Tammy Nichols — Makes the motion to approve the minutes from March 4, 2026.
Tammy Nichols — Tammy Nichols expresses strong support for the bill, saying she likes the idea because history and civics education are important. She expands on that support by referencing a recent conversation about citizenship and the need for people to understand civics and civic participation, then concludes by stating she will support the motion.
Tammy Nichols — Senator Nichols seconded the motion.
James Woodward — Is identified as seconding the motion to approve the minutes.
Kevin Cook — Senator Kevin Cook participates in a brief exchange about the proposed social studies coursework requirement, asking for clarification and remaining the focus of the discussion.
Kevin Cook — The chair addresses the Vice Chair before moving to the next presentation.
Kevin Cook — The vice chair was thanked as the committee concluded business.
Mary Ellen Norse — Mary Ellen Norse is identified as one of the scheduled in-person witnesses and then called first to testify, though no substantive testimony is captured before the committee moves on.
Joel Fisher — Joel Fisher is introduced as one of the scheduled in-person witnesses, then testifies as Policy Director at the Idaho Family Policy Center in support of House Bill 712. He concludes his testimony by asking for a due pass recommendation.
Samuel Lair — Listed as one of the in-person witnesses scheduled to testify.
Dr. Samuel Lair — Dr. Samuel Lair testifies in support of H.B. 712, opening with a brief introduction and a Cicero quote before explaining how JROTC in high school was one of the most formative experiences in his life. He argues that teaching these lessons of citizenship, responsibility, and public service would benefit the republic and supports the bill’s effort to encourage and reward students for these values. He concludes by thanking Superintendent Critchfield and the bill sponsors for bringing the legislation forward.
Carrie Semmelroth — Carrie Semmelroth asks the bill sponsor to explain why the proposal is structured as a seal rather than a specialty diploma, and follows up to clarify whether a student could earn the civic seal in addition to another specialty diploma, such as biliteracy.
Cindy Carlson — Cindy Carlson expresses strong support for House Bill 712, thanking the sponsors and praising the bill, then follows up by moving to send the bill to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation.
Dave Lent — Introduces House Bill 761 and states his name and district.
Dave Lent — Senator Lent was asked for closing remarks and encouraged the committee to support the bill and send it to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Wendy Seacrest — Wendy Seacrest is introduced as the director and invited to give a brief overview. She then identifies herself as the executive director of both the Workforce Development Council and the STEM Action Center and begins explaining the recommendation.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Senator Ward-Engelking opens by asking permission to ask a question or two about the bill, then asks what functions the STEM Action Center will continue to perform for educators and students. She follows up by asking whether private donations will flow into workforce development or remain segregated as the bill moves forward.
Ms. Seacrest / Wendy Seacrest — The senator directs a question to Seacrest about continuing STEM Action Center functions.