James Ruchti — Moved to approve the minutes for Monday, February 2nd, and Tuesday, February 3rd.
James Ruchti — Was designated to run the meeting after the chair turned over the gavel.
James Ruchti — Referenced in the discussion of concerns about one group gaining power and influence over others.
James Ruchti — Representative Church was informed that his questions would be taken up later, after testimony concluded, and that the matter would be revisited at that time.
James Ruchti — Likely the source of the misheard name 'Churchill' in the virtual call setup, but this is uncertain.
James Ruchti — Called on for additional questions after the motion.
James Ruchti — Referenced in the ongoing debate about the historical context and discrimination in 1890.
James Ruchti — Mentioned for providing assurance that repeal would not mean public tax dollars would be spent on religious schools.
James Ruchti — Representative Church is identified as speaking in response to the motion.
Mark Harris — Representative McCann was introduced as the sponsor of RS 33195, then took the floor to identify herself as Lori McCann, Representative for District 6, and explain the bill's purpose. After her remarks, the chair opened the floor for questions before proceeding to the next step in the process.
Mark Harris — Referenced as part of the committee discussion on the Blaine Amendment and church-state separation.
Mark Harris — Referenced in the ongoing discussion about church-state boundaries and religious influence.
Mark Harris — The exchange continued with questions about funding religious schools and the purpose of the proposed repeal.
Mark Harris — The discussion continued with concerns about how repeal might affect future funding decisions.
Mark Harris — Explained that the state should not favor one religion over another and argued that constitutional protections keep government out of setting religion.
Mark Harris — Cargill thanked Representative Price for the bill.
Mark Harris — Praised the witness and began a question about state tax dollars going to religious schools and medical schools.
Mark Harris — Asked to respond to the neutrality and litigation concerns.
Mark Harris — Introduced a question about the financial security of public schools and the implications of an ADA-style religious neutrality regime.
Mark Harris — Asked about the financial security of public schools and the historical motivation for the constitutional provision.
Mark Harris — Referenced for a statement that history does not dictate what the amendment says.
Mark Harris — Referenced as part of the discussion of how history shapes the amendment.
Mark Harris — Representative Crane is referenced as having made remarks that prompted the comment.
Brandon Shippy — The chair moved the discussion on to Representative Polanka, indicating a transition to the next member.
Brandon Shippy — Representative Crane was introduced as the next questioner in the committee discussion.
Brandon Shippy — The speaker confirmed that money would not automatically flow after repeal.
Brandon Shippy — The chair noted that Representative Bingham would ask a question next, followed by Representative Church.
Jim Guthrie — Representative Bingham was told that his questions would be taken up later, after the testimony, and that they would be revisited afterward.
Jim Guthrie — A state representative was quoted as asking whether children with disabilities belonged in public schools if they could be served; the specific member is not clearly identified.
Jim Guthrie — The chair interrupts to ask the witness to move closer to the microphone; the speaker is not named directly but this is committee procedure.
Chris Cargill — Chris Cargill was identified as the first testifier, then introduced himself as president of Mountain States Policy Center and began testifying in support of the bill. He concluded by offering to answer any questions.
Asha Mohingi — Introduced as the next in-person witness, though the spelling was uncertain.
Asha Mwingi — Identified herself as a Nampa resident, Boise State student, and Idaho public schools graduate; testified against H.J.R. 7.
Brian Allman / Brian Elman — Introduced himself with a slightly uncertain name and said he would focus on historical context rather than legal arguments.
Mr. Allman — Testified in support of sending the resolution to the floor and argued the Blaine Amendment is outdated.
Shane McCauley — Shane McCauley is introduced as the next virtual witness, experiences brief audio/mute issues, then identifies himself as being from Worley, Idaho and testifies in support of the resolution to remove the Blaine Amendment from the Idaho Constitution. He concludes by asking for a yes vote on the resolution.
Brianna Valadeo — Brianna Valadeo was introduced as the next witness, then joined virtually after brief audio/mute issues. She testified in opposition to H.J.R. 7 and raised concerns about discrimination in the debate. Her testimony concluded shortly afterward, and the committee thanked her and opened the floor for questions.
Matt Edwards — Matt Edwards was introduced as the next witness, then identified himself as executive director of Citizens Alliance of Idaho and testified in support of H.J.R. 107. He concluded by thanking the committee and arguing that repealing the measure would not establish religion, while suggesting the state should reconsider taxpayer-funded benefits if it is concerned about broader access.
Samaya Serena — Samaya Serena is introduced as the next testifier, with the committee noting that she is opposed to the bill but may not be heard due to connection issues.
Grace Hallett / Grace Howlett — Announced as the next in-person testifier; name appears inconsistently in the transcript.
Grace Howitt / Grace Hallett — Policy analyst at Idaho Family Policy Center testified in support of H.J.R. 7 and discussed the Blaine Amendment's historical origins.
Grace Howitt — Committee thanked the witness and asked for questions.
Kate Hartley — Kate Hartley, an attorney with the Pacific Justice Institute, introduced herself and began testifying about Blaine Amendments, explaining that her litigation experience gives her a different perspective on the issue and that these amendments have caused confusion in practice.
Pastor Danny Steinmeier — Pastor Danny Steinmeier testified that his church was treated unfairly as a religious organization in connection with an Idaho charter school. He explained that the church had been a rent-paying customer at the school, but after the school sought public bond funding, the church was forced out amid Blaine Amendment-related concerns. He said his church ultimately won a federal case and obtained First Amendment protections.
Mr. Steinmeyer — Provided his last name spelling for the record and answered questions.
Christina Hardy — Christina Hardy introduced herself as a District 23 resident and continued her testimony in support of the resolution. She referenced listening to the House Education Committee meeting and discussed concerns about public dollars going to private schools through IDLA, concluding by stating her support for the resolution and for allowing Idaho residents to vote on it.
Adam Pendergrass — Adam Pendergrass, a Boise State student and Nampa resident, testified in opposition to H.J.R. 7. He urged organizations to challenge the measure in court, warned against government involvement with religious institutions, and asked legislators to vote no on the resolution. He also briefly confirmed the spelling of his name for the record.