Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Jan 19th, 2026

Key Moments

  • Shawn Dygert — Representative Dygert questioned the added bill language regarding forest products manufacturers that buy timber in Idaho and sell it out of state, asking whether that group is currently excluded from the lumber and timber assessment and where in the bill the change was made.
  • Shawn Dygert — The speaker thanked Representative Tanner and asked whether there were any further questions, then noted that there were none, indicating the discussion had concluded.
  • Dori Healey — Representative Dori Healey is called on to introduce herself and then states that she represents West Boise and part of Meridian, adding that she grew up in logging.
  • Dori Healey — Likely the intended member for 'Representative Mickelson' in the transcript; asked a follow-up about dedicated funds and quasi-government entities.
  • Mark Sauter — Mark Sauter is called on to introduce himself and then identifies himself as representing District 1 in Sandpoint, noting the local forestry and mill industry.
  • Stephanie Mickelsen — Representative Stephanie Mickelsen is introduced and then speaks, identifying herself as representing Legislative District 32 in Bonneville County and noting that her area has water issues.
  • Stephanie Mickelsen — Representative Mickelsen asked whether dedicated funds held by quasi-government entities, such as groundwater districts created by statute, should be worried that the state might step in and take those funds. She then received reassurance that the state should not do that. She followed up with a cautionary comment that lawmakers should be careful when discussing taking a look at dedicated funds, because entities like groundwater districts have specific local responsibilities and reserves.
  • Douglas Pickett — Representative Douglas Pickett of District 27 introduces himself and notes that his district is arid, then continues by saying he enjoys high flow events and is looking forward to more moisture this winter.
  • Douglas Pickett — Moved on RS 32975.
  • Jack Nelsen — Jack Nelsen introduces himself as the representative for District 26, covering Jerome, Lincoln, and Blaine counties, and adds that he is a third-generation farmer who is glad to be there and recognizes ongoing water issues.
  • Jack Nelsen — Representative Nelson is addressed by name in the discussion of DEQ cuts and permitting concerns.
  • Britt Raybould — Not present because she had another appointment.
  • Britt Raybould — Representative Mickelson asks for an example involving Fish and Game's dedicated funds and federal funds.
  • Judy Boyle — Introduces herself as representing District 9 and notes the farmland and resources in her area.
  • Judy Boyle — The chair announced that Representative Boyle would present RS 32850.
  • Judy Boyle — The chair said Representative Boyle would present RS 32850.
  • Judy Boyle — Presented RS 32850 and explained it would move existing rules into law for the Forest Products Commission.
  • Judy Boyle — Explained that the timber industry funds the commission and offered to answer questions.
  • Judy Boyle — Responded that the relevant language is on page one, lines 38 through 41.
  • Judy Boyle — Explained that the language reflects current rules already negotiated with the industry and is being moved into law.
  • Judy Boyle — The motion concerned her RS 32850 proposal.
  • Judy Boyle — Introduced RS 32975 and explained it concerns federal land exchanges with private entities under FLPMA.
  • Judy Boyle — Her RS 32975 proposal was the subject of the motion.
  • Judy Boyle — Her RS 32975 was approved for introduction.
  • Judy Boyle — Representative Boyle asks whether any dedicated funds are being targeted for sweeping.
  • Steve Miller — Steve Miller is called on to introduce himself and then describes his Legislative District 24, which includes Camas County, Gooding County, and rural Twin Falls County. He explains that his family has long been involved in farming and ranching, including a cow-calf operation, and continues his introduction by referencing his ranching background and conservation-related leadership.
  • Steve Miller — Representative Steve Miller was called on to speak and then expressed concern about a forthcoming resolution that would keep things unchanged and delay action until next year. He said he was unsure how to proceed and implied there may be more to discuss on the matter.
  • Josh Tanner — Introduces himself as Representative Tanner from District 14 and comments on resources and Fish and Game regulation.
  • Dustin Manwaring — Says he represents Pocatello in District 29 and notes mining is important in his area.
  • Dustin Manwaring — Dustin Manwaring introduced RS 32883, explaining that it would move the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Department of Water Resources. He provided background on the proposal, noting review by the DOGE Task Force, unanimous committee support in November, and stakeholder input. He highlighted expected operational savings of about $107,000 while emphasizing that the commission’s role would be preserved. After inviting questions, he responded to concerns by saying the proposal and related resolution were not in conflict and that he was willing to continue working with members on the issue.
  • Jerald Raymond — Introduces himself as representing District 31 and mentions his ranching background and connection to Menan.
  • Jerald Raymond — Representative Jerald Raymond was recognized to speak and then raised concerns about combining the commission, warning that doing so could weaken the Agriculture Committee’s ability to address soil and water conservation issues, which are primarily agricultural in nature.
  • James Petzke — Introduced himself as representing District 21, including Meridian and a small slice of Boise, and noted many constituents enjoy outdoor recreation on public lands.
  • James Petzke — Representative James Petzke is briefly addressed and thanked by the speaker, after which the discussion continues without a substantive shift in topic.
  • Monica Church — Representative Monica Church introduced herself as representing District 19 in downtown Boise and explained that her family background includes both timber and ranching, noting her support for public lands and conservation.
  • Monica Church — Thanked for volunteering to proof the minutes.
  • Soñia Galaviz — Introduced herself as representing District 16, West Boise and Garden City, and said she was born and raised in the Silver Valley and is a daughter of a miner.
  • Charlie Shepherd — Was recognized to ask a question or make a motion.
  • Charlie Shepherd — Moved to introduce RS 32850.
  • Charlie Shepherd — Was addressed during the procedural exchange while the committee considered the motion on RS 32975.
  • Charlie Shepherd — Charlie Shepherd was called on and asked whether the issue functioned like matching funds, with state funding triggering federal matching funds. The speaker then responded directly to his question.
  • Mike Pohanka — Appears to be the speaker responding to concerns and then calling on Representative Miller.
  • Steven Tanner — Representative Tanner first moves to introduce RS 32883, then is introduced as the member who will present on JFAC and budgeting. He introduces himself as a Representative from District 14 and explains the purpose of the presentation. Later, he turns the discussion over to Janet Jessup, while the committee asks questions and compliments his presentation. In the follow-up discussion, Tanner responds to questions about budget cuts and clarifies that he is not targeting any specific dedicated fund, emphasizing that the committee should consider whether cuts would impair agency function.
  • Janet Jessup — Introduced herself as a budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services and said she would walk the committee through budget resources.
  • Mike Moyle — Mike Moyle, referred to as the chairman, is mentioned repeatedly in connection with earlier comments about budget context and how budget changes have evolved over time. The references all point back to the same prior discussion and do not introduce a new topic.
  • Andrea Blades — Briefly greets the committee and says she is glad to be back this year.
  • Kay Lynn Clark — Introduced as the committee page from Menan.
  • Kay Lynn Clark — Describes being raised on a cattle ranch and farm and says she wants a degree in agribusiness.
  • Kay Lynn Clark — Says she was raised on a cattle ranch and farm and wants a degree in agribusiness.
  • Kay Lynn Clark — Mentioned as a neighbor from Menan.