADR section and several judges, and was reported favorably on an 11-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• to subpoena documents or whatnot during the adjudicatory stage, they don't have an opportunity to do
• to then uh would give them opportunity to then uh further<02:26:15.319><c> hide</c><02:26:15.960><c>
• Thank you for the opportunity to be here today.
• This really could impede digital commerce and degrade internet experiences.
• I thank you for your attention and appreciate the opportunity to be here today.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met to hear House Bill 520, which would authorize the Department of Education to issue subpoenas in investigations and hearings involving the code of conduct for New Hampshire educators. Representative Lynn, the bill sponsor, said the measure was intended to give the department standard subpoena power during investigations and in later adjudicatory proceedings, with a process for challenging overbroad subpoenas. He argued that agencies with investigative and hearing authority should also have the power to compel witnesses and documents, and said the bill was narrowed from an earlier broader draft to focus on teacher credentialing and address concerns about scope. Members raised several concerns about whether the department already has enough authority, whether the Attorney General could handle subpoenas instead, and whether the bill creates an imbalance by giving subpoena power mainly to the investigating side. Representative Burroughs said she did not feel she had enough information and was uncomfortable with the bill, especially regarding who bears subpoena costs. Representative Biron questioned the trial analogy and whether both sides truly have equal subpoena rights. Lynn responded that the investigative stage is like a grand jury process, where only the investigating body subpoenas witnesses, while the adjudicatory stage allows both sides to seek subpoenas through the hearing officer. Other questions focused on the bill’s scope. Representative Andreos asked what investigative authority the Department of Education already has, and Representative Organ questioned why the bill is limited to educators rather than also covering vendors, charter school boards, or the EFA scholarship organization. Lynn said the limitation to educators was deliberate, because earlier broader versions drew objections for being too expansive. Representative Tur asked whether the Attorney General could already handle such matters, and Lynn said that while the AG might be able to pursue some investigations or court subpoenas, agencies should be able to conduct their own internal investigations. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I want to take this opportunity to recognize Becca Sandou.
• I hope that data, AI, and digital modernization.
• Higher costs, fewer services, and limited opportunities.
• Please. ...with less, higher costs, fewer services, and limited opportunities.
• We have equal opportunity, opportunity to rise, work, and do our jobs.

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, and spent much of the opening portion recognizing guests and interns from both parties, along with former lawmakers and a newly seated member, Representative Sylvia Allen. The chamber then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2065 honoring the late Alfredo Gutierrez. Members from both parties gave extended remarks about his life as a civil rights advocate, student activist, legislator, and mentor, and the resolution was unanimously adopted and transmitted to the Senate. Family members of Gutierrez were recognized in the gallery during the memorial tribute. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole on the first budget-related measures. On House Bill 4138, the “feed bill”/budget operations measure, Democrats argued the budget favored corporations and data centers over seniors, health care, housing, universities, and vulnerable families, while Republicans defended it as a continuation of prior policy and said it preserved tax conformity and modest agency cuts. After debate and questions, the committee recommended the bill do pass and the House adopted that report, sending HB 4138 to engrossing. The chamber next considered House Bill 4139, the amusement/gaming-related budget bill. Members debated whether it was essentially unchanged from last year’s budget language, with Republicans saying it was a continuation bill and that gaming-related provisions would support rural economies and tourism, while Democrats questioned the broader budget context and its effects on working families. The committee recommended HB 4139 do pass, and the House adopted that recommendation. The House then began debate on House Bill 4140, the state budget implementation bill, focusing on the budget stabilization fund and a proposed government efficiency initiative; discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• We opened a place in Anoka for a housing opportunity, and it's everybody's committed to it.
• We opened a place in Anoka for a housing opportunity, and it's everybody's committed to it.
• A place in Anoka for a housing opportunity, and it's everybody's committed to it.
• They left to pursue opportunities, and I grew up in the Washington, D.C., area.
• They left to pursue opportunities, and I grew up in the Washington, D.C., area.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One thing I would say in the definition you read, it did talk about digital processing and one might
• was in the wording data back and digital was in the wording of<00:32:48.320><c> industrial.
• Uh, and appreciate the opportunity to provide these comments today.
• Thanks so much for the opportunity to comment. >> Good morning, Mr. Chairman.
• Thanks so much for the opportunity to comment. Uh, my name is Cara Shet.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you so much for this opportunity.
• It is sports<00:25:36.240><c> opportunity</c><00:25:37.039><c> funding</c> sports opportunity funding
• Thank you for the opportunity to share with you folks.
• So, opportunity to share with you folks.
• So we do expect digital tourism survey.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill stipulates that the department and access do the following: identify opportunities to eliminate
• This bill expands the definition of public safety employee to include a crime scene technician and digital

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of Senate bills spanning elections, transportation, health care, criminal justice, housing, water, and local government. Early discussion focused on SB 1037, which would tighten security and custody requirements for electronic voting systems, and SB 1568, which would require testing of election equipment timekeeping functions. Members also discussed several election-related measures, including SB 1687 moving the primary date to May starting in 2028 and SB 1825 changing the process and deadline for filling precinct committeeman vacancies. Some members raised concerns about whether election-related bills had testimony from people who actually work elections. Several transportation, land use, and local-government bills were summarized, including SB 1024 on roadable aircraft, SB 1205 on motor vehicle booting, SB 1473 on assisted living occupancy limits, SB 1566 on penalties for malicious permit delays, SB 1787 on exactions and appeals, and SB 1419 on solar installation and roof integrity requirements. Members flagged SB 1624, which caps photo-enforcement civil penalties at $75 and bars points and insurance impacts, as well as SB 1478, a liquor omnibus bill with cider-related changes. There was also discussion of water and land issues, including SB 1200 on commingling effluent in water systems, SB 1447 extending a Pinal County groundwater fee diversion, SB 1560 increasing the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund loan cap, SB 1075 creating a foreign entity review commission for land conveyances, and SB 1280 prohibiting transport of Mexican gray wolf pups into Arizona. Health and human services bills included SB 1095 and SB 1094, both related to gender transition care for minors, which drew strong opposition from members who called them harmful and unnecessary; both were pulled from consent for further discussion. Other health-related measures included SB 1165 on breast cancer screening cost-sharing, SB 1253 allowing newborn surrender at hospitals, SB 1446 reducing dialysis documentation requirements, SB 1561 on assisted living notices and vulnerable adult study work, SB 1162 and SB 1164 on health care institution licensing and ownership-change claims processing, and SB 1178 expanding naturopathic IV drug administration authority, which was noted as having mixed votes and was pulled for closed caucus discussion. The caucus also reviewed criminal justice and public safety bills such as SB 1092 on probation for dangerous crimes against children, SB 1239 on sex-offender registration prosecutions, SB 1240 on probation success incentive payments, SB 1493 on reinstatement costs for law enforcement officers, SB 1502 on unlawful flight and reckless endangerment, SB 1512 on vulnerable adult theft definitions, SB 1520 on immigration data sharing, SB 1540 on motor fuel theft, SB 1635 on warning someone about an imminent arrest, and SB 1669 on rape-shield evidence rules. Several bills were pulled from consent, some were noted as split votes or controversial, and the meeting ended with plans to move into closed caucus for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Incidentally, Senators, you'll hear IDLA and ILA, just to differentiate those for you: IDLA, Idaho Digital
• I've had the opportunity to participate with them in their programs, speaking to them about government

Summary: The Senate convened with 32 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge, approved the prior journal, and received communications including the designation of Steve Kaiser as a substitute senator for District 15. The chamber also made several committee report referrals and introductions before moving into floor action on memorials and bills. The Senate adopted Senate Joint Memorials 110, 111, and 113. SJM 110 urged federal action to restore sugar import safeguards to protect Idaho sugar beet growers and rural jobs. SJM 111 reaffirmed Idaho’s position that public lands should remain in public hands and opposed transfer or sale of federal lands, with debate focusing on stewardship, access, and the cost of state management. SJM 113 supported the concept of Treasury bonds redeemable in gold as a way to test dollar credibility and address inflation. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 116, described as a cleanup of rules related to sales and use taxes and lodging taxes. On legislation, House Bill 624 passed the Senate 32-0 and was returned to the House; supporters said it updates Idaho’s virtual learning and Idaho Home Learning Academy framework with added oversight, transparency, and contract controls, while preserving the program. Senate Bill 1305 passed on a voice/roll-call consent vote and would let water district users, by resolution, charge water-right transfer costs to the person transacting the property rather than spreading them across all users. Senate Bill 1271, as amended, passed 28-3; it declares invasive rats a public health and safety nuisance and directs the Department of Agriculture to assess the problem and coordinate a response, with legislative approval required for any funding. The Senate then handled first- and second-reading referrals, held a few announcements, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the opportunity today to hear from our University of Idaho folks.
• And finally, one of your early slides showed a single-digit reduction in crop value for some raw crops

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee approved the January 14, 2026 minutes and then heard a University of Idaho presentation from extension economist Brett Wilder on the financial condition of Idaho agriculture in 2025. Wilder said Idaho agriculture remains a major part of the state economy, with livestock outperforming crops: he projected record cash receipts of about $12.1 billion, with cattle and calves surpassing milk receipts for the first time since 2003. He also said ag exports were strong, net farm income was expected to rise modestly, and livestock receipts were benefiting from low cattle inventories and strong beef prices, while crop sectors such as potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, and barley were under pressure from weak prices and large global supplies.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I want to take this opportunity to recognize Becca Sandou.
• I hope that data, AI, and digital modernization.
• Higher costs, fewer services, and limited opportunities. Please.
• We have equal opportunity, opportunity to rise, work, and do our jobs.
• It comes from freedom, opportunity, and letting people keep more of what they earn.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to access professional development, coaching, and networking opportunities.
• opportunities.
• So we have incorporated virtual reality opportunities.
• So we have incorporated virtual reality opportunities, simulations.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.

Summary: The committee heard three presentations focused on child welfare workforce development and the needs of children in Florida’s dependency system. First, the Florida Institute for Child Welfare described its Grow Center and related initiatives, including academic curriculum enhancements, simulations, virtual reality training, coaching, on-demand learning, advanced certifications, and the planned Tallahassee learning lab opening in January 2026. Members asked about conflict resolution, domestic violence, addiction, and microcredentials; the presenter said the institute is expanding training in those areas and is working with DCF to align advanced certifications with the department’s career ladder. The Department of Children and Families then presented on the Continue the Mission initiative, which recruits veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers into CPI, API, and case management roles. DCF said it has held more than 240 hiring events and hired 372 such workers since launch, while also improving recruitment and retention through higher starting pay, streamlined hiring, rebranding, wellness supports, and enhanced pre-service training. Senators asked about PTSD concerns, staffing levels, caseloads, hotline vacancies, and salaries; DCF said it had not seen direct PTSD issues from the hiring effort and provided figures including a $50,000 starting salary for CPIs, $37,000 for APIs, and average caseloads of 12 to 15 investigations for CPIs and about 10 for APIs. Finally, DCF discussed the increased acuity of children in the dependency system, explaining that fewer children are entering care overall but those who do often have more complex behavioral, mental health, developmental, or medical needs. The department highlighted a new Behavioral Qualified Residential Treatment Program (BQRTP) designed for youth who need more intensive support than traditional foster or group home settings but do not require inpatient psychiatric treatment; one facility is licensed with 12 of 14 beds filled, and DCF said it is seeking funding for placement for 230 youth total. Members pressed for details on licensure timelines, standards, funding, and the handling of crossover youth and lockouts, and DCF said it uses braided funding and works with DJJ, APD, and lead agencies through local and state review teams. A representative of the Florida Coalition for Children also testified, saying the issue is complex and multi-year, and that the coalition is working on possible legislative and programmatic solutions. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• have enough information at the time, and while I did vote no, um, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity
• for us to [clears throat] opportunity for us to [clears throat] reconsider<00:09:24.839><c> it</c><00
• And if you haven't, this will be your last opportunity to do so.
• </c><01:26:03.880><c> Um,</c><01:26:04.240><c> what</c> your last opportunity to do so.
• Um, what your last opportunity to do so.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a digital committee, so Tracy will go over all that. Tracy, do you need to say anything?

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee convened with a quorum, welcomed new members and a page, and reviewed digital committee procedures before taking up three RS introductions. Representative Hill presented RS 32835, an update to the Idaho Code of Military Justice for the Idaho National Guard. He said the measure would better align military justice procedures with Title 32 Guard operations, improve commanders’ ability to maintain discipline, enhance protections for accused service members, and remove outdated language. After brief questions, the committee voted to introduce RS 32835. Representative Green introduced RS 32973, describing it as a follow-up to last year’s transportation-related legislation. The proposal would allow government entities receiving federal or grant funding to make standalone bike and pedestrian facility improvements, and would narrow a violation provision to apply only to elected officials or officers. She also declared a Rule 80 conflict because she works as a transportation planner. The committee voted to introduce RS 32973. Representative Dygert presented RS 32991, which would make truck inspections valid for 72 hours so vehicles used repeatedly during harvest operations would not need full inspections at every crossing. He emphasized that the bill would not eliminate weigh stops or driver credential checks, only repeat vehicle inspections. Members asked about the current lack of a time limit, the choice of 72 hours, and how enforcement would work. The committee then voted to introduce RS 32991 and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Public comments are an opportunity for the council and people in the room to listen.
• I believe it provides a good opportunity. I hope that this is Productive for everyone.
• OK, I will provide a general update after which advisory council members will have an opportunity for
• It's not digital.
• You know, we're now starting to look at potential growth opportunities.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, members of the committee, thank you for this opportunity this morning.
• Chairman, members of the committee, thank you for this opportunity this morning.
• Just as a little background, funding for public school digital content and curriculum has been around
• Chair and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to be here and to speak.
• I really appreciate the opportunity to speak today in support of this resolution.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 2 and 3, then introduced RS 3-1308, a proposal from Rep. Raymond to change public school digital content and curriculum funding from a first-come, first-served system to an as-needed, scored application process so districts with greater need would receive priority. The motion to introduce the RS passed without opposition. The committee then heard a presentation from Casey Petty of the Office of Performance Evaluations on the K-12 districts characteristics and funding study. He explained Idaho’s support unit funding model, contrasted it with per-student funding used in other states, and said district size is the main driver of state funding per student. He also said small districts tend to serve proportionally more special education students, while larger districts serve more high-need students overall. Petty highlighted that Idaho’s special education funding formula relies on assumed percentages rather than actual counts, resulting in fewer support units than if all special education students were counted, and said many districts spend more on special education than they receive from the state. Members asked about the support unit model, district size effects, charter school data, Medicaid, and whether the formula should be revised. The committee then took up H.J.M. 11, sponsored by Rep. Furman, urging Congress to fully fund IDEA at the promised 40 percent of excess special education costs. Testimony in support came from Boise special education director China Herosaki, Caldwell educator Julie Mead, virtual teacher Kevin Field, and Fruitland Superintendent Stoney Winston, all of whom described rising special education needs and local districts covering large funding gaps with general funds. Members asked about rising autism and behavior-related needs, eligibility and evaluation practices, and how districts manage costs and services. The committee moved H.J.M. 11 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with one member noting concern that federal lawmakers might respond by reducing IDEA obligations rather than increasing funding.