Melissa Wintrow — The chair recognizes Senator Shippee, likely referring to Senator Wintrow or another senator; the transcript is unclear.
Melissa Wintrow — Senator Wintrow introduced her RS and explained its background, including the 2007 public-benefits verification law. In response to questions, she used examples such as sexual assault forensic exams to clarify the proposal and then further explained how the fund works and why it was created. The discussion concluded with Senator Blaylock moving to send the RS to print.
Melissa Wintrow — Melissa Wintrow introduced Senate Bill 1267, explaining that it addresses Medicaid for workers with disabilities and is intended to respond to a recent federal law change. She described how current premiums can rise sharply for people who continue working past age 65, and said the bill would allow them to keep working without being penalized while maintaining their premium structure. She also noted that the department reviewed and cleared the bill language and is present to answer questions, with the committee having worked through implementation and fiscal note issues.
Melissa Wintrow — Senator Wintrow clarified the bill’s purpose in response to concerns that it would create an institutionalization process. She explained that the bill contains legislative findings and directs the department to study and evaluate options within existing Medicaid authority to preserve continuity of coverage for workers with disabilities, support work and savings, and help people remain living independently. She emphasized that the bill is not about creating a committee or institutionalizing people, but about developing a plan to address premium increases and cost sharing after age 65 so participants are not financially harmed.
Melissa Wintrow — Senator Wintrow defended the need for the legislation and explained that the request was intentionally put in writing after consulting with department staff because the issue is a policy decision and the committee needs a clear, documented path forward. She said the department should complete the work by December 1 so lawmakers can make an informed decision, noted the proposal could later be repealed or adjusted if needed, and emphasized that the bill is a modest ask that helps the disability community move forward. She also argued the committee should support the study, saying she avoided JFAC intent language and that the proposal aligns with recent federal action.
Jordan Redman — Cited as the House sponsor of House Bill 135, though the transcript says 'Jordan Redmond.'
Jordan Redman — Presented the RS and said he hoped to return for a full hearing with experts.
Jordan Redman — Explained that the RS would establish voluntary newborn hearing screenings in Idaho code with no fiscal impact.
Jordan Redman — Said the screenings are voluntary and invited questions.
Jordan Redman — Responded that the screenings are voluntary because the chapter allows opting out.
Jordan Redman — Explained that the screening is voluntary and parents can opt out.
Jordan Redman — Said parents can request the screening through an audiologist, that hospitals are already doing the screenings, and that parents can opt out at any time.
Jordan Redman — Concluded his explanation of the voluntary screening proposal.
Jordan Redman — Remained before the committee after the motion passed.
Jordan Redman — Introduced Senate Bill 1266 and described it as a foster care bill.
Jordan Redman — Said the bill preserves licensing and safety standards while allowing expedited placement for kin.
Codi Galloway — Senator Cody Galloway was welcomed to the committee and introduced himself as the presenter of the next RS.
Codi Galloway — Senator Galloway closed on Senate Bill 1266, briefly expressing support and urging a yes vote because the bill would expand care and benefit children and the community. Immediately afterward, the committee moved to send Senate Bill 1266 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Christy Zito — Senator Shippee asked for clarification on why the screenings are voluntary, and Senator Galloway responded that they are voluntary because this particular screening falls into a list of screenings that are treated that way.
Brian Lenney — Senator Lenney moved to send RS 3314 to print, and the motion was seconded by Senator Ziderfeld.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — Senator Zuiderveld was identified as seconding Senator Lenny’s motion to send RS 3314 to print.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — A senator identified as 'Birke' asks a question; the exact identity is uncertain from the transcript.
Taliana Nichols — Taliana Nichols, a foster and kinship mother from North Idaho, testified in support of the bill by sharing her family’s kinship care journey. She described how she and her husband took in a newborn through an emergency hospital placement, supported a relative through her case plan, and ultimately cared for the child for two and a half years. She explained that this experience led to eight years of fostering more than 20 children, including reunifications and kinship placements, and that she now serves as a resource peer mentor in Region 1 to help other kinship families. She closed by thanking the committee for supporting families like hers and offering to answer questions.
Camille Blaylock — Made the motion to send Senate Bill 1266 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
— Asked for a more in-depth review of the age 65, Medicare, Medicaid, and disability issues.
Nick Wyatt — Was introduced as the first in-person testifier on Senate Bill 1267.
Nichols-Wire — Identified themselves as living in Boise and began testimony, though the name is uncertain due to transcription quality.
Nichols-Wire (uncertain) — Explained that they and their wife live with significant disabilities and that the legislation would help them live independently.
Dana Grover — The committee introduces Dana Grover as the next witness and asks whether her written testimony has been received, confirming the testimony as part of her introduction.
Dana Gover — Testified that she is a quadriplegic and has been on the Medicaid for Workers program since it began.
Dana Gover — Explains that she works in training and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Dana Gover — Continued her testimony describing her work helping businesses and government entities comply with disability-related requirements and answering phones for a four-state region under a federal grant.
Dana Gover — Finished her explanation of the regional grant work and invited follow-up conversation about the personal assistance program.
Dana Gover — Said she would be willing to share more details about her personal assistance needs but found it embarrassing to discuss publicly.
Dana Gover — Referenced as having testified about cost sharing.
Mel Levitin — Identified as a person who could still share testimony even though she did not sign in.
Dana — Referenced in the discussion as part of the speaker's explanation; no further identification provided.
Randy — Randy is described as a former tax commission employee who worked there for over 20 years and shared his experience about the challenges of continuing to work past age 65. The discussion highlights that his health insurance premium reportedly rose dramatically, from about $80 to over $2,400 a month, illustrating the financial pressure he faced.
Jim Guthrie — Senator Lenny is part of a brief exchange about whether the department should handle the issue without new legislation and about State Hospital South as a possible placement option for individuals needing care. The moment ends with Senator Lenny asking Senator Wintrow if she would like to close.
C. Grow — Suggested putting the request in intent language in a budget bill.
Brandon Shippy — Senator Shippey argued that the committee should reflect on the proper role of government in society, especially regarding care for people who cannot fully care for themselves. He said responsibility should begin with the individual, then family, church, and nonprofit organizations, with government as a last resort rather than the first option. He contended that government involvement can crowd out family and church participation, reduce voluntary compassion, and rely on compulsion rather than generosity. He used examples such as food assistance, housing, and transportation to illustrate needs he believes should first be addressed through family and church support, and he closed by emphasizing Christian compassion and the importance of periodically reconsidering these roles as legislators.