Jeff Ehlers — Representative Jeff Ehlers of District 21, Meridian, introduced RS 33021 and presented the bill. He concluded his remarks by inviting questions, then responded to discussion about the proposal, including a point that other states have lowered requirements and Idaho is competing to attract cosmetologists. The exchange ends with a follow-up question directed to Representative Ehlers.
Jeff Ehlers — Referenced as part of the committee discussion about DOPL's budget and operations.
Jeff Ehlers — Jeff Ehlers first identifies himself as filling in for Representative Skog from District 21, Meridian, and then responds to a question by clarifying that the proposal only changes when students may take the exam, while still requiring completion of all education hours before licensure.
Jaron Crane — Representative Scoggs was referenced as the member Ehlers was filling in for; the transcript appears to contain a transcription error here and may refer to another legislator.
Jaron Crane — Referenced as the committee member asking about open-book testing for other licenses in the prior exchange.
Steve Berch — Representative Berch is addressed in a question, and the discussion continues immediately with a response to his question about whether the current law is a hindrance.
Steve Berch — Steve Berch urged the committee to evaluate DOPL holistically, emphasizing that the review should consider oversight, functionality, efficiency, and accuracy—not just cost. He expressed concern that prior consolidations may have reduced oversight and asked the committee to look at the broader impact of any changes.
Steve Berch — Questions whether the presentation is just FYI and asks to confirm the committee's role is policy, not budget.
Steve Berch — Continues questioning the distinction between policy and budget responsibilities.
Steve Berch — Says he will support the motion but wants more information and expresses concern about lowering standards.
David Cannon — Moved to introduce RS 33021.
Kent Marmon — Kent Marmon participated in the motion exchange by seconding the motion, and the transcript also references him again in the same discussion.
Kyle Harris — Representative Harris questioned how RS 32964 would change the exam format, asking whether the current 20 questions would be removed or replaced and whether the exam would remain partly national and partly Idaho-specific.
Kyle Harris — Kyle Harris thanked the chair and expressed support for reviewing fleet spending and streamlining budgets. He suggested that the committee, JFAC, or another process could be used to simplify and oversee how these spending issues are handled.
Kyle Harris — As vice chair, he says rules review will begin next Thursday and will be broken into sections.
Kyle Harris — Asks whether licensure still requires 100% completion of education.
Dustin Manwaring — Presented RS 32964, which would reinstate an open-book exam for land surveyors.
Josh Wheeler — Moved to introduce RS 32964.
Josh Wheeler — The chair says the vice chair will provide an update on rules and when they will be coming.
Brent Crane — Representative Brent Crane asked whether other licensing exams might also be made open-book, extending the discussion beyond the specific test already under consideration.
Vito Barbieri — Said he would support the motion and asked for examples of problems caused by uninformed surveyors.
Vito Barbieri — Asks how DOPL segregates dedicated funds and whether money from some boards is used for others.
Vito Barbieri — Asks about using cosmetology license fees to create new boards.
Vito Barbieri — Representative Vito Barbieri asked whether the presentation would cover account balances in addition to spending and budgeting, and the analyst responded directly to his question.
Vito Barbieri — Moves to introduce RS 32928.
Jordan Redman — The chair introduces the next presenter and refers to the JFAC chairman.
Jordan Redman — Jordan Redman is repeatedly addressed during a committee discussion about DOPL’s budget, oversight, and responsibilities. The exchange focuses on the committee’s approach to streamlining and reviewing the budget, with a later comment noting that he had pointed out the very small amount of federal funding involved. The mentions are part of one continuous discussion before the analyst presentation begins.
Josh Tanner — Introduced himself as Representative Tanner from District 14 and began his presentation on JFAC-related budget issues.
Josh Tanner — Explains that he is trying a different approach this year regarding JFAC and member education.
Josh Tanner — Responds to questions about how DOPL handles dedicated funds and board licensing.
Francis Lippitt — Francis Lippitt, a budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services, introduced herself and began a budget presentation focused on giving the broader legislature a greater role in the budgeting process and highlighting available budgeting resources and publications. She also briefly noted that she might need technical assistance while navigating the website.
Joe Palmer — The speaker says Representative Palmer will likely dig into the site significantly.