Transcript Highlights:

• If we have a year where water is scarce, where heat is abrupt, where cold is abrupt, where conditions

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This historic and federal investment, however, is contingent upon the city delivering the necessary water

Bills: SB1272

Committee: House Rural Economic Development

Keywords: appropriation, Douglas port of entry, state funding, infrastructure, federal support, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• up to that U.S. code, and I'm wondering, you know, because when we have situations like mining or water

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Thursday, March 12, and then held House Joint Memorial 19 subject to the call of the chair because Superintendent Critchfield was unavailable. The main item of business was House Bill 725, which would allow Idaho cities to apply to join the state employee health insurance pool through the Office of Group Insurance. Representative Cheatham said the bill is intended to give cities an option to seek lower and more predictable health insurance costs, with all expenses paid by the participating cities. Supporters, including the mayors of Pocatello and Idaho Falls and an Idaho Falls firefighters representative, said rising premiums are straining city budgets, and that joining a larger pool could improve predictability, recruitment, and retention. Committee members questioned whether the bill would shift costs to state taxpayers or attract only higher-risk groups; the Office of Group Insurance administrator said cities would pay 100% of costs, the state general fund would not be affected, and each city would undergo an actuarial review. The committee then voted to send HB 725 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee next considered RS 33618, a draft bill from Representative Crane to prohibit foreign persons, foreign corporations, foreign governments, foreign REITs, and certain SEC-registered companies from purchasing single-family homes in Idaho. Crane said the measure was meant to prioritize Idahoans in the housing market and limit purchases by large outside entities. Members raised concerns about the breadth of the proposal and how it would affect noncitizens, temporary workers, foreign-owned businesses, and people tied to mining or other industries. The Office of Group Insurance administrator was not involved in this item, but the discussion focused on definitions, enforcement, and whether the bill could be too broad. After debate, the committee voted to introduce RS 33618 with a technical change on page 2, line 13, changing “and” to “or.”

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2285, cap water, state land allocation.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call showing 25 members present. The journal was approved, and several guests were introduced, including Pastor Caden Metcalf as Pastor of the Day and Dr. Jane Peterson as Doctor of the Day. The chamber also took up a motion to reconsider SB 1827, which passed on a division vote, and then resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider bills on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, the Senate considered and advanced several bills, generally by adopting committee strike-everything amendments and then recommending each bill do pass. Measures included SB 1041 (Arizona Trail Fund), SB 1131 (cardiac emergency response plans in schools), SB 1140 (expungement of misdemeanor records), SB 1249 (Alzheimer’s disease/state brain appropriation), SB 1275 (sentencing and imprisonment), SB 1517 (Barbering and Cosmetology Board), and SB 1673 (Crime Victim Notification Fund). SB 1275 drew the most debate: Senator Ortiz argued a floor amendment would gut judicial discretion and preserve prosecutorial power, while Senator Gowan said the amendment preserved a veterans diversion program; the amendment was adopted on a 15-13 division vote. The Committee of the Whole then reported the bills back to the Senate, which adopted the report. The Senate then took up third-reading votes on multiple bills. SB 1161, SB 1209, SB 1598, SB 1118, SB 1399, SB 1563, SB 1564, SB 1629, SB 1754, SB 1041, SB 1131, SB 1140, SB 1249, SB 1517, and SB 1673 all passed, with recorded votes ranging from unanimous to more divided outcomes. Several members explained votes, especially on SB 1598 and SB 1754, which involved community garden funding and special education/parent complaint issues, respectively. The Senate then recessed, received a large batch of House bills for first reading and committee referral, announced upcoming committee meetings, and adjourned until Monday, March 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We wade into really muddy waters here of where what’s appropriate for each student.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 27 and March 3. It then took up House Bill 785, which would expand the definition of inappropriate online behavior involving public school employees and other persons, and add disciplinary options for school boards to address vulgar, false, or defamatory online conduct directed at teachers and others. Representative Redmond said the bill was prompted by complaints from teachers, and State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield testified in support. After a brief question about public records and executive session handling, the committee voted to send HB 785 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee next introduced RS-33-6-23, a proposal from Representative Harris to remove statutory hour requirements for career and technical education instructors so the Department of CTE would have more flexibility in recruiting trade professionals into classrooms. The motion to introduce the RS passed. The bulk of the meeting focused on House Bill 784 and its RS, which would require daily recess for elementary students and unstructured activity time for middle school students, while barring recess from being withheld for discipline except when the misconduct occurred during recess. Representative Redmond and Superintendent Critchfield argued recess improves focus, behavior, and health, and that schools need flexibility and guidance rather than using recess as punishment. Several members raised concerns that the language was too rigid and could limit classroom management or disciplinary discretion, especially for behavior occurring outside recess. After extended debate and testimony from John Mason of FGA Action in support, the committee voted to hold HB 784 in committee and then approved the RS for second reading, with some members recording opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2285, cap water state land allocation. House Bill 2016, voting centers, precinct voting.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're following a good number of bills right now and trying to keep our heads above water. Okay.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 23 and 24. It then heard H.J.R. 9, a proposed constitutional amendment by Representative Hawkins to remove the compulsory-attendance language from Article 9, Section 9 and add language stating that the right of parents to educate their children without government regulation outside the public schools shall not be infringed. Hawkins argued the change would align the Constitution with existing parental-rights law and protect families from future legislative changes. Supportive testimony came from the Idaho Family Policy Center and the Idaho Republican Party resolutions chair, both framing the measure as a protection of parental authority and educational choice. Some members questioned whether the added language was necessary or could create litigation, but the committee voted to send H.J.R. 9 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee next considered H.B. 720, which lowers the population threshold for requiring city council districts from cities over 100,000 to cities over 25,000. Representative Alfieri said the bill would improve local representation and make it easier for residents to run for office by reducing campaign costs. Opponents, including the Association of Idaho Cities, warned that the lower threshold would create very small districts, especially in college towns, make it harder to recruit candidates, and add costs and complications for cities. Several members raised concerns about whether the change was optional or mandatory and about uneven representation within districts, but the committee ultimately voted to send H.B. 720 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard H.B. 736 from Representative Haas, which lowers the threshold for ballot-name rotation from 100,000 registered voters to 25,000. Haas said the change would reduce the primacy effect and improve fairness and transparency in elections, especially in countywide and legislative races. The bill was described as preserving the Secretary of State’s discretion over how rotation is administered. The motion to send H.B. 736 to the floor with a due pass recommendation passed without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're following a good number of bills right now and trying to keep our heads above water. Okay.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• exemptions to what I call grill cylinders for all the Floridians that use those for cooking and boiling water

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax opt-outs, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, RV park special assessments, fiscally constrained county funding, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, and provisions barring governmental net zero policies. An amendment made the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the charter-school language would divert money from traditional public schools and on the fiscal-constrained county formula. The bill was reported favorably as a committee bill after a roll call vote, with Senators Bernard and Jones voting no. The committee also considered SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026 and partially decouples from federal tax changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses bonus depreciation, research and experimental expenses, business meal deductions, and the business interest deduction, with the Revenue Estimating Conference expected to review the fiscal impact later in the week. The Florida Chamber testified that the bill should better align with federal tax relief and reduce administrative burdens, while senators emphasized the need to balance business tax relief with state revenue constraints. SPB 7048 was also reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• exemptions to what I call grill cylinders for all the Floridians that use those for cooking and boiling water

Committee: Senate Finance and Tax

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and considered two Senate proposed bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax exemptions, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, limits on special assessments for RV parks, revisions to fiscally constrained county funding and eligibility, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, restrictions on governmental net zero policies, and new voting thresholds for certain local millage actions. Staff estimated the bill would reduce general revenue by about $77 million in FY 2026-27 and about $50 million recurring. An amendment making the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026, was adopted. A late-filed amendment by Senator Gaetz on disability tax exemptions was withdrawn for lack of a fiscal analysis. The charter school provision drew the most debate. Senator Jones and Senator Bernard raised concerns that expanding eligibility to charter schools authorized through alternate authorizers could reduce funding available to traditional neighborhood public schools and that the effective date did not give districts enough time to plan. Senator Avila argued the change corrected an omission from earlier legislation and ensured public schools, including charter schools, were treated equally. Several speakers supported the fiscally constrained county provisions, while the Florida Association of Counties urged grandfathering for counties that could currently opt out of the Live Local exemption and asked the committee to review language on millage thresholds and net zero provisions. SPB 7046 was ultimately reported favorably as a committee bill by a roll call vote. The committee then took up SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, and partially decouples from federal changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses federal changes to bonus depreciation, Section 179 expensing, research and experimental expenses, business meals, and business interest deductions, with some provisions phased in or adjusted over time. The Florida Chamber testified in support of continued conformity but expressed concerns about administrative burdens and the bill’s partial decoupling structure. After brief debate, the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this amendment muddies the water a little bit.

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The new legislation would require a doctor's note for basic accommodations like carrying a water bottle

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee held public hearings on several Department of Labor and Industries request bills and related workplace measures. Senate Bill 6039 would allow L&I to send notices electronically with an opt-out option; Senator Curtis King and L&I supported it as a simple modernization and the committee heard no opposition. Senate Bill 6136 would require L&I to publish actuarially indicated workers’ compensation rates and explain when rates are capped below those levels; Senator King and employer groups described it as a transparency bill, while L&I said it would disclose how reserve funds and rate caps affect different classes. Senate Bill 6188 would expand L&I’s authority over asbestos certification rulemaking beyond rules specifically required to match federal standards; Senator Victoria Hunt and L&I argued this would strengthen worker safety and training, while the Building Industry Association raised concern about diverging from federal rules and asked for narrower authority. Senate Bill 6014 would create a Public Records Act exemption for people involved in pregnancy-accommodation complaints or investigations and fix a cross-reference in last year’s pregnancy accommodation law; Senator T’wina Nobles and Moms Rising said it would restore intended protections and privacy for pregnant and postpartum workers. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 6058, which would give L&I discretion to investigate wage complaints under the Wage Payment Act and assess penalties for willful violations when it initiates an investigation; L&I supported the bill and noted a House amendment to reduce costs and avoid conflict with another wage-recovery measure. For Senate Bill 6136, hospitality, construction, and self-insured employer representatives all supported the measure as a transparency step, with the self-insurers noting the impact of PTSD presumptive claims on rate classes. For Senate Bill 6188, L&I said the bill would let the department set stronger certification standards for asbestos workers and supervisors, while BIAW argued the bill should be limited to specific EPA model standards rather than removing the current statutory limitation. In executive session, the committee took action on five bills. On Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5061, which requires annual prevailing-wage adjustments in public works contracts, an amendment allowing change orders for wage increases over 5% failed, a one-year effective-date delay was adopted, and the bill passed 7-2 as amended. Substitute Senate Bill 5874, allowing ESD to waive penalties for minor unemployment-insurance reporting errors, passed 9-0. Senate Bill 5944, making missed-appointment payments part of bargained compensation for language access providers, passed 9-0. Substitute Senate Bill 5972, expanding binding interest arbitration for correctional officers in city and county jails, rejected two amendments that would have limited the binding effect and required consideration of local fiscal ability, then passed 8-1. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6302, addressing misclassification of independent contractors on public works projects, passed 9-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The endowment lands were always to raise money for the beneficiaries, and I think we are watering it

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first considered a proposal to raise licensing and fee caps for the Denturity Board, which sponsors said was needed because testing costs about $1,000 while the current cap is $300 and the board is about $6,000 in the red. Members asked who controls fee increases and were told the legislature sets the cap; the motion to introduce the RS passed, though one member noted support for introduction but uncertainty about the bill’s future. The committee then took up RS 33380, which would prohibit out-of-state contributions and expenditures in Idaho elections. The sponsor argued out-of-state money has become a major influence in campaigns and should be barred to protect Idaho voters. Members raised concerns about constitutionality, possible conflicts with Idaho residency law, loopholes for corporations forming in Idaho, and whether the bill would be ineffective against independent expenditures; despite those concerns, the motion to introduce passed narrowly. Next, the committee considered RS 33385, which would lower the threshold for district-wide city council elections from cities over 100,000 population to those over 25,000. The sponsor said this would improve local accountability and reduce campaign costs in 10 cities. The motion to introduce passed without opposition. The committee then heard H.J.R. 8 and a revised RS 33415 concerning Idaho state and endowment lands, shifting the priority toward ongoing revenue generation while preserving public access and explicitly protecting timber, mining, grazing, and recreation. Testimony from outfitters and recreation operators supported the measure as beneficial to rural economies and public access. H.J.R. 8 was held in committee, and RS 33415 was introduced with an amendment and sent to the Second Reading Calendar with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered RS 33-377, a “shot clock” for initial plan reviews that would require cities, counties, or the state to complete initial review within 30 days for public works projects. The sponsor said the measure would speed permitting, and the motion to introduce passed. One member disclosed a Rule 80 conflict related to a public works license.

Transcript Highlights:

• last five years, which is to put general fund monies onto the roads or put general fund monies into water

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee met to receive a JFAC budget update focused on the Idaho Department of Agriculture. Budget analyst Morgan Poloni reviewed the department’s structure, staffing, dedicated-fund reliance, and several 2027 enhancement requests, including a CEC adjustment for fruit and vegetable inspectors, replacement items, IT hardware, reappropriation authority for a federal Resilient Food Systems Grant, a 2026 deficiency warrant for exotic species response, and a supplemental for quagga mussel treatment costs. She also described 2026 and 2027 holdbacks that were largely absorbed through dedicated funds and reductions to noxious weed pass-through money. Senator Lent raised concerns that budget cuts should follow policy priorities rather than broad reductions, and committee members discussed the exotic species and invasive species funding needs. Keith Bybee then gave a broader JFAC update on state revenue, structural balance, and the budget outlook for 2026 and 2027. He said Idaho is facing uncertainty in revenues, with recent forecasts below earlier expectations, and explained that the legislature is considering whether to use one-time money, restructure spending, or both to restore structural balance over the business cycle. He noted that many budget pressures come from statutory or population-driven obligations in education, Medicaid, corrections, and health and welfare, while higher education is more discretionary. Senator Groh added that the state is not structurally balanced and emphasized the need for policy bills to align with budget decisions; he also said recent tax payment timing helped revenues in December and that January numbers looked promising but were still preliminary. The committee then turned to administrative rules and approved a large group of Agriculture Department dockets by motion and voice vote. One docket, 0206-01-2501 on seed production and distribution rules, was held back after questions about incorporation by reference and publication dates. Mr. Knight explained that the referenced seed standards change frequently for export and testing purposes, and he said the department would work with DFM and legislators to find a better approach. Senator Lakey moved to hold that docket subject to call of the chair, and the motion carried. The meeting adjourned after the remaining rule dockets were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• last five years, which is to put general fund monies onto the roads or put general fund monies into water

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• reason why my daughter lives with me is because she's got an old trailer and it doesn't have running water

Bills: HB2388 , HB2804 , HB2926

Committee: House Rural Economic Development

Keywords: HB2388, Arizona Commerce Authority, ACA, small modular reactor, SMR, nuclear energy, advanced nuclear, data center, data centers, economic development, study, appropriation, general fund, jobs, wages, tax revenue, broadband, infrastructure, secondary businesses, tertiary businesses

Transcript Highlights:

• Normally, I'm appearing before you all talking about water and utilities, but not today.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Normally, I'm appearing before you all talking about water and utilities, but not today.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Summary: The Special Committee on Tourism first met in executive session and approved House Bill 1651 by a vote of 11-0. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 1756, which would designate the first full week in September as “June’s Week” and Rare Pediatric Disease Week in Missouri. Sponsor Representative Steinmeyer described his granddaughter June’s battle with a rare pediatric brain tumor and said the bill is intended to raise awareness of rare pediatric diseases, connect families with support, and encourage media coverage and education. Several witnesses testified in support, including family members and advocates who spoke about the emotional, financial, and diagnostic challenges faced by families dealing with rare childhood illnesses; there was no opposition testimony. Committee members expressed sympathy and support, with several noting the importance of awareness and the lack of pediatric cancer research. Questions focused on why September was chosen and what activities might occur during the week; the sponsor said he wanted the designation to avoid conflict with June’s birthday and to create space for media stories and educational outreach. Supporters emphasized that the bill would not require funding, only recognition, and that it could help families feel less isolated. The committee also heard House Bill 1828, sponsored by Representative Violet, which would authorize state support for maintenance and operations at the Missouri National Veterans Memorial in Perryville when needed and subject to appropriation. The sponsor said the memorial serves veterans and families through reflection, healing, and education, and that the bill follows precedent from other memorial funding arrangements without diverting money from other Veterans Commission priorities. A memorial representative testified that the site has already received significant state-supported construction funding and that the bill would help preserve and maintain the facility. There was no opposition, and the hearing concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like we have issues with our water and how we navigate our streams and rivers and how that gets recorded

Committee: House Business

Summary: The committee considered several RS drafts and one bill, with most of the discussion focused on property rights, business regulation, and state payment modernization. RS 32990, which would allow businesses to use a commercial registered agent address instead of a home address, was introduced after questions about whether it could make it harder to tell if a business is actually located in Idaho. RS 33170, dealing with short-term rentals, was also introduced; the sponsor said it would clarify property owners’ rights while preserving existing nuisance and public-safety protections. RS 33182, requiring employers to verify legal immigration status through E-Verify, was introduced after members said they wanted to discuss carve-outs and current verification practices in more detail. The committee then heard RS 33102, which would extend the state’s inspection “shot clock” to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections. Members asked how the private-inspector backup system would work, whether municipalities might delay inspections knowing private options exist, and how refunds or certifications would be handled. The sponsor said the bill continues last session’s approach and that private inspectors are already certified, but several questions were left for the full hearing. RS 33063, a stablecoin proposal, drew the most skepticism and questions about whether it resembled a digital dollar, the fiscal impact, company ownership restrictions, and whether foreign ownership could be involved. Despite concerns, the committee voted to introduce it. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 512, which would reinstate an open-book Idaho jurisprudence exam for land surveyors. The sponsor and several surveyors testified that Idaho-specific law is essential because surveying affects property boundaries, rights-of-way, subdivisions, and irrigation issues, and that mistakes can lead to costly disputes years later. Opponents were not prominent in the testimony, though members asked about reciprocity and how out-of-state surveyors are licensed. After public testimony, the committee voted to send HB 512 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• to, park facilities that have playgrounds or children's play areas, sports fields, swim beaches, or water

Bills: HB2266 , HB2489

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: housing, supportive housing, transitional housing, emergency shelters, homelessness prevention, public space, local governance, life-sustaining activities, statewide standards, regulation, 904, all