Transcript Highlights:

• I'll entertain a motion to be properly moved. Any no votes? Any without recs?
• The Consumer Protection Committee entertains a lot of bills.
• I've had a battery fire in my district.
• During none, I'll entertain a motion. It was properly moved and seconded. Any no votes?
• During none, I'll entertain a motion. It's been probably moved in second.

Committee: Senate Energy And Telecommunications

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications considered a large agenda focused mainly on energy affordability, the CLCPA, utility rates, and renewable energy siting. Senator Mattera and other Republican members argued that the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act has driven up utility bills, harmed reliability, and imposed costs on ratepayers, while Democratic members pushed back that rising costs are also driven by natural gas markets, infrastructure costs, and broader economic factors. Several bills sought to repeal or pause CLCPA-related policies, create a CLCPA task force, impose studies or moratoriums on new energy taxes and fees, and increase transparency around utility surcharges and state energy spending. Supporters framed these measures as ratepayer relief and accountability; opponents said some proposals would undermine clean-energy policy and existing consumer-benefit programs. The committee defeated S.1167, which would have repealed the All Electric Building Act, and S.1173, which would have created a CLCPA task force. It also failed S.5250, a bill to study CLCPA costs and impose a moratorium on new energy taxes, fees, or regulations, and S.7075, which would have prohibited the system benefits charge on utility bills. Several other bills advanced, including S.1236A on virtual access and electronic filing for Public Service Commission proceedings, S.1552 establishing reduced residential rates for low-income electric and natural gas customers, S.2484 directing a study of replacement timeframes for battery storage and renewable facilities, S.2638 on carbon allowance auction proceeds, S.3247 on electric vehicle charging stations, S.3553 requiring utilities to post promotional and educational materials on their websites, S.4571A creating a floating solar incentive education program, S.5518 shifting Public Service Commission funding to legislative appropriation, and S.6412A requiring itemized ratepayer disclosure of surcharges. S.9251, on labor-related legal costs, was referred to the Labor Committee. S.7710, which would have restricted energy storage systems near schools and homes in New York City, failed after concerns and support were debated. The committee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we'll entertain that. ...and let members look at it, and then we'll entertain that motion.
• Senator Missy Irvin, I represent District 24. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Irvin, I represent District 24.
• And so for the school districts that these isolated districts are detaching from, do they have funds
• And so for the school districts that these isolated districts are detaching from, do they have funds
• County School District.

Committee: All JBC-SPECIAL LANGUAGE

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill had its origins in a situation that took place right bordering my district.
• And so the cemetery maintenance district was left with no governance.
• Because sometimes you can have a cemetery district that crosses county lines.
• Once again, Representative Dale Hawkins, Legislative District 2.
• Okay, seeing none, committee, I would entertain a motion to introduce RS 33311.

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The committee opened by approving the January 28, 2026 minutes. Members then heard several RS introductions, with the chair noting the committee would keep questions technical and brief because the meeting was expected to be short. Representative Birch introduced RS 33342, a bill to close a statutory gap in the governance of cemetery maintenance districts. He explained it was prompted by a local cemetery district where all trustees resigned, leaving no clear process to fill vacancies. The proposal would have the county where most of the district is located lead the appointment process for vacancies. Members asked about a date reference in the draft, and Birch said the language appeared to reflect a prior version; he also noted the bill had been reviewed with the association of cities and counties. The committee voted to introduce the RS. Representative Hawkins introduced two immigration-related RSs. RS 32821C3 would create a memorandum of understanding for local law enforcement, below the state police level, to work with ICE and related agencies; Hawkins said training costs would be covered by the federal government. RS 32822C1 would require tracking numbers related to non-citizens in the prison system, which Hawkins said was intended to quantify costs to Idaho taxpayers. Members asked about proof of citizenship and whether agencies already had the needed reporting infrastructure. Both RSs were moved forward by committee vote, with Birch noting he would support the motion while wanting to consider possible unintended consequences later. Vice Chair Cornilles introduced RS 33311, a revision to prior language on solid waste collection units that would apply to counties instead of cities. He said the change would allow contractors on county job sites to use their own dumpster provider rather than being tied to a specific company. The committee voted to introduce the RS, and the chair closed by saying additional committee meetings were likely the following week and that the committee would plan to meet on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to finish on a positive note, however, by inviting you all to my district, the 30th Senate district
• Senate District this Friday to join in celebration of the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day with me at
• I want to acknowledge all those that came here from far, from my district, from all over Los Angeles
• I recognize the Latino theater company in my district and how important the legacy is of having those
• The Oakdale Saddle Club is in Stanislaus County and Senate District 4.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, including a remembrance of the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 87 by Senator Archuleta, which recognized April 24 as the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and emphasized historical remembrance, support for Armenian communities, and concern over ongoing threats and humanitarian issues affecting Armenians. Several senators spoke in support, and the resolution was adopted by a 37-0 vote. Senator Archuleta then introduced members of the Armenian community in the gallery. The Senate also adopted several other resolutions honoring communities and causes. Senator Cortese presented SR 93 honoring Jim Plunkett’s football career and his role as a trailblazing Latino athlete; senators highlighted his Heisman Trophy, Super Bowl wins, and pending Hispanic Football Hall of Fame recognition, and the resolution passed unanimously. Senator Wiener presented SCR 124 on transportation access for Californians with epilepsy, focusing on how seizure-related driving restrictions can limit employment, education, and medical care; it was adopted unanimously. Senator Allen presented SCR 158 declaring April Arts, Culture and Creativity Month and marking the 50th anniversary of the California Arts Council, with remarks celebrating the state’s arts economy and longtime arts leaders; it also passed unanimously. Later, Senator Alvarado-Gil presented SCR 159 designating April as California Rodeo Appreciation Month, describing the history, cultural significance, diversity, and economic role of rodeo in California. Supportive remarks followed from another senator, and the resolution was adopted unanimously. The author then introduced rodeo guests, including athletes and rodeo association leaders. The Senate also heard multiple privileges-of-the-floor introductions, including arts figures such as Luis Valdez, Cheech Marin, and Ruth Asawa’s son Paul Lanier, as well as student and community guests. The chamber approved the consent calendar by a 38-0 vote, noted committee meetings for Human Services, Military and Veterans, and Privacy, and adjourned with the next floor session scheduled for April 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, an alarming situation came about in my district.
• If it's adult entertainment, keep it adult entertainment.
• Chair, Brianna, are you aware that drag performances are not considered adult entertainment?
• No, that's entering the adult entertainment. So I'm like, take the politics out of it.
• Adult entertainment has no place in public venues.

Committee: House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2415, which would regulate kratom by treating certain synthetically derived compounds as narcotic drugs, raising the minimum sale age to 21, and penalizing sales of products exceeding a 400 parts per million cap. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill targets dangerous synthetic or highly concentrated kratom while preserving natural leaf products; testimony included a woman describing kratom addiction and treatment, family members describing harm from 7-OH products, and law enforcement and Attorney General’s Office support. Opponents, including criminal justice advocates, warned the bill could sweep in users and create harsh felony penalties, while some speakers urged a full ban and others defended natural kratom as distinct from synthetic products. The committee adopted the Wynn amendment and then gave HB 2415, as amended, a do-pass recommendation by a 6-3 vote. The committee then considered HB 2870, which would prohibit more than one Level 2 or Level 3 registered sex offender from residing in the same home unless they are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by a neighborhood case involving multiple sex offenders in one residence and argued it was aimed at residential homes, not supervised group homes. Supporters described fear and disruption in their neighborhoods, while opponents argued the bill would reduce already limited housing, make supervision harder, and potentially force people onto the streets; some also raised due process and recidivism concerns. After discussion about possible amendments and the distinction between group homes and unsupervised residences, the committee approved HB 2870 with a do-pass recommendation by a 6-3 vote. Next, the committee heard HB 2413, which requires GPS or electronic monitoring for registered sex offenders who are homeless or lack a permanent address until they obtain one. Supporters said the bill would close a gap because transient registrants are only required to check in every 90 days, leaving law enforcement without regular location information; a policy analyst said monitoring could be implemented through existing systems, though costs and administration would vary. Opponents argued the bill raises due process and equal protection concerns, duplicates existing reporting requirements, and could impose costs on people trying to stabilize their lives. The committee passed HB 2413 on a 5-4 vote. Finally, the committee took up HB 2720, which increases the penalty for purchasing prostitution to a class 6 felony and directs a $200 assessment to the anti-human trafficking fund, with an amendment clarifying the affirmative defense for trafficking victims and restricting use of the assessment to trafficking services. Supporters, including the sponsor, prosecutors, Phoenix police, and a city council member, said the bill targets buyers who drive demand and exploitation. Opponents from criminal justice and anti-violence groups argued the bill could still ensnare trafficking victims and sex workers, especially because the affirmative defense may be hard to assert in practice. After adopting the amendment, the committee gave HB 2720, as amended, a do-pass recommendation by an 8-0-1 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Jeff Cornilles from District 12, which is half of Nampa.
• I'm Judy Boyle, Representative District 9, and I'm here today with House Bill 620.
• And as we had a motion discussion, Representative Alfieri, I would entertain another motion.
• Do you believe the added language here, like let's say your District 6 and District 6 is having a meeting
• Thank you for entertaining that for me. Yes, on a 15-1 vote. Yes, on a 15-1 vote.

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The committee first heard RS 33327 from Representative Cornelius regarding city-run library boards. He said the proposal would affect the 55 city libraries in Idaho and would give city councils, along with library trustees, authority over hiring and firing library directors. He said the change was intended to address past problems and ensure elected officials have a role. After brief questions about trustee appointment and the need for added oversight, the committee moved to introduce the RS. The committee then considered House Bill 620, sponsored by Representative Boyle, which would formalize county commissioners’ role as cooperating agencies in federal land-use and NEPA processes when counties have expertise under state law. Supporters from Custer County, the Idaho Association of Counties, and the Farm Bureau said counties have been overlooked in federal land-management planning and need a stronger voice. Members discussed whether counties without a comprehensive plan would be covered; the sponsor said all 44 counties have adopted one. The committee voted to send HB 620 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 627 from Representative McCann, which would clarify that people attending open meetings may take photos, video, or audio recordings so long as they do not disrupt the meeting. The sponsor cited incidents where attendees or media were told they could not record, and said the bill was meant to make that right explicit. Members raised questions about executive sessions, crowded meetings, prisons, and whether the language should cover non-electronic recording methods; an amendment was proposed to add “or other” after “digital.” After testimony from the Idaho Press Club in support, the committee voted 15-1 to send HB 627 to General Orders.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I will entertain any questions that the committee members may have.
• Chairman, I will entertain any questions that the committee members may have.
• Chairman I will entertain with that Mr.
• Senator Brandon Storm, 21st Senate<00:11:14.000><c> District.
• </c> Senator Brandon Storm, 21st Senate District.

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill had its origins in a situation that took place right bordering my district.
• The cemetery maintenance district was left with no governance.
• Seeing none, committee, I would entertain a motion to introduce RS 333342. Oh, forgive me.
• Once again, Representative Dale Hawkins, Legislative District 2.
• Okay, seeing none, committee, I would entertain a motion to introduce RS 33311.

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He's here from our district. He is a great patriotic American.
• Speaker, can I please inquire the lady from Durham District?”
• Why do we entertain legislation that seeks to do just that?
• Speaker, this is something we should not even be entertaining.
• Why do we entertain legislation that seeks to do just that?

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 117-1 vote. Members then spent a long portion of the morning introducing guests and visiting groups, including schoolchildren, university visitors, county officials, business and civic groups, fraternity and sorority members, and legislative conference participants. The Speaker also signed several measures already passed, including Senate Substitute for HB 2061, HB 2641, Senate Substitute for HB 2423, and HB 2934. The main floor debate centered on HCR 48, which urges Congress to pass the federal SAVE Act requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. Supporters argued it would protect election integrity and prevent non-citizen voting, while opponents said it would create burdensome, potentially disenfranchising requirements, amount to a poll tax, and interfere with state election administration. After extended debate and a successful previous-question motion, HCR 48 was third read and passed 92-43. The House then took up HCR 23, a federalism resolution reaffirming that states should control election administration; it passed unanimously, 137-0. The House also perfected and printed two bills. HB 2855, dealing with workers’ compensation funding increments for the workers’ compensation and second injury funds, was amended to allow finer 0.1% adjustments instead of 0.5% increments and then perfected. HB 1906, a simple county-government bill allowing township counties to offer annual, semiannual, or quarterly payment options for real and personal property taxes, also advanced without opposition. The chamber then moved to announcements and recessed until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• the agenda, I've got some minutes that I think have been distributed to the committee that I would entertain
• Jason Monks from District 22.
• We will entertain questions if there are any for the sponsor. Representative Cheatum.
• I'm Representative John Weber, representing District 34 and Madison County.
• Chairman, I'm Representative John Weber, Representative District 34's Madison County.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would also like to recognize Chair Chris Ward and members of the Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports
• , with which the event will be held in the entertainment capital of the world.
• We had a sports and entertainment procurement summit, which we hope to make into an annual event.
• Sports and entertainment and tourism-related investments as well. Amazing.
• This slide illustrates the districts where these agencies reside. Next slide.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll entertain any questions that you might have. Contracts among states.
• I'll entertain any questions that you might have.
• I'll entertain any questions that you might have.
• I'll entertain any questions that you might have.
• I'll entertain any questions that you might have.

Committee: House Economic Development

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, I would entertain a motion.
• Seeing none, I would entertain a motion.
• One point four million of that is for school district tax rebilling.
• It is in Senator Huxable and Representative Shoup's district.
• It is in Senator Huxable and Representative Shoup's district.

Committee: Joint Finance

Summary: The Joint Finance Committee met to review and vote on the fiscal year 2027 Grants and Aid Act, which was expected to be pre-filed as Senate Bill 337. Members first reviewed Section 1, covering county seat payments, paramedic operations, senior center allocations, senior center transportation, and Homeland Security grants. They approved Section 1 after discussion of how senior center transportation is being moved from DART to grant-in-aid and how some organizations can appear in both the senior center formula and the general aging category. The committee then worked through Section 2, which included one-time appropriations and the various grant categories for aging, arts/historical/recreation, economic housing or labor services, family and youth services, health or disability services, and neighborhood and community services. Members discussed several specific items, including New Castle County reassessment-related funding, Friends of Cooch’s Bridge, Slaughter Neck Community Action Organization, Plastic-Free Delaware, Love, Inc. of the Delmarva, and the Southern Delaware Horse Retirement Association. One aging line for Slaughter Neck was reduced back to flat funding after members questioned a large increase, and the revised category total was adjusted accordingly. Each of the Section 2 subcategories was then adopted. Section 3, covering fire companies and public service ambulance companies, was approved with increases across apparatus, ambulance, rescue truck, aerial truck, rescue boat, substation, and insurance rebate equalization funding. Section 4, for veterans organizations and youth programs such as Boys State, Girls State, and Trooper Youth Week, was also adopted. The committee then approved the epilogue sections, which included eligibility, audit, payment, and reporting rules; special provisions for the Wilmington Senior Center contingency; conditions tied to several one-time appropriations; withholding funding from Merri-Dell Volunteer Fire Company pending a corrective report; and reprogramming $1,485,000 from a prior SMART food program appropriation toward SNAP/WIC-related food access initiatives. The meeting ended with remarks thanking staff and noting that it was likely the last JFC meeting for two members, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll entertain a motion. Thank you. I'll entertain a motion. Okay, we have a motion on, let's see.
• I'll entertain a motion. Okay, the vice chair moves. Please call the roll.
• There’s over 600 flex fuel gas stations, 22 in your district, uh-huh.
• Jamie Miner, on behalf of Eastern Municipal Water District as well as West Basin Municipal Water District
• Claire Sullivan, on behalf of the District.

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee members, for the record, my name is Bruce Sassman, representing the 61st District.
• He also represented Missouri in the 5th, 8th, and 11th districts.
• Again, Benny Cook, 143rd District. We have in front of you House Bill 307.
• Again, Benny Cook, 143rd District. We have in front of you House Bill 307.
• So again, if you haven't been to Bell, we have some great entertainment.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Summary: The Special Committee on Tourism met with a quorum and first went into executive session, where House Concurrent Resolution 36, honoring Josephine Baker Day, was moved do pass. Vice Chair Allen spoke in support, urging bipartisanship and respectful conduct, and the resolution was approved 10-0. The committee then moved into public hearings. House Bill 3420, sponsored by Representative Sassman, would designate Bland as the “Silver City of the Rock Island Trail” to highlight the town’s namesake, Richard Parks Bland, and encourage tourism and economic development. Witnesses supported the bill, emphasizing Bland’s railroad history, its connection to silver coinage, and the potential for trail-related tourism. No opposition was offered. The committee then heard House Bill 3408, which would designate Bland and Bell as Rock Island Trail communities, and House Bill 3407, which would name Bell the “Cowbell Capital of Missouri.” Supporters described both measures as ways to promote the Rock Island Trail, bring visitors to small towns, and boost local businesses, schools, and recreation. Testimony also highlighted Bell’s large cowbell attraction and the communities’ local food and events. No witnesses testified in opposition to either bill, and the hearing concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, I'd entertain a motion. Representative Pickett, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for a motion.
• devices and platforms that can be viewed and monitored by district staff.
• Wilson said staff members have devices, whether personal or issued by the school district and district-approved
• And we talked to a lot of school districts about this.
• If there are no other questions, I’d entertain a motion. We already have a motion?

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ben Taves, State Senator, District 4.
• Many of the fire departments and districts don't have ladder trucks to handle that.
• Many of the fire departments and districts don't have ladder trucks to handle that.
• In counties, we don't have any water districts. We don't have any sewer districts.
• I represent Legislative District 8, Elmore, Hawaii Valley, and Boise County.

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee approved the February 10, 2026 minutes and then took up several housing bills from Senator Taves. SB 1277 would have required statewide allowance of accessory dwelling units and limited local restrictions; testimony was split between supporters who said ADUs can expand attainable housing and help families, and opponents who raised concerns about infrastructure, parking, height limits, short-term rentals, HOA/covenant issues, and local control. Senator Taves said he was willing to amend the bill to address height limits, HOA language, and a private cause of action, but the committee ultimately voted 5-4 to hold SB 1277 in committee. The committee then heard SB 1279, which would have promoted smaller starter-home subdivisions and allowed incentives for smaller lots and setbacks. Supporters argued it would help first-time buyers and give builders more flexibility, while opponents said the bill was too broad, too fast, and could create density and infrastructure problems. After testimony and discussion, the committee voted 5-4 to hold SB 1279 in committee as well. Next, SB 1280 proposed allowing duplexes and twin homes in single-family residential areas. Testimony again centered on housing supply versus local infrastructure, with county and city officials warning about septic, water, and retroactive covenant issues, while real estate testimony supported more lower-cost housing options. Senator Taves said he was open to amendments, but the committee voted 5-4 to hold SB 1280 in committee. Finally, SB 1276, which would remove the sunset on a PERSI provision allowing retired teachers and other retirees to return to work, received supportive testimony from the sponsor and PERSI’s director, who said there would be no negative impact on the retirement system; the committee voted to send SB 1276 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The meeting ended with an informational presentation on PERSI COLA concerns from retired public employees, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ben Taves, State Senator, District 4.
• Many of the fire departments and districts don't have ladder trucks to handle that.
• In counties, we don't have any water districts. We don't have any sewer districts.
• Committee Chair will entertain any further discussion and/or motion on 1280. Mr.
• I represent Legislative District 8, Elmore, Hawaii Valley, and Boise County.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Entertain a motion. Moved by Senator Representative Baker. Second. Representative Ellis.
• So entertain a motion on the amendment. I make a motion to adopt the amendment.
• Entertain a motion. Representative Stubs. Second. Representative Alman. All in favor say "Aye."
• I entertain a motion. So moved by Representative Drummond, excuse me, Representative Baker.
• , but provide additional funding for those districts that were hard to staff.

Bills: SB113 , SB114 , SB305 , SB111 , HB600 , SB112 , SB150 , SB109 , SB122

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: education funding, appropriations, local education boards, school safety, workforce development, Alabama, technology, higher education, career technology centers, public institutions, grants, local education agencies, RAISE Act, student outcomes, public schools, accountability, weighted allocations, special education, English language learners, gifted students

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, I'd entertain a motion. Representative Pickett, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for a motion.
• devices and platforms that can be viewed and monitored by district staff.
• I like everything, the intent of this, and I like the platform approved by the district.
• And we talked to a lot of school districts about this.
• If there are no other questions, I'd entertain a motion. We already have a motion?

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee met to consider only education administrative rules, and members agreed to vote on each docket separately. Nick Wagner of the State Board of Education first presented a repeal of the pay-for-success contracting rule as duplicative of statute and never used, and a cleanup to the career technical centers rules removing duplicative definitions and wording tied to federal Perkins V language. Both dockets were approved without opposition. Greg Wilson then presented the rules governing uniformity, including a Code of Ethics update for professional educators, social studies standards, and special education rules. The ethics changes focused on limiting educator-student digital communication to district-approved devices, platforms, and school-based accounts, broadening misuse provisions to cover devices and platforms, and clarifying professionalism language. Several members questioned how the communication rule would work for coaches, field trips, and personal phones, but Wilson said the intent was to create monitored, district-approved channels and a clearer record to prevent or investigate misconduct. The committee approved the ethics docket. Wilson next explained the social studies standards revisions, including targeted updates to grade 4 and U.S. History 1 after last year’s legislative rejection, plus a new Idaho-specific Western Civilization section. Members asked about the apparent mismatch in adoption dates across dockets, and Wilson and the state rules coordinator explained that the references would be melded together in codification if both dockets passed. Members also asked about coverage of the founding era and communism; Wilson said the standards include substantial material on the founding, early republic, and the rise of the Soviet Union. The committee approved the social studies docket. Finally, Wilson presented the temporary and pending special education manual rules. He said the temporary rule was needed to keep schools compliant at the start of the year after federal concerns were raised about the state’s specific learning disability criteria, and the final manual incorporated further public comment and advisory input. The committee approved the special education dockets, and the meeting adjourned.