Andrew — Presented the Idaho State Lottery administrative rules docket 5203-2501.
Matthew Riber — Introduced as the next presenter from the Secretary of State's office for docket 340301-2501.
Brandon Shippy — Brandon Shippy asks whether parking access in the Capitol Mall complex could be extended to other lawmakers and whether, in the interim, a small number of spaces could be designated for lawmakers attending interim committees. The discussion then notes that this would be easier for known committees, while accommodating unknown committees would be more difficult.
Mr. Walker — Mr. Walker says there has been no prior discussion about extending or designating parking access, but he would be open to it if the committee wants. He adds that the idea is good in principle, though identifying spaces for known committees would be manageable while accommodating unknown committees could be more difficult.
Director Walker — Director Walker explains that he does not have exact revenue figures but can provide parking permit counts and rates, noting there are 1,918 permits issued at roughly $8 for a general permit and $35 for another category. He adds that the money goes into the permanent building fund and is typically used for parking lot improvements, and says that providing legislative parking at no cost, or paid for another way, would not be an issue if desired.
James Ruchti — Representative Dygart asks about the parking fee amounts and whether they are monthly or yearly.
Director — Clarifies that the $8 and $35 parking fees are monthly charges for state employees.
Representative Schurz — Describes Koenig Distillery and says the bill is intended to support rural agritourism.
Andrew Koenig — Named as the first witness to testify.
Andy Koenig — Andy Koenig testified in support of Senate Bill 1258, introducing himself as an Idaho native from a family with a long farming history. He explained that he and his wife started Koenig Distillery and want the bill to allow them to serve their own distilled products by the drink at the distillery. He emphasized the business’s long-standing contributions through state liquor taxes, sales tax, income tax, payroll tax, and property tax, and noted that the distillery is a separate entity from the winery his brother once owned. Koenig clarified that the business produces distilled spirits, including Seven Devils bourbon whiskey and a line of vodkas such as potato and huckleberry vodka, all made with agricultural commodities.
Mr. Koenig — Addressed by Representative Crane in questioning about the distillery facility.
Ben Adams — Representative Stephanie Mickelson introduced herself as the sponsor of the ratepayer protection act, noting that the bill had been worked on extensively with power companies. She then ceded her time to Representative Veley, and the discussion also referenced Mickelson as a co-sponsor in the same bill presentation.
Kelly Anthon — Representative Mickelson is repeatedly credited and thanked for starting the effort on the bill, getting the ball rolling, and helping keep the issue moving forward alongside Representative Garner.
Treg Bernt — Representative Veley (referred to in one mention as Representative Vili) was praised for taking over the work on the bill and helping negotiate and resolve difficult issues.
Tom Carter — Tom Carter of Rocky Mountain Power testified in support of the bill, explaining that it codifies existing Public Utility Commission practice, and then offered to answer any additional questions.
Matthew Ryber — Presented docket 3401-2501 on behalf of the Secretary of State's office.
Steve Walker — Steve Walker, Deputy Director of the Idaho Department of Administration, is introduced and then presents docket 380404-2501, the department’s rules governing capital law parking, as part of the hearing.
Mark Harris — Representative Crane is addressed as Chairman in the ongoing discussion about parking access for lawmakers.
Mark Harris — Moved to send House Bill 911 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and spoke in support of the bill.