Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 13th, 2026

Key Moments

  • Stephanie Mickelsen — Representative Stephanie Mickelsen is called on for a motion and then moves to introduce RS 33353, RS 3334, RS 33290, and RS 33338, with permission for them to be printed.
  • John Gannon — John Gannon explains RS 33185 C1, describing the Snake River to Mountain Home Air Force Base water transfer project and the 14-mile pipeline funded in part by Idaho taxpayers and ARPA money. He argues legislators did not know the base would expand to train foreign countries, and says those countries—such as Singapore and Qatar—can afford to pay their fair share. The bill, he says, is not aimed at the water board or anyone personally, but simply asks for user or rental fees and renegotiation so Idaho taxpayers are reimbursed for ongoing training-related use of the pipeline and base. He also responds to a question about water users, saying their concern is that the project was really designed for base expansion rather than just the existing base’s water needs. He concludes by moving to return RS 33185 C1.
  • Britt Raybould — Identified as the member asking a question; the transcript says 'Representative Braybold,' likely referring to Representative Raybould.
  • Judy Boyle — Representative Judy Boyle asked whether the proposal accounts for other infrastructure costs such as electricity, roads, and sewer, or only water. The response shifted to a related funding issue about whether the state is paying money to support the base, and the discussion continued with whether the sponsor had asked the Department of War/Defense to contribute money before the proposal is enacted.
  • Rob Beiswenger — Spoke in favor of the original motion and against the substitute motion, arguing the water project was intended to keep Mountain Home Air Force Base viable.
  • Dale Hawkins — The transcript names 'Representative Deiger,' but this appears questionable; the speaker says they will support the original motion and oppose the substitute motion.
  • James Petzke — Supported the original motion, emphasizing the good-faith agreement, the value of the base, and skepticism about using foreign-country income as a justification.
  • Jack Nelsen — Called on for a comment after Representative Pickett's remarks; the transcript says 'Nelson,' which is likely a mishearing of Nelsen.
  • Brooke Green — A substitute motion is attributed to 'Representative Church' to introduce RS 33185C1; the name is not clearly matched and is questionable.