Mark Harris — Senator Mark Harris introduced Senate Bill 1355 and then participated in follow-up discussion and questions about the bill’s scope. During the exchange, he was addressed by name, asked to restate a question, and clarified whether the bill applied only to farmers or also to others.
Mark Harris — The discussion centers on Senator Harris and the bill’s amendment process. Seth Grigg says he spoke with Harris that morning about possible amendments and supports Harris’s effort to move the bill forward. Senator Harris then speaks, expressing concern about regulation and zoning restrictions as a private property issue, saying landowners should be able to divide property for family use and indicating openness to friendly amendments. The exchange concludes with thanks to Senator Harris after the motion carried and the bill was sent to the 14th order.
Seth — Referenced as a possible witness who may address the question.
Seth — The chair noted that Seth's name had been mentioned and invited him to come forward.
Richard Beck — Richard Beck, director of Ada County’s Development Services Department, testified in opposition to Senate Bill 1355 as written. He explained that the bill could allow parcels to be legally created even though they would not meet local zoning, health, safety, or building-permit requirements, creating confusion for property owners and difficulties for local jurisdictions. He also raised enforcement concerns, including verifying ownership, timelines, and family relationships, and suggested the bill could be improved by requiring compliance with applicable zoning standards or otherwise resolving statutory conflicts.
Ron Hanson — Ron Hanson was introduced as the next online witness, the committee attempted to connect him, and then confirmed that he was connected and could hear them.
Tom Henson — Tom Henson testified in support of the bill, explaining that county restrictions and financing barriers make it difficult for his children to build on family land. He said that even if he gave them a 40-acre parcel, they still could not get financing for a home because the property would remain tied to a land loan. He indicated that a five-acre parcel would be more workable, allowing his children to fence off about an acre for a home while keeping the rest of the land in agricultural use. The chair then thanked him and concluded the questioning.
Rachel Martin — Rachel Martin, the land use director for Blaine County, was introduced and confirmed online before testifying that the county opposes the bill as written. She explained that Blaine County’s mountainous terrain and avalanche hazards make subdivision-code exemptions a life-safety concern because they could create unbuildable parcels. She suggested limiting the bill to agricultural lands through an agricultural exemption and noted that Blaine County already has an agricultural short plat process. In a later exchange, she reiterated concern that the bill does not clearly preserve local planning authority and could allow deed-only parcel creation.
Ron Taylor — Senator Taylor asked Rachel Martin whether the bill could have any negative effects on Blaine County's Hillside Ordinance.
Ron Taylor — Identified as seconding the motion to approve the minutes.
Reese Empey — Reese Empey of the Pacific Legal Foundation testified in support of the bill, briefly introducing himself and his organization, then concluding by reaffirming support and offering to answer questions.
Doug Ricks — Addressed as chair while welcoming the witness back to the committee.
Seth Grigg — Identified himself as executive director of the Idaho Association of Counties and said he had spoken with Senator Harris about possible friendly amendments.
Treg Bernt — Senator Treg Bernt moved to send Senate Bill 1355 to the 14th order for possible amendments, with a brief acknowledgment from Senator Burton occurring in the same exchange.
Ben Adams — Senator Adams was identified as the seconder on the motion and then spoke to move approval of the February 19th, 2026 minutes.