Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 23rd, 2026

Key Moments

  • Jordan Redman — Representative Redmond is recognized and makes a motion to introduce RS 33469.
  • Jordan Redman — Responded to the request and moved to introduce RS 33466.
  • Jordan Redman — Moved to introduce RS 33466.
  • Jordan Redman — The chair responds to the motion and opens the floor for questions.
  • Jordan Redman — Voted yes in the roll call.
  • David Leavitt — Representative Furman is introduced and then presents RS 33469, explaining that the bill adds physical therapy to the direct primary care section of state code. In response to questions, he clarifies that the proposal is limited to physical therapists, does not expand scope of care, and allows them to provide services more directly to patients without going through insurance. The discussion remains focused on RS 33469 until a new bill, RS 33466, is introduced.
  • David Leavitt — David Leavitt questioned whether the bill removes statutory enrollment caps for ACT teams and followed up by asking whether those limits are tied to the 10-to-1 or maximum 12-to-1 staffing ratio.
  • Dori Healey — Representative Healy is called on and moves to send House Bill 591 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The discussion then continues with references to his prior legislative activity, followed by Healy saying he is fine taking the measure to a full hearing but raising concerns about the bill’s language on assessments, diagnosis, treatment, health promotion, and diabetes detection. The exchange ends with another member directly responding to Healy’s question.
  • Dori Healey — Representative Egbert was recognized by the chair, requested a roll call vote, and then participated in the roll call by voting yes.
  • Rob Beiswenger — The transcript appears to say 'Vice Swinger'; likely a mis-transcription of a member name, but the exact identity is uncertain.
  • Rob Beiswenger — Voted yes in the roll call.
  • Jeff Cornilles — Representative Ben Furman is introduced and then recognized to speak on RS 3347. He identifies himself for the record, after which the discussion turns to questions about the scope of the program, including how many people in the state currently fall under it. Furman then responds to follow-up questioning, indicating the deadline is tight.
  • Lori McCann — Lori McCann is called on as the next speaker and then moves to introduce RS 3347.
  • Jack Nelsen — The transcript says 'Representative Kaler,' which appears to be a mishearing; the question is directed to Representative Furman.
  • Jack Nelsen — Jack Nelsen said he would support the motion to introduce the proposal, but he expressed hesitation about embedding ongoing or long-term funding in statute.
  • Josh Wheeler — Asked for clarification on the expected net savings to the state.
  • Josh Wheeler — Voted yes in the roll call.
  • Robert Beiswenger — Asked about the March 1, 2026 deadline for submitting a plan.
  • Megan Egbert — Megan Egbert raised concerns about the ACT program and how budget cuts might affect its services, asking for clarification on whether the program remained intact and how the cuts would impact it. The discussion then continued with responses and commentary related to her question, including remarks about the ongoing hearing and an example offered in support of the ACT program’s effectiveness in the community.
  • Ben Fuhriman — Representative Ben Fuhriman responds to questions and comments about ACT, explaining that there is a common misunderstanding about how the program works and that it is a fidelity-model program requiring specialized training and startup funding. He then addresses concerns about program structure and enrollment, noting that participation ratios and provider limits prevent uncontrolled growth even without a statutory cap. The discussion shifts into a more hearing-like exchange, where Fuhriman shares firsthand experience as a landlord: ACT team members contact him about potential renters, explain the tenant’s mental health situation, and help facilitate the rental process. Other members thank him for bringing the bill and express support for the program, while Fuhriman indicates he can allow the bill to proceed but cannot support it if it remains a general fund item.
  • Tanya Burgoyne — Voted yes in the roll call.
  • James Ruchti — Representative Levitt was mentioned during the roll-call vote as a possible 'maybe' vote, with no additional discussion beyond the vote acknowledgment.
  • Monica Church — Representative McCann responded 'Yes' during the roll call vote.
  • Ilana Rubel — Representative Rubel was called during the roll call and voted yes.
  • Ali Silver — She says she hopes to pursue nursing and explains that is why she wanted to be part of the committee.
  • Jordan Redman — Representative Redman is addressed as the sponsor/next speaker on House Bill 591.
  • Jordan Redman — The chair remarks that Representative Redman has not appeared before the committee very much.
  • Jordan Redman — Representative Jordan Redmond introduces himself as representing District 3 in Cootney County and presents House Bill 591.
  • Jordan Redman — The chair asks whether Representative Redmond will carry House Bill 591 on the floor.
  • Allie Silver / Ali Silver — The new page introduces herself as Ali Silver from Twin Falls, attending I-Succeed Virtual Academy, age 17.
  • Allie Silver — A new page is introduced and brought to the podium.