Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 18th, 2026

Senate State Affairs Committee

Key Moments

  • Mark Harris — Representative Haas asks about the timing change and canvassing.
  • Mark Harris — Representative Scott asks whether the five-supervisor structure is new or existing practice.
  • Mark Harris — Representative Green identifies himself as Brook Green from District 18; the name appears misrecognized and does not match the expected member list.
  • Kelly Anthon — Representative Alfieri moved to introduce RS 3355.
  • Mark Harris — Representative Hill is thanked and asked questions; the transcript likely contains a misrecognition of the member name, but the speaker appears to be a legislator presenting the resolution.
  • Mark Harris — Representative Scott raises concerns about the bill language and asks for clarification.
  • Kelly Anthon — Representative Mickelson asks whether soil and water conservation districts are countywide or more limited.
  • Kelly Anthon — Representative Mickelson raises logistical concerns about district elections and ballots.
  • Kelly Anthon — Representative Thompson is referenced in a continuous discussion about the bill: citizens had asked Thompson to sponsor it, Grody later cites Thompson's earlier point about verification difficulties, and the chair then notes Thompson does not need to close because there was no opposition testimony.
  • Brandon Shippy — Representative Mitchell introduces himself as the District 6 representative and discusses the cleanup bill. He responds to questions about specific bill language, including soil and water conservation district provisions and related timing/details, and notes several times that he does not have certain answers with him but can provide them later or at the full hearing.
  • Jim Guthrie — Representative Haas asks about the timing changes for mail-in ballot precincts and canvassing.
  • Tom Grody — The chair first works through audio issues to bring Tom Grody online, briefly regaining and losing sound before Grody begins his testimony. Grody introduces himself as a McCall resident and states his support for House Bill 549. He says 80 citizens endorsed the bill, argues it does not change the 10% elector-signature requirement, and cites a Valley County Clerk letter saying verification would be nearly impossible if property-owner signatures remain required. He concludes by offering to answer questions.
  • James Ruchti — Representative Scott moves to send House Bill 549 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.