Stephen Montematt — A physician testifying against the bill; says he has practiced in Idaho since 1988 and volunteers at a clinic serving uninsured patients.
Brooke Jackson — Cited as part of cases the witness says established ownership.
Dr. Kirk Moore — Cited as part of cases the witness says established ownership.
Amaya Donahue — Amaya Donahue testified in opposition to SB 1346, introducing herself and sharing personal context as an Idahoan, University of Idaho graduate, and mother of three. She described how she and her husband make important family and medical decisions with their doctors, and argued that such private decisions should not be subject to local government involvement. She concluded by asking the committee to vote no on Bill 1346.
Gordon Wilkerson — Gordon Wilkerson was introduced and then testified as a Washington County Commissioner in support of the moratorium. He argued that the COVID injection poses serious harms, said the virus is not life-threatening to young people, and concluded by firmly reiterating his support for the moratorium.
Primo Castro — Primo Castro testified on behalf of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization in opposition to SB 1346. He argued that mRNA technology is not gene therapy and that labeling mRNA vaccines as such is scientifically inaccurate. He warned that the bill would unnecessarily restrict family medical decision-making and access to voluntary mRNA vaccines, could create inconsistencies between clinical trial participation and FDA-approved access, and would disadvantage Idaho by limiting access to scientifically validated technology.
Julie VanOrden — Chair Van Orden is addressed by the witness.
Xavier Figueroa / Javier Figueroa — Introduced as Xavier Figueroa, but the witness identifies himself as Javier Figueroa and states support for SB 1346.
Javier Figueroa — Javier Figueroa argued that the core issue is whether informed consent is possible in the context of the vaccine/mRNA program. He claimed that post-vaccination deaths and related FDA information were not fully disclosed and had to be obtained through court action, described the program as a government-backed Pfizer/Moderna initiative, and concluded that the moratorium bill is needed because it restores choice and informed consent.
Brian Lenney — Recognized by the chair as asking a question of Mr. Figueroa.
Brian Lenney — Moves to send Senate Bill 1346 to the 14th order.
Brian Lenney — Senator Lenny requested a roll call vote and was subsequently recorded as voting aye in the roll call.
Mr. Figuero — Answered that mRNA technology is gene therapy, citing S-1 filings and FDA language changes.
Shawn Dygert — Senator Shippey first questioned whether mRNA technology should be considered gene therapy, then used his closing remarks to thank witnesses and the committee, and asked that the bill be sent to the 14th order for further work on the language. He emphasized his willingness to continue discussions to avoid unintended consequences. He then explained his understanding of the distinction between gene therapies and broader treatments, argued that the bill’s two-year moratorium was chosen to allow time for safety data while not unduly suppressing innovation, and said the measure is aimed at protecting the most vulnerable, especially given the lack of long-term pediatric studies.
Stephanie Nemore — Introduced as the next witness, though the name may be misspelled in the transcript.
Stephanie Neymour — Stephanie Neymour testified in opposition to Senate Bill 1346 as a parent, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to speak and continuing her testimony by emphasizing that she and her husband love being parents, framing her opposition around parental rights and family well-being.
Mark Harris — Senator Harris questioned why the human gene therapy exemption applies to cancer genetic disorders but not infectious diseases, pressing for an explanation of the distinction and continuing the same line of inquiry.
Mark Harris — Senator Harris asks a follow-up question about whether the bill is limited to mRNA vaccines or would also apply to other vaccines, and the discussion continues as that question is answered.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — Asked why the moratorium period is two years and what happens if results are not found.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — The speaker said they support sending the bill to the 14th order and then began comments about expertise and the role of a board.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — The text appears to refer to Senator Ziderfeld, likely the same member referenced in the prior context.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — The speaker later refers to 'Senator Winthrop' in a way that appears to be a transcription error for Senator Wintrow.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — The speaker argued legislators can consult experts even if they are not experts themselves, and criticized fast-tracking based on expert advice that caused harm.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — The speaker said government already regulates some parental choices and argued the issue should be examined further.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — The speaker said the 14th Amendment could be used to clean up language and suggested the legislature can also rely on expert advice for a study.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — The speaker supported the bill's intent but wanted clearer language and a narrower definition of gene therapy.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — Recorded as voting aye in the roll call.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — Recorded as voting aye in the roll call.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — Recorded as voting aye in the roll call.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — Recorded as voting no in the roll call.
Jordan Redman — A senator asks what happens if the two-year period ends without results.
Jordan Redman — Says if safety is not demonstrated, the products should not be administered to children and the language may need fixing.
Jordan Redman — Responds that if safety is not demonstrated, the products should not be administered to children and the language may need to be fixed.
Jordan Redman — Says he was vaguely aware of the federal action and appreciates the federal government taking steps.
Jordan Redman — Addressed by Senator Harris with a question about the scope of the bill.
Jordan Redman — Says the bill would not target other vaccines and is not specific to mRNA vaccination.
Jordan Redman — Explains that the bill is not aimed at other vaccines and is not specific to mRNA vaccination.
Jordan Redman — Invites a motion after the bill is placed before the committee.
Jordan Redman — Thanked in the discussion on the motion.
Jordan Redman — Thanked by Senator Wintrow and referenced in the discussion of possible corrections.
Britt Raybould — Senator Blaylock first raises the need for stronger data and asks whether RFK Jr. has called for more rigorous, placebo-controlled trials before major changes are made. She is then addressed in the response, and later continues by saying she understands the desire to pressure the federal government to act, but is concerned about the legislature moving ahead without sufficient expertise.
Edward Hill — Senator Harris is called on next.
Edward Hill — Senator Harris said the bill is government overreach in medical decision-making and expressed concern about stepping into that realm.
Edward Hill — Senator Harris said the treatment should remain available to those who want it, but objected to government involvement and the broad definition of human gene therapy products.
Edward Hill — Recorded as voting no in the roll call.
testifiers — The senator referenced earlier testimony in support of the concern about government overreach.
Melissa Wintrow — Recorded as voting no in the roll call.
Melissa Wintrow — Recorded as voting aye in the roll call.
Josh Keyser — The chair calls on Senator Kaiser, who then asks a procedural follow-up about whether the process can return to the committee and what safety data sources would be used.
Daniel Foreman — Senator Shippey was discussed and then responded in a brief committee exchange about protein antigen-based options and emergency authorization. He was asked whether such options are readily available, and he replied that he is not an expert on the topic, noting the products have been authorized under emergency authorization and offering to look up answers for the committee. The exchange also referenced his request to hear three presenters first.