Ben Adams — Ben Adams continued a sustained objection to the legislation, saying he did not support it and wanted more research and discussion. He argued the proposal creates a double standard in representation, should be based on people living in the area they represent, and could shift representation toward the north end of Boise. He also objected to partisan elections, noting the large district size, low pay, and the burden of running in a very large district, and said the bill would further divide and create problems. The sequence ends with his name being called during the roll call vote.
James Ruchti — The transcript says 'Senator Woodward' but the name is not in the member list; no confident ID assigned.
James Ruchti — Referenced as the senator asking about closing remarks in the prior exchange context.
James Ruchti — Said his questions were answered by Sheriff Donahue.
James Ruchti — Asked the witness about the impact of lines 39 through 40 in the legislation.
James Ruchti — Asked whether removing the future-program participation language would change the witness's position.
James Ruchti — James Ruchti is identified as the second on the motion, with the transcript caption appearing garbled in one mention but clarified in the other.
James Ruchti — Voted aye on the motion.
Matt Reaver — Identified as the first testifier.
Matt Reber / Matthew Ryber — Testified in support of the legislation and explained that local filing will move online in 2027.
Ted Hill — Introduced himself as representing District 14, Eagle and Emmett, and began presenting ACR 29.
Brian Lenny — Introduced himself as representing District 13, Nampa, Idaho, and began presenting House Bill 659.
Michael Angeletta — Testified in support of HB 659 on behalf of Secure Idaho.
Mary Brown — Mary Brown was called to testify in person and stated that she was speaking in her personal capacity as a Boise resident in opposition to House Bill 659. She argued that local police should not be policing immigration status, noted that being undocumented is not a crime and that legal status is difficult to obtain, and concluded by urging the committee to reject the bill.
Sheriff Kieran Donahue — Sheriff Kieran Donahue, representing the Idaho Sheriff's Association, testified in opposition to the bill. He argued the legislation is legislative overreach because sheriffs already cooperate voluntarily with ICE under existing practices. He explained that mandating participation in task force or jail models would create significant staffing burdens, pull officers away from patrol and other local duties, and generate substantial county costs for training, travel, lodging, per diem, and backfill overtime. He emphasized that the program is not a revenue generator but a cost to counties and taxpayers, and said sheriffs should continue voluntary cooperation rather than being compelled by law.
Morgan Ballas — Morgan Ballas, representing a sheriff’s office, testified that cooperation with ICE protects communities and argued the bill’s language goes beyond merely allowing participation by requiring law enforcement agencies to participate in any future or successor program. He warned the text does not distinguish between agencies that already have 287(g) agreements and those that do not, and cautioned that a future program could force officers into enforcing federal firearms law in ways that would conflict with current state law.
Sheriff Morgan Ballas — Sheriff Morgan Ballas of the Blank County Sheriff's Office and ISA identified himself and responded to a question about whether the bill language would change his position. He said removing the contested line would go a long way and emphasized that the legislation should not be written without input from local law enforcement agencies.
Nissenagle — Testified in opposition to HB 659, saying police departments should not be forced to participate.
Terry Durdon — Terry Durdon, chief legal advisor for the Ada County Sheriff's Office and representative of the Idaho Sheriff's Association, testified that local sheriffs and law enforcement already work effectively on immigration matters and do not need a 287(g) model. He concluded by offering to answer questions.
Vicki Fadness — The committee attempted to bring her in virtually.
Vicki Fadness — The committee attempts to reconnect with Vicki Fadness virtually after prior testimony, but the connection appears to be having difficulty.
Corey Stanbaugh — Corey Stanbaugh, representing the Idaho Chiefs of Police, opposed the bill and urged a no vote, arguing that the proposed reimbursements are uncertain and do not amount to a reliable revenue generator.
Scott Watson — Scott Watson, from District 9 in Canyon County, testified that crime should be handled locally by the sheriff rather than through a required federal memorandum of agreement, and he urged the committee to hold the bill in committee.
Jeff Itimer / Jeff Idleman? — Identified himself as chief of police in Homedale and opposed the bill.
Jeff Itimer — Jeff Itimer, the Chief of Police in Homedale, testified that trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the Hispanic community have eroded significantly. He argued that local police should not be turned into immigration agents, warning that forcing agencies into that role would discourage people from reporting crimes and could lead residents to take matters into their own hands.
Tim O'Donnell — Tim O'Donnell, representing Secure Idaho, testifies in support of the bill and begins outlining his reasons.
Kelly Anthon — Kelly Anthon expressed support for the legislation and said he would vote aye on the motion to send it to the 14th at the sponsor’s request. He then voted aye on that motion, and later voted nay on a motion to hold the bill in committee.
Kelly Anthon — The chair called Kelly Olson to testify next; the name appears to be a transcription error for the witness who follows.
Kelly Anthon — Named as the second to the motion; the transcript likely means Senator Anthon.
Kelly Anthon — Senator Nichols was invited to close the presentation and then thanked the Lieutenant Colonel, explaining that House Bill 507 improves due process for soldiers and airmen by addressing issues at the lowest level while preserving senior commanders’ oversight and appellate review. She then added that it is a good bill that will help the Idaho National Guard and asked the committee to support it and send it to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.
Jolene Evans — Testified as an individual against SB 1356, arguing the bill represents state overreach.
Marcia Bravo — Testified for the statewide membership of the League of Women Voters in opposition to SB 1356.
Susan Yehe / Yale? — Name was uncertainly transcribed as the chair called the next witness.
Suzanne Yaley — Suzanne Yaley, a Boise resident and Ada County Highway District stakeholder, testified against SB 1356. She argued that countywide partisan elections would weaken the close, local relationship communities have with their district commissioner, who understands district needs and helps represent local interests.
Kelly Olson — Boise resident testified in opposition to Senate Bill 1356 and compared it to concerns about federal control over states.
April Frederick — Boise resident testified as an individual in opposition to SB 1356 and referenced Boise's shift to district-based city council elections.
Bonnie Schuster — Ada County resident testified as an individual against SB 1356, saying the bill was not requested and is still unnecessary.
Cynthia Gibson — Idaho Conservation League representative and Ada County resident testified against SB 1356, arguing transportation planning is technical rather than partisan.
David Guido — The chair calls David Guido to testify next, noting uncertainty in the handwriting of the sign-up sheet.
David Guiotto — Testifies in opposition to the bill and says he represents four generations of Idahoans.
Joe — Used as an example of a Meridian resident affected by traffic timing on State Street.
Miranda Gold — Miranda Gold is identified as the ACHD president and as a contact for traffic-related issues; the speaker notes that she could not attend because of spring break.
Alexis Pickering — Introduces herself as vice president of the ACHD Board of Commissioners and speaks on behalf of President Miranda Gold.
Deb McComas — The chair announces Deb McComas as the next person to speak, and she then begins her testimony by introducing herself as Deb McComas from District 17 and identifying her affiliation with the Boise Bicycle Project.
Elias Willerup — Elias Willerup is introduced and then identifies himself as speaking on his own behalf, stating that he lives in Ada County. The combined mention reflects the start of his testimony as a private citizen.
unidentified witness from Boise, Idaho — A new witness begins testimony, but the name is garbled in the transcript.
Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Chample — Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Chample, the State Staff Judge Advocate and General Counsel for the Idaho Military Division and Idaho National Guard, testified in support of the bill and answered questions about its provisions. She explained that the bill’s measures, including the NJP limitation and lower-level reduction in rank authority, are already used in various other states and said she was not aware of any state that prohibits these practices.
Jim Guthrie — The witness addresses Chairman Guthrie.
Jim Guthrie — Chair Guthrie welcomes the next witness and asks for their name and representation.
Jim Guthrie — The witness compares ACHD commissioners to legislators elected by districts.