Cooper — Cooper was invited to speak about his experience serving as a page and said he greatly enjoyed the opportunity. He described it as an outstanding first job that taught him work experience, people skills, and confidence in communicating with others. The discussion also noted his responsibilities as a floating page and handling AV duties.
Kevin Cook — Was announced as the next agenda item, associated with Senate Bill 1284.
Kevin Cook — Began remarks on Senate Bill 1284.
Kevin Cook — Introduced himself as Idaho State Senator Kevin Cook from Legislative District 32 and presented Senate Bill 1284.
Kevin Cook — Referenced as the example dietitian applying through the compact to practice in Idaho.
Kevin Cook — During the compact discussion, the committee indicated it would wait for Senator Cook’s closing remarks, and the exchange clarified that the measure concerns an existing compact that Idaho is voting to join.
Kevin Cook — Kevin Cook delivered closing remarks on Senate Bill 1284, apologizing for using California as an example and clarifying that the list of participating states was accurate. He then raised a question about what happens to data if Idaho or another member state leaves the compact, and answered by citing the bill’s data-system provision, explaining that information expunged under federal or state law must be removed from the system. He concluded by urging an aye vote, arguing the compact would not diminish Idaho’s sovereignty, rights, standards, or values.
Jason Monks — Addressed as Mr. Chairman during the question period.
Joe Palmer — Senator Cook is responding to questions in committee; the transcript does not clearly identify the chair beyond Mr. Chairman.
Van Burtenshaw — Senator Burt asked for clarification on whether Idaho can overrule the compact’s rules or, if it disagrees with them, vote to leave or otherwise withdraw from the compact.
Van Burtenshaw — Van Burtenshaw spoke in support of the motion while noting the compact bills were complicated and that he wanted more debate, even though he would vote yes for now. His point was then referenced by another speaker, and he was later called during roll call.
Brian Lenney — Senator Lenny asks whether Idaho dietitians participating in the compact must be fingerprinted and have their prints submitted to the FBI, receives confirmation that this is correct, and then follows up by asking whether there is any mechanism to claw back the fingerprint information from the FBI if Idaho leaves the compact.
Brian Lenney — Brian Lenney speaks against the bill, saying reciprocity would accomplish the same goals without the compact commission or fees. He cites a section of the bill that initially seemed reassuring but still leaves him skeptical, and reiterates that he does not think the compact is necessary when reciprocity could be used instead. After discussion ends, the committee proceeds to roll call, where Lenney votes no as vice chairman.
— Senator Merrill asked whether any dietitian compact already exists between states and whether the proposed compact would compete with or join an existing compact.
— A senator with an unclear name (Lendy/Lenny) was first asked whether he had a question before the motion proceeded, and then was identified as seconding the motion.
Jennifer Scharfer — Was called from the crowd to come forward and introduce herself.
Jen Schaefer — Introduced herself as a Lewiston resident, director of a small critical access hospital, and Idaho President of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; stated support for the compact.
Ms. Serena — The chair addressed the next witness as 'Ms. Serena' and invited her to introduce herself.
Serena RV — Identified herself as a registered dietitian, lifelong Idaho resident, and leader overseeing more than 100 clinical dietitians.
Jennifer Beezer — Introduced herself as a Boise dietitian and stated support for the compact.
Barbara Grant — Barbara Grant testified in support of Senate Bill 1284. She introduced herself as a longtime oncology dietitian at St. Alphonsus and explained that she has had to maintain an Oregon license to treat patients from Oregon. She argued that Idaho’s participation in the dietitian compact would eliminate duplicative licensure, make it easier for dietitians to practice across state lines, and benefit military families and other professionals who relocate because of duty station changes. She concluded by urging support for the bill.
Daniel Foreman — The witness addressed Chairman Foreman at the start of her remarks.
Daniel Foreman — Called at the end of the roll call.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Janie Ward-Engelking moved to send Senate Bill 1284 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, followed by roll call and continued discussion on the bill. She asked questions about why the bill did not go through the Education Committee, referenced feedback from non-public schools, suggested sending the bill to the amending order, and supported changing the language from 'Idaho homeschool' to 'non-public.'
Janie Ward-Engelking — Senator Ward Engelking expressed support for two of the proposed changes but questioned the age requirement and whether it would apply to all licenses. She then reiterated the same concern and clarified that the bill appeared to address only the education portion of licensure rather than other licensing requirements.
James Ruchti — Senator James Ruchti seconded the motion to send Senate Bill 1284 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and later was recorded as voting aye in the roll call.
James Ruchti — Senator Ruchti asks Mr. Ward for a basic rundown of what education and training are required to become a surveyor, clarifying that he may have missed the earlier testimony and wants to understand the requirements.
Christy Zito — Voted no in the roll call.
Christy Zito — Supported the proposed change as a great idea.
Christy Zito — Indicated she had a motion but was asked to hold it until after testimony.
Ben Taves — Ben Taves introduced Senate Bill 1285 as a clarification bill regarding educational equivalency in licensure, then explained that it was prompted by a North Idaho entrepreneur who was homeschooled and denied a real estate license.
Joel Fisher — Joel Fisher was called to testify and introduced himself for the record, stating that he serves as policy director at the Idaho Family Policy Center.
Mr. Fisher — The committee thanked him after his testimony.
Audra Talley — Testified on behalf of Homeschool Idaho in support of the bill and possible amendments.
Doug Okuniewicz — Senator Taves explained that the proposed change to age 21 would apply at the first place the age is mentioned in the bill and would keep future licensure education requirements consistent, then added that the age requirement issue may need further discussion.
Dave Lent — Asked about the age requirement and whether it would apply to all licenses.
Treg Bernt — Senator Burt was initially asked to stand by while the committee continued discussion, then asked if the committee was ready for a motion, and finally moved that Senate Bill 1-285 be sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation before correcting himself to note that the bill had already been sent to the 14th order for possible amendments.
Eric Stryker — Eric Stryker was called to testify on House Bill 512 and identified himself as vice president of the Idaho Society of Professional Land Surveyors and owner of Stryker Surveying in Payette. He explained that surveyors often act in a quasi-judicial capacity and argued that they need at least basic knowledge of common law, case law, statutes, and administrative rules in order to perform that role properly and avoid turning boundary issues into legal disputes.
Stuart Ward — Stuart Ward testifies in support of House Bill 512, introducing himself as a land surveyor from the Pocatello-Chubbuck area and owner of Dioptera. He explains that surveying is not merely technical work involving equipment and math, but requires professional legal judgment, especially when records conflict or old monuments must be interpreted. He emphasizes that surveyors need Idaho-specific knowledge and that these judgments carry legal weight. He concludes that the requirement protects Idaho property owners, reduces disputes and litigation, and strengthens confidence in a profession that plays an important but often quiet role across the state.
Mr. Ward — Responds to the senator's question by outlining Idaho licensure requirements.
Mr. Ward — Praised for traveling to testify in support of the bill.
Mr. Tim Trito / Tretto (questionable) — A person the committee is trying to call next, but the name is unclear in the transcript.
Trent Nate — Trent Nate is introduced as a gubernatorial reappointment to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, and he follows by introducing himself as a market president for Select Health and describing his background in health insurance and ties to Idaho and Your Health Idaho.
Mr. Nate — Senator Guthrie praised Mr. Nate as an important member of the board who brings the right balance of rebel and professional, along with valuable insight, knowledge, and experience. Mr. Nate then thanked the committee for its support, joked about his favorite boot color being neon green, and said it is an honor and privilege to serve on the board and contribute in a way that benefits Idahoans.
Hayden Carter — Hayden Carter introduced himself as a student at Skyview High School in Nampa and a new page, shared that he hopes to study political science at the University of Chicago, attend law school, and ultimately become a federal judge, and thanked the committee for the opportunity.
Jim Guthrie — Senator Guthrie twice asked Amanda Olson to describe her desired career path, framing it as a request for a concise summary of where she hopes her career will go.
Jim Guthrie — Asked how the compact would be funded and whether there would be dues or fees.
Jim Guthrie — Acknowledged by the chair before Senator Nichols' question.
Jim Guthrie — Used as the addressee in the explanation of how the compact would handle violations and data sharing.
Jim Guthrie — The speaker explains that compact participation would require data sharing and rulemaking limited to the profession, not licensure requirements.