Todd Lakey — Senator Todd Lakey begins a brief exchange with Mr. Johnson to understand his role and how the rating bureau works. He asks whether the bureau rates employers or insurance providers, whether premium rate recommendations are industry-wide or carrier-specific, and how the department uses those recommendations.
James Ruchti — James Ruchti asks the nominee to describe her law practice, continuing his inquiry into her professional background.
James Ruchti — The transcript appears to mishear 'Mr. Arrington' as 'Mr. Errington' in the thank-you line; corrected to the likely intended name based on context.
Brett Thomas — Brett Thomas is introduced as the gubernatorial reappointment to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, then he introduces himself as being from Twin Falls/Magic Valley and provides background on his family and professional life. He explains that he has four children, discusses his independent insurance agency, and references his son’s mission service in Brazil/Amazon jungle while expressing appreciation for the reappointment consideration.
Van Burtenshaw — Van Burtenshaw asks Mr. Thomas what mission his son is serving in, and the follow-up mention simply reflects that he is being addressed in the same exchange.
Mr. Thomas — Said he served a mission in Kuditsheba down south and responded to the committee's questions.
Dr. Karen Cabell — Dr. Karen Cabell is introduced as the next gubernatorial appointee and then joins virtually to address the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, confirming audio and beginning her remarks about being honored to be considered for appointment to the board.
Karen Cabell — Karen Cabell introduced herself as a practicing internal medicine physician in Coeur d'Alene, a resident of Post Falls, and the chief physician executive at Kootenai Health. She also said she is looking forward to serving on the Your Health Idaho Board and learning more about how the organization helps provide health care resources to Idaho patients.
Mr. Bernard — Was invited to present the first rules docket.
Ryan Bernard — Introduced himself as Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Chief at the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses and presented docket 24-3201-2101.
Ryan Bernard — Returned to present docket 24-3950-2101 for the Public Works Contractors Board.
Jim Guthrie — Senator Guthrie was called on after the presentation and then moved to approve docket 24-3201-2101.
Jim Guthrie — Jim Guthrie was recognized and then moved that Senate Bill 1221 be sent to the Senate floor with the recommendation that it do pass.
Daniel Foreman — Senator Foreman moved to approve Rules docket 24-3950-2101, and the motion was seconded by Senator Lakey.
Paul Arrington — Introduced himself and testified on behalf of the Idaho Water Users Association.
Neil Shippee — Neil Shippee, the water master for Water District 65 in the Payette Basin, testified in support of the bill and explained its need. After his opening remarks, the chair invited questions from members.
Sarah Betweiser — Sarah Betweiser was introduced as the next presenter, then introduced herself as being with Signet and representing NCCI. She explained that she represents NCCI in Idaho on workers' compensation policy matters and then yielded her time to Todd Johnson.
Todd Johnson — Todd Johnson is introduced as the next presenter and then identifies himself as the Senior State Relations Executive with NCCI, noting that he lives in Minnesota. He explains that NCCI, the National Council on Compensation Insurance, serves as the rating bureau for workers' compensation in Idaho and frames his presentation around Idaho's system and NCCI's role in it.
Todd Johnson — Todd Johnson continued his explanation of NCCI and its role in supporting the workers’ compensation system. He noted that NCCI serves a referencing rating bureau by developing rates and loss costs for individual states, collecting carrier data, and making recommendations to departments of insurance. He also described examples of high-risk employers such as roofers, fireworks installers, and mining operations, and explained that NCCI is funded by a small assessment on carrier premiums. He concluded by thanking the committee and inviting questions.
Mr. Johnson — Was asked to provide examples of high-risk employers.
Mr. Johnson — Was asked to explain the rating bureau's function.
Mr. Johnson — Was asked to respond to a question about sureties and claims adjustment.
Mr. Johnson — Explained that NCCI does not get involved in compensability decisions or coverage issues, but does perform classification inspections.
Ms. Betweiser — Noted as still present in the back and asked whether she had any further comments before the meeting wrapped up.
Mr. Cameron — Invited from the audience to address the committee.
Erica Malman — Erica Malman is introduced as the gubernatorial appointee to the Idaho Personnel Commission and then testifies in support of her nomination. She introduces herself, describes her background as a practicing attorney specializing in natural resources and as the managing partner of a Boise law office, and reviews her prior state and federal legal service. She also shares personal background about her family. Committee members then ask about her views of the commission’s work and her law practice, and she explains that commission cases are often difficult, that she values learning about other areas of state government, and that her practice is primarily counseling and litigation for industry clients such as mining, timber, and development. The exchange concludes with the committee indicating it will likely vote on her appointment at a later meeting.
Todd Lakey — Senator Todd Lakey opens a brief exchange with Ms. Malman and asks about her experience serving on the commission, specifically what she finds most challenging and most rewarding, then follows up by asking more directly about the most rewarding part of serving.
Todd Lakey — Seconded the motion to approve docket 24-3201-2101.
Todd Lakey — Asked whether the fees were the same as or separate from city and county building permit fees.
Todd Lakey — Seconded the motion to approve docket 24-3950-2101.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Senator Janie Ward-Engelking is identified as the member who made the motion to approve the January 22, 2026 minutes, with later references reiterating that she was the one who moved approval.
Christy Zito — Christy Zito is identified as the second on the motion, with the transcript briefly varying between 'Senator Zee' and 'Senator Zito.'