Megan Egbert — Representative Egbert confirmed she had read the minutes and moved to accept the minutes from February 19th and February 25th. The motion was then put to a vote and passed.
Jeff Ehlers — Representative Jeff Ehlers presented three related technical cleanup bills in sequence: Senate Bill 1273, which he described as a code cleanup measure tied to prior House Bill 14 and noted had passed the Senate unanimously; Senate Bill 1274, another cleanup bill involving HR-related date references; and Senate Bill 1275, a cleanup bill related to PERSI. For each bill, he identified himself as Representative Jeff Ehlers of District 21, Meridian, explained the bill briefly, and asked the committee to send it to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
David Leavitt — Representative David Leavitt presented Senate Bill 1276 and explained that it would help address educator shortages by allowing districts to continue relying on experienced educators, while also reducing retirement-related costs. In response to questions, he clarified that the bill removes a provision affecting retirees returning to work and PERSI contributions, and said he did not believe it would affect IRS rules. The discussion concluded with a witness referencing his response.
Ted Hill — Representative Ted Hill presented the Foreign Adversary Investment Act and explained that it is intended to protect Idaho’s public investment dollars from being put at risk by foreign adversary investments.
Barbara Ehardt — Representative Hill explained that the bill is intended to restrict future investments in countries of concern, especially China and Russia, as a strategic and moral statement while leaving current investments unchanged. He noted that the bill tracks federal regulations in Title 15 of the CFR and will update automatically when those regulations change, so references such as Venezuela would be revised accordingly. Hill also said he was willing to accept a requested language amendment before the bill moves to general orders, emphasizing that the measure is meant to send a strategic message and align Idaho with other states taking similar action.
Wendell Beitzel — Representative McCann first indicated he was preparing to make a motion, then briefly explained prior divestment requirements from a 2024 bill and noted that universities and government funding had complied. After expressing satisfaction with the explanation, he moved to send House Bill 763 to general orders.
Edward Hill — Explained that the law should be applied by referencing the most recent version of the federal regulation list as it changes.
Edward Hill — Said the bill should reference the most recent federal regulation because the list is a moving target.
Edward Hill — Was addressed by another speaker, who suggested the bill should not list current adversaries because the list changes over time.
Edward Hill — Agreed that the suggested process clarification was reasonable and said the amendment could include the update.
Edward Hill — Was thanked after answering questions on the bill.
Edward Hill — Was identified as carrying another bill that would be heard next Tuesday.