Transcript Highlights:

• Ward. Present. Would you please call the roll? Ward? Present. Lackey? Here. Elhawary? Here.
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Lackey? Aye. Lackey, aye. Elhawary? Aye. Jeff Gonzalez? Aye. I. McKinner?
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Lackey? El-Hawari? Aye. El-Hawari? Aye. Jeff Gonzalez? Aye. Jeff Gonzalez?
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Lackie? El-Hawari? Aye. El-Hawari? Aye. Jeff Gonzalez? Aye. Jeff Gonzalez?
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. El-Hawari? Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. El Hawari, aye. Current roll is 5-0.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on youth health, sports, and entertainment access. AB 1626 would require mental health training for youth sports coaches and create a model training for recreational and club coaches; supporters said coaches are often the first adults to notice mental health struggles, and the bill passed 6-0 to the Assembly Education Committee. AB 1884, as amended, would allow school districts that already use athletic drug-testing programs to add nicotine testing, with safeguards limiting disclosure and removing earlier punitive provisions; supporters framed it as a response to youth vaping, while opponents warned it could stigmatize students, discourage participation in extracurriculars, and burden schools. The bill passed 3-2 to the Assembly Education Committee, with some members still expressing reservations but supporting it after amendments. AB 2503 addressed heat guidelines for desert school athletics, seeking flexibility in wet-bulb temperature rules so practices and games would not be pushed so heavily into evening hours. The author and a desert athletic trainer argued current standards do not reflect local acclimatization and create scheduling burdens; the bill passed 5-0 to the Assembly Education Committee. AB 1954, the PAR Act, would require third-party golf reservation platforms to have written authorization from municipal golf course operators before listing or reselling tee times, aimed at stopping inflated resale of public golf reservations. Supporters from city and golf organizations said the bill would protect affordable access to public courses; it passed 5-0 to the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. The committee also heard AB 2319, which would create a standalone California post-production tax credit to keep editorial, sound, visual effects, and finishing work in-state even when principal photography occurs elsewhere. Labor and industry witnesses said California is losing post-production jobs to other jurisdictions and urged the bill be amended to include stronger labor standards; the bill passed to the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee. Finally, AB 1720, the California Fans First Act, would cap resale prices for concert and live entertainment tickets at no more than 10% above face value, excluding sporting events and certain season-ticket arrangements. The author argued the bill would curb scalping and make live events more affordable for fans.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward. Here. Ward here. Wicks. Wilson. Here. Wilson here. We have a quorum. You can move now.
• Ward. Wicks. Ward? Aye. Board aye. Wicks. Wilson. I. Aye. Wilson, aye.
• Ward. Aye. Patterson, Pellerin, Petri-Norris. Aye. Ward. Aye. Wicks. Wilson. Aye.
• Ward, aye. Wicks... Ward, aye. Wicks, aye. Wilson, aye. We have enough votes.
• I'm sorry, Ward. Ward, aye. That bill has 13 votes. We'll leave it open for absent members.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with the main discussion focused on AB 1705, AB 1898, AB 2076, and AB 2564. AB 1705 would require pornographic websites and uploaders to certify consent and age before sexually explicit content is posted, including AI-generated nude images, and would allow civil actions by nonconsenting individuals or minors depicted in the material. Supporters, including child advocacy, women’s groups, district attorneys, and university women’s organizations, said it would help combat nonconsensual sexual imagery and revenge pornography; there was no opposition testimony, and the bill drew favorable comments from members. AB 1898 would require employers to give workers advance notice before using AI-powered tools to surveil or manage employees, including disclosure of the purpose, data collected, decisions affected, and general locations of use. Labor groups and privacy advocates supported the measure as a transparency and worker-protection bill, while business and industry groups opposed it, arguing the definitions were too broad, the notice requirements could expose proprietary or security-sensitive information, and the private right of action could lead to litigation and overbroad compliance burdens. Members raised cybersecurity and scope concerns, and the author said the bill had already been narrowed and would continue to be refined, but the committee ultimately took a roll call and advanced the bill on a vote, leaving it on call for absent members. AB 2076 would add nitrous oxide to the list of products subject to online age verification under the Parents’ Accountability and Child Protection Act and increase penalties for large sellers that fail to comply. The author and supporters, including a parent, a deputy district attorney, narcotics officers, Children Now, labor, and the Children’s Advocacy Institute, described rising youth access, health harms, and online sales loopholes. Some opposition groups said they appreciated the amendments but remained concerned about other provisions. Members questioned the bill’s gift-card restrictions and whether they would unnecessarily limit adult purchasing choices; the author and committee staff explained the restriction was aimed at anonymous purchases of the most dangerous items. The bill passed on a 7-0 vote and was left on call for absent members. AB 2564 would prohibit “surveillance pricing,” or using personal data to set individualized prices, while preserving certain transparent discounts and loyalty programs. The author and supporters from Consumer Reports, TechEquity, labor, and privacy groups argued the bill would prevent discriminatory pricing and protect consumers from opaque data-driven price manipulation. Retail, chamber, and industry opponents said the bill was too broad, could chill legitimate discounts and promotions, created compliance and litigation risks, and contained vague definitions. Members discussed the balance between consumer protection and business concerns, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote on AB 2564.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Judy Ward. Aye. Senator Kim Ward. Aye. Senator Anthony Williams. No.
• Ward, Judy. Aye. Ward, Kim. Aye. Williams, Anthony H. Aye. Williams, Lindsay. No. Yaw. Aye.
• Ward, Judy. Aye. Ward, Kim. Aye. Ward, Judy. Aye. Ward, Kim. Aye. Williams, Anthony H. Aye.
• Ward, Judy. Aye. Ward, Kim. Aye. Williams, Anthony H. No. Williams, Lindsey. No. Yaw. Aye.
• Ward, Judy. Aye. Ward, Kim. Aye. Williams, Anthony H. No. Williams, Lindsey. No. Yaw. No.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, communications, committee reports, and leaves of absence. The journal was approved 50-0. The chamber then took up House Bill 1505, which drew extended debate over school funding and adequacy/tax equity. Senators Coleman and Keefer argued the bill continued to pour money into districts like Allentown without accountability or improved results, while Senators Costa, Miller, Haywood, and Anthony Williams defended the funding as a response to historic underfunding and the Commonwealth Court decision. A motion allowing Senator Coleman a third speaking turn was adopted 27-23, and the bill ultimately passed 45-5. The Senate then considered House Bill 2400, the General Appropriation Act. Supporters, including Senators Martin, Dush, Phillips-Hill, Costa, Ward, Street, Hughes, and Pittman, emphasized that the budget was balanced without using the rainy day fund or raising taxes, reduced the governor’s proposal, increased education and child care funding, supported nursing homes, rape crisis centers, infrastructure, and workforce programs, and shifted money from lapsed or unused accounts to current priorities. Opponents, including Senators Saval and Muth, said the budget failed to address structural deficits and omitted new revenue options, emergency services funding, and other major issues. The bill passed 44-6 with amendments and was returned to the House for concurrence. The Senate also passed a series of other bills, including House Bills 2412, 2413, 96, 858, 1042, 1286, 1646, 1851, 1862, 2017, 2024, 2401, and 2559, with varying margins, and sent them to the House, some with amendments. House Bill 1042 drew a negative recommendation from Senator Costa over a late amendment involving second-degree murder/felony language, but after reconsideration and vote changes it passed 30-20 with amendments. House Bill 1862, creating an Ignition Interlock Driver’s License, passed 45-5 after support from Senator Judy Ward. House Bill 1248 passed 43-7 and designates Pennsylvania rye whiskey as the official state spirit, with Senators Bartolotta and Robinson speaking in support. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 216, after defeating Senator Haywood’s amendment to narrow the scope of a proposed Legislative Budget and Finance Committee study of managed care organizations; the resolution passed 31-19. Several other bills were held over in their order, and the Senate later moved toward a condolence resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Orden, Ward-Engelking, Wintrow, Woodward, Woodward, Zuiderveld, Anthon, O'Conowitz, Taves, Ward-Engelking
• Ward-Engelking. The roll call shows 32 senators present, with three absent and formally excused.
• King, Winchrow, Woodward, Cedo, Seidelbilt, O'Connowitz, Taves, Ward Engel King.
• O'Connowitz, Taves, Ward Engel King.
• O'Connowitz, Taves, Ward Engel King.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 32 members present, approved the February 12 journal, and received committee reports and House messages. Committees reported several bills out for second reading, including Senate Bills 1261, 1262, 1265, and 1266, and House Bill 504. The Senate also received House bills 520, 579, 580, 581, and 583 for introduction, and enrolled measures SB 1222, SJM 108, and HJM 10 were processed for signatures and transmittal. During introductions, the Senate read a large slate of new bills covering topics such as kratom regulation, agricultural commerce, dietitian licensure compacts, occupational licensing for homeschool graduates, veterans’ benefits consumer protections, highway/right-of-way rules, education funding and scholarship limits, foster parent training, public benefits verification, hearing loss screening, criminal trespass at churches, and conversational AI safety. Several of these were referred to Judiciary and Rules for printing, while House Bill 583 was sent to Commerce and Human Resources. On third reading, Senate Bill 1240, a comprehensive overhaul of Idaho’s guardianship and conservatorship laws, drew supportive debate from Senators Rutke, Groh, and Lakey, who emphasized extensive stakeholder input, added protections, alternative arrangements short of full guardianship, and a delayed implementation date of January 1, 2027. The bill passed 32-0. Senate Bills 1248, 1249, and 1251 also passed, addressing the state public defense system’s capital crimes defense fund, outdated juvenile corrections language and time-zone references, and clarifying the Attorney General’s civil enforcement authority, respectively. The Senate then moved to miscellaneous business, made announcements, and adjourned until Monday, February 16, at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward, you may now open on the measure. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Ward.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. Sorry, Zbur.
• Chair of the LGBT Caucus, Senator Ward.
• Assembly Members Ward, Rogers, Elhawary, Mark Gonzalez, Assembly Members Ward, Rogers, El-Hawary, Mark
• On behalf of Chair Ward and Vice Chair Cervantes, On behalf of Chair Ward and Vice Chair Cervantes and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• De Ayala, Kerwin, Martinez Fischer, Orr, Vasut, Ward Johnson.
• Cole, De Ayala, Kerwin, Martinez Fischer, Orr, Vasut, Ward Johnson.
• Cole, De Ayala, Kerwin, Martinez Fischer, Orr, Vasut, Ward Johnson.
• Kerwin, Martinez Fischer, Orr, Vasut, Ward Johnson.
• Ward Johnson. There being six ayes and one nay, the motion prevails.

Bills: HB370, HB738, HB2935, HB3227, HB4103, HB5259, SB519, SB1350, SB1247, SB1248, SB2112, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR59, HCR109, HCR111, HCR135, SCR6

Keywords: HB 370, Events Trust Fund, Texas events funding, sports eligibility, women's sports, girls' sports, biological sex, transgender athletes, sex-segregated sports, athletic competition, event subsidies, tourism funding, site selection organization, anti-trafficking plan, female athletes, public funding, economic impact, sports policy, Rosenwald Schools, historical preservation

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward Engel King? Wintrow? Woodward. Aye. Ward Engel King. Wintrow. Woodward. Cito? Siderveld?
• Van Orden, Ward Engel King, Winchrow, Woodward, Zito. "50 seconds."
• Senator Ward Engel King. Thank you.
• Senator Ward Engelkin.
• Senator Ward-Engelking votes no. Wintrow. Senator votes no. Chair Ward-Engelking votes no. Wintrow?

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, received committee reports, gubernatorial messages, and House messages, and then moved through first, second, and third readings of numerous bills and memorials. Several measures were referred to committees or held on the calendar, including new Senate bills on kratom, child care, medical education, gold and silver investment, campaign finance, stablecoins, motor vehicles, and workers’ compensation, along with House bills already amended in the Senate. The chamber also adopted three memorials: House Joint Memorial 14 urging more surface water storage, House Joint Memorial 16 supporting seniors and Medicare oversight, and House Joint Memorial 13 calling for federal agencies to follow the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision on waters of the United States. The Senate took up a series of appropriation and policy bills on final passage. Senate Bill 1402, funding the Department of Juvenile Corrections, passed 25-9 after debate over replacement items, staffing, and IT needs. Senate Bill 1403, for the Department of Environmental Quality, passed 24-9 despite concerns about reduced positions and public safety impacts. Senate Bill 1404, for the Department of Agriculture, passed 26-8 with discussion of vehicle, lab, and pest-control and quagga mussel costs. Senate Bill 1405, moving the Soil and Water Conservation Commission to the Department of Water Resources and adjusting CREP and grant balances, passed 30-4; Senate Bill 1406, for the State Public Defender, passed 22-12 amid debate over staffing and the ongoing public defense lawsuit; and Senate Bill 1407, for the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, passed 24-10 after discussion of dedicated fund balances and replacement equipment. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1409 for the Idaho State Police, Brand Inspection, and POST, with a 28-5 vote, after debate over federal grant funding, mobile live scan devices, and vehicle replacements. On House bills, House Bill 905 passed 23-11 for the State Board of Education, House Bill 906 passed 26-8 for community colleges, House Bill 907 passed 23-11 for Career Technical Education, House Bill 908 passed 27-7 for the military division, House Bill 715 passed 28-6 on public library board authority, House Bill 742 passed 33-0 on electronic vehicle titles, and House Bill 658 passed 33-0 to fix cemetery district vacancy procedures. The Senate then began debate on House Bill 573, which would change who may teach the enhanced concealed carry course, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in Manchester, with 12 wards, can there be 100 people from the city of Manchester that request a
• </c><00:16:19.240><c> can</c><00:16:19.440><c> there</c> so in Manchester with 12 Wards can there so
• Yes, as you can see, I'm not Senator Ward. Good morning, Chairman and committee members.
• But I will ask Senator Ward as well. Okay. All right, thank you. You're welcome.
• Seeing none, you can tell Senator Ward I don't intend to take this up until two weeks from today.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No different than today when I’m hunting the boundary of a ranch to know where that boundary is.
• So, finite point just like a boundary.
• That sportsman where that boundary is.
• </c> than today when I'm hunting the boundary than today when I'm hunting the boundary of<02:39:19.200
• </c> of a ranch to know where that boundary of a ranch to know where that boundary is.<02:39:21.439><

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward. All right, we have established a quorum.
• Ward? Ward. The bill has seven ayes and three noes.
• Ward. Roger's aye. Ward, that has 10 votes, and we'll hold the roll open for members to add on.
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Eleven to four. That has 11 to 4.
• Ransom, Ward. Ward, aye. Moving on to item number five, AB 1237, McKinnor.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several transportation and climate-related bills. AB 954 would create a Caltrans pilot program for bike highways in two metropolitan areas and require a report to the Legislature; supporters said it would expand protected regional bike networks and help climate and equity goals, while some members objected that it would divert gas-tax-funded transportation dollars away from road repairs and rural needs. The bill passed on a 7-3 vote, with the roll held open for later additions. AB 289 would authorize automated speed enforcement in active highway construction zones to protect workers. The author and labor and contractor witnesses described repeated work-zone crashes and fatalities and argued the cameras would supplement, not replace, CHP enforcement. Some members raised concerns about civil penalties and enforcement policy, but the bill advanced on a 9-? initial vote and later was approved 15-1 after the roll was completed. AB 674 would update the Clean Cars for All program to prioritize pre-2004 high-polluting vehicles in disadvantaged and low-income communities and improve reporting and incentive rules. Supporters said older vehicles produce a disproportionate share of emissions and that the program has already retired thousands of cars; the committee approved the bill unanimously on the floor vote and sent it to the Committee on Natural Resources. AB 1237 would let LA Metro and VTA add a $5 fee to primary ticket sales for 2026 FIFA World Cup and NCAA championship events to fund transit service, with ticket holders able to use transit on event day. Supporters said the fee would help manage congestion and security needs, while the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association argued it was an unconstitutional tax requiring voter approval. The bill passed and was re-referred to the Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. AB 891 would create a Caltrans quick-build pilot for temporary safety improvements on state highways for pedestrians and bicyclists; supporters emphasized rapid, low-cost safety fixes, while opponents said the program could divert gas-tax funds and was not appropriate for rural areas. It passed 11-4 and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also approved a six-bill consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're going to move to file item number three, AB 2089 by Ward.
• Ward. Quorum. Thank you very much.
• So we're going to move to file item number three, AB 2089 by Ward.
• Ward. And we invite you to close if you would like. Yes, of course.
• File item number three, AB 2089, by Assembly Member Ward.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Lackey? Not voting. Elhori? Aye. Elhori, aye. Gonzalez? McKenner? Aye.
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Lackey? Aye. Lackey, aye. Elhori? Aye. Elhori, aye. Gonzalez? McKenner?
• Ward? Aye. Ward? Aye. Lackey? Aye. Alhawari? Aye. Alhawari? Aye. Gonzalez? McKenner? Aye. McKenner?
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Lackey? No. Lackey, no. Elhoray? Aye. Elhoray, aye. Gonzalez? McKenner? Aye.
• Ward? Aye. Ward, aye. Lackey? Elhawari? Gonzalez? McKenner? Aye. McKenner, aye. Ortega?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Quinlan is excused, as is Representative Ward. The recommendation has been adopted.
• </c><01:26:22.320><c> Cherry</c> as is representative Ward Cherry as is representative Ward Cherry recommendation
• </c><01:26:51.520><c> are</c><01:26:51.639><c> there</c><01:26:51.760><c> any</c> representative Ward
• are there any representative Ward are there any reservations<01:26:52.440><c> or</c><01:26:52.600><c
• </c><01:32:18.119><c> are</c><01:32:18.239><c> there</c><01:32:18.360><c> any</c> Representative Ward

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Energy and Environmental Protection Committee met on February 13, 2025, after a brief recess for a concurrent hearing. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including HB 332 on recycling and lithium-ion batteries, HB 256 on environmental protection and federal air standards, HB 348 on single-use plastics in lodging establishments, HB 810 on noise pollution and helicopter-related civil actions, HB 505 on Red Hill coordination, HB 975 on carbon sequestration incentives, and HB 974 on utility financing and step-in agreements. Testimony was generally supportive on HB 256, HB 348, HB 505, HB 975, and HB 974, while HB 332 drew both support and opposition, including concerns from the Consumer Technology Association about battery recycling policy. On HB 975, OPSD supported the program but urged language to prevent use for carbon offsets, and the committee discussed how the program would be monitored and reimbursed. On HB 974, the chair summarized extensive amendments addressing reserve fees, revenue definitions, trust funds, default procedures, and customer credits, while noting the Consumer Advocate’s changed view that a reserve fee may not be constitutionally required. In decision making, the committee adopted amendments and recommended passage for HB 332, converting it into a working group to study recycling of small- and medium-format lithium-ion batteries, with members from state agencies and industry and a note that an appropriation may be needed. HB 256 was passed with amendments to clarify compliance with federal law unless standards become more stringent. HB 348, HB 810, and HB 505 were each passed as is. HB 975 was passed with amendments, including language to prevent use of the program for carbon offsets and a note that dollar amounts would be blanked out and addressed in the committee report. HB 974 was also passed with amendments after the committee reviewed the proposed changes and discussed the reserve fee issue. The committee additionally noted that HB 1476 had previously been deferred and would remain deferred, and the meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward-Engelking. Wintrow. Representative Tanner. Aye. Miller. Furniss. Petzke. Aye. Manwaring.
• Ward-Engelking. Wintrow. Representative Tanner. Miller. Furniss. Petzke. Manwaring. Bruce. Harris.
• Ward-Engelking. Wintrow. Representative Tanner. Miller. Furniss. Petzke. Manwaring. May. Mitchell.
• Ward Engel King. Wintrow? Aye. Representative Tanner. Miller. Furness. Petski. Aye. Miller.
• Second by Senator Ward-Engelking. Do you speak further to your motion?

Summary: The committee first considered trailer appropriations for House Bill 684 and Senate Bill 1226. HB 684 would allow sheriffs to seek reimbursement for costs of collecting absconded prisoners, probationers, or parolees from out of state, with a fiscal impact estimated at up to $200,000; the committee approved a FY 2027 addition of $200,000 ongoing to the Department of Correction and recommended a due-pass. SB 1226 would add sexual battery and domestic violence misdemeanors to crimes requiring DNA samples and thumbprints, with an estimated annual cost of $63,000; the committee approved a FY 2027 addition of $63,000 ongoing to the Idaho State Police and also recommended due-pass. The committee then revisited the Secretary of State budget after House Bill 909 failed on the floor. The analyst reviewed the requested voter pamphlet funding, overtime transfer, and ITS replacement items. The committee adopted a revised FY 2027 motion adding $235,800 from the General Fund, including a one-time $350,000 voter pamphlet appropriation, a $20,000 transfer to personnel, and a 2% base reduction, and sent the budget forward with a due-pass recommendation. A major portion of the meeting focused on restoring behavioral health programs using a mix of Millennium Income Fund, opioid settlement funds, and federal matching dollars. Members debated options to restore ACT, peer support, skills training, transportation, partial hospitalization, and early serious mental illness programs. A broader restoration motion failed in the House committee, but a narrower FY 2027 motion for ACT and peer support services passed, as did a separate $250,000 opioid-settlement appropriation for peer support services in mental health courts. The committee also adopted language directing the Department of Health and Welfare to identify savings for future continuation of the restored programs and approved a FY 2026 supplemental of $200,000 for a legislative consultant to support oversight of the Medicaid managed care transition under HCR 30, despite objections that it duplicated department efforts. The committee adjourned after noting it would likely meet again Wednesday to handle remaining trailers, transfers, and supplemental items.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward-Engelking. Wintrow. Representative Tanner. Aye. Miller. Furness. Petske. Aye. Manwaring.
• Ward-Engelking. Wintrow. Representative Tanner. Miller. Furness. Petske. Manwaring. Bruce. Harris.
• Ward Engelking. Wintrow. Representative Tanner. Miller. Furness. Petski. Manwaring. May. Mitchell.
• Second by Senator Warding O'Kingell King. Do you speak further to your motion?
• Ward Engel King. Wintrow. Representative Tanner. Nay. Aye. Representative Tanner? Nay. Aye.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee considered several trailer appropriations and related language items. It approved $200,000 ongoing for the Idaho Department of Correction tied to House Bill 684, which allows sheriffs to seek reimbursement for costs of collecting absconders from out of state, and approved $63,000 ongoing for the Idaho State Police under Senate Bill 1226 to cover DNA sample and thumbprint collection for certain misdemeanor offenses. The committee also reconsidered the Secretary of State budget after House Bill 909 failed on the floor, and passed an amended FY 2027 budget with a $235,800 general fund increase, including a one-time $350,000 voter pamphlet appropriation, a $20,000 transfer from operating to personnel, and a 2% base reduction. A major portion of the meeting focused on restoring behavioral health programs in the Department of Health and Welfare using one-time Millennium Income Fund and opioid settlement dollars. Analysts outlined options to restore ACT, peer support, skills training, transportation, partial hospital, and early serious mental illness programs. The committee first rejected a broader restoration package, then approved a narrower FY 2027 package restoring only assertive community treatment and peer support services with $4.619 million from the Millennium Fund, $5.555 million from the opioid settlement fund, and $20.525 million in federal funds. It also approved $250,000 from the opioid settlement fund for peer support services in mental health courts and adopted language directing the department to identify savings for future funding needs, though a broader language motion failed. The committee then approved a FY 2026 supplemental of $200,000 for the Legislature to hire a consultant for the Medicaid Legislative Review Panel under HCR 30, despite objections that it duplicated work already being done by the Department of Health and Welfare’s consultant. Members also discussed that the one-time behavioral health funding would only carry programs through FY 2027 and may require general fund support later. The committee adjourned after announcing it would likely meet again Wednesday to handle year-end transfers, remaining trailer bills, and other pending budget items.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward-Engelking. Woodward. Zito. The roll call shows 27 senators in the chamber.
• Senator Ward-Engelking. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Ward Engel King? Aye. Wintrow? Mr. President. Van Orden? Aye. Ward Engel King? Wintrow. Mr.
• Ward Engel King? Wintrow? Is it a Mr.
• Ward Engel King? Winchrow? Is it a Ward Engelking? Wintrow? Mr. President, for 60 seconds?

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 27 members present at the start, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the corrected journal, and then moved through committee reports, messages from the House, and first- and second-reading referrals. Several resolutions and memorials were introduced, including SCR 125 on legislative compensation and SR 121 on transportation rules, along with multiple bills referred to committees or advanced for printing and second reading. The chamber also recessed briefly for caucus and later reconvened with a quorum of 33 senators present. On third reading, the Senate passed a series of bills, often by unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls. Among the measures debated were SB 1347, a transparency bill requiring more reporting from the Idaho Housing and Finance Association on federal housing and homelessness funds, which passed after supporters argued it would improve oversight and opponents warned of duplicative reporting. SB 1369 rewrote Idaho’s civil venue statute to make it more readable and allow filing where the cause of action occurred; SB 1358 adjusted career ladder rules so administrators returning to teaching could count administrative experience; and SB 1379 raised the Project CHOICE vehicle registration fee to help recruit and retain Idaho State Police troopers, drawing debate over public safety, taxpayer costs, and impacts on local law enforcement. The Senate also passed HB 635 requiring the Professional Standards Commission to report suspected criminal conduct to law enforcement, HB 532 standardizing DMV identity requirements, HB 520 standardizing hearing notices under the Administrative Procedure Act, HB 541 clarifying the definition of a child for electronic enticement offenses, HB 581 allowing the Legislature to formally notify the Supreme Court when court rules appear to conflict with statute, HB 599 changing distribution of public school digital content funds to a needs-based process, HB 544 extending military leave from 120 to 160 hours, HB 642 correcting death benefits for surviving families of fallen public safety officers and firefighters, HB 560 creating an option for jury-eligible residents to serve as county election workers, HB 697 separating election-crime offenses into distinct code sections, HB 698 closing a voting-rights loophole for felons convicted in other states, HB 503 transferring the Soil and Water Conservation Commission to the Department of Water Resources, and HB 676 revising geothermal water application rules. Most of these bills passed with little opposition, and titles were approved for transmission back to the House. The Senate also introduced new bills on public utilities and elections, and later began debate on HB 737 to merge the Office of Species Conservation with the Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, though that discussion was not completed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward? Present. Lackey? Yes, ma'am. El-Hawari... Ward? Present. Lackey? Yes, ma'am. Al-Hawari.
• Good morning, Chairman Ward and members of the committee.
• Chairman Ward and members of the committee, good morning.
• Ward. Aye. Ward. Aye. Lackey. Elhawari. Jeff Gonzalez. Aye. Jeff Gonzalez, aye. McKinner. Aye.
• Assemblymember Ward? Aye. Ward aye. Just the absent. Okay. El-Hawari. Jeff Gonzalez? Aye.

Summary: The committee heard two education-related bills. AB 1572, by Assembly Member Alanis, would require the California Interscholastic Federation to conduct annual reviews of sports officials’ safety training and qualifications and create an online system for schools to verify certification status. The author and CIF support argued it would improve transparency, accountability, and student-athlete safety; one late witness opposed the bill, criticizing CIF policies more broadly. The bill was moved forward on a due-pass motion and ultimately passed the committee 9-0. AB 1665, by Assembly Member Pacheco, would require school coaches to complete a California Department of Education-approved mental health training course. The author and supporters, including a former athlete and representatives from hospitals, professional sports teams, and psychiatrists, said coaches are often the first adults to notice mental health struggles and should be better equipped to respond. Opponents argued the bill could be used to advance gender-identity policies and questioned the need for additional training. Committee members in support said the bill was important for student mental health and that coaches already receive other safety training. The bill was amended and passed the committee 9-0. The chair also noted committee procedures at the start, including limits on witnesses and testimony time, and welcomed the new committee secretary. After both items were taken up and roll calls completed, the committee adjourned for the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Senator<00:30:13.360><c> Ward,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; Senator Ward, &gt;&gt; yes
• Senator Ward moves that the Senate concur with the House amendment on Senate Bill 430.
• Senator Ward, yes. Senator Rashardi is excused. Senator Fenton, no. Senator Mcu, yes.
• Senator Ward: Yes. Senator Rashardi: Excused. Senator Fenton: No. Senator Mcugh: Yes.
• c> the</c><01:09:11.839><c> Senate</c> Senator Ward moves that the Senate Senator Ward moves that the

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Ward, I, Wicks, Wilson.
• Ward.
• Ward? Ward, I'm sorry. Petrie-Norris, aye. Ward, aye. Wicks, aye. Wilson, aye. That has five votes.
• Ward, aye. Lowenthal, aye. Ortega, aye. Ward, aye. That bill is out, 13-0.
• Ward, we needed Mr. Ward on that. Okay, wait, I'm still not here. What? Say Ward, aye. Aye.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward Engelking. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Ward Engel King? Aye. Wintrow? Mr. President. Van Orden? Aye. Ward Engel King? Aye. Wintrow. Mr.
• Ward Engelking? Wintrow? Woller? Ward Engelking? Aye. Wintrow? Woller? Woodward? Siderveld? Adams.
• Ward Engel King? Wintrow? Is it a Mr.
• Ward Engel King? Winchrow? Is it a Ward Engelking? Wintrow? Mr. President, for 60 seconds?

Summary: The Senate convened with 27 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge, approved the corrected journal, and then moved through committee reports, messages from the House, and first and second readings of several bills. Among the measures introduced or advanced were appropriations bills, child custody and visitation bills, a digital identification bill, a virtual currency kiosk fraud prevention bill, and bills on public outdoor target ranges, hearing loss screening, and small claims procedure. The chamber also re-referred or held several resolutions and bills, including SCR 125 and SR 121 for printing, and later took a short recess for caucus and announcements. On third reading, the Senate passed SB 1347, a transparency bill requiring more reporting from the Idaho Housing and Finance Association on federal housing and homelessness funds; supporters said it would improve oversight of subrecipients and outcomes, while opponents argued it duplicated existing HUD and IHFA reporting. The Senate also unanimously passed SB 1369, which rewrites Idaho’s civil venue statute and allows certain lawsuits to be filed either where the defendant resides or where the cause of action occurred, and SB 1358, which lets returning school administrators count prior administrative service toward the teacher career ladder if they meet performance requirements. SB 1379 passed 28-7 to raise the Project Choice vehicle registration fee by $5 to help recruit and retain Idaho State Police troopers, with supporters citing public safety and opponents warning about taxpayer burden and impacts on local law enforcement. The Senate then passed HB 635, requiring the Professional Standards Commission to report suspected criminal conduct in education cases to law enforcement; HB 532, standardizing identity requirements for DMV transactions; HB 520, standardizing hearing-notice requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act; and HB 541, expanding the definition of a child for electronic enticement offenses to cover some 16- and 17-year-olds when the offender is at least five years older. Later, the chamber passed HB 581, allowing the Legislature to formally notify the Supreme Court when it believes a court rule conflicts with statute or substantive rights, despite separation-of-powers concerns raised by one senator, and HB 599, changing distribution of digital curriculum funds to a needs-based process. The Senate also approved HB 544 on military leave, HB 642 on death benefits for surviving spouses and dependent children of fallen public safety officers and firefighters, HB 560 allowing county election workers to be drawn from the jury pool, HB 697 separating election-crime offenses into distinct code sections, HB 698 closing a loophole for out-of-state felony convictions, HB 503 transferring the Soil and Water Conservation Commission to the Department of Water Resources, and HB 676 on geothermal water applications, which began debate on Boise’s geothermal system before the transcript ended. Most final votes were unanimous or near-unanimous, with the main recorded opposition on SB 1347, SB 1379, and HB 581.