Dexton Lake — Dexton Lake of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation is introduced as a witness and then states his support for the motion, indicating the bill adds accountability to the WEMU program.
Mr. Pachi-Larcia-Phillips — Introduced as a lobbyist representing the Idaho Cattle Association and Idaho Wool Growers Association.
Travis Jones — Travis Jones is recognized after initially being missed on the witness list, then introduces himself as representing the Idaho Veterinary Medical Association through Riley Stegner and Associates. The committee acknowledges his testimony and indicates there are no questions, concluding his appearance.
Pachi — Referenced as having spoken earlier about the bill being a good starting point.
Dave Lent — Closed questions to Mr. Jones and invited closing remarks.
Dave Lent — Continued closing remarks emphasizing the bill does not create new funding.
Dave Lent — Referenced as having said the bill does not require new money.
Dave Lent — Referenced in the motion discussion and as the bill presenter.
Dave Lent — Introduced Senate Bill 1270 as amended and welcomed Representative Scott.
Dave Lent — Returned the gavel to the chairman after the previous vote.
Dave Lent — Recognized the sponsor and then the motion to advance the bill.
Dave Lent — Asked whether the similar state laws are regional or nationwide.
Dave Lent — Identified as making the motion on Senate Bill 1270.
Dave Lent — Dave Lent questioned whether the bill’s language would allow county commissioners to intervene against birds of prey that are killing livestock, raising concerns about predatory animals and livestock protection. The discussion then continued into how the bill interacts with property-rights legislation.
Dave Lent — Representative Matthias responded to a policy question by confirming the issue would have been addressed if prior legislation had passed, noted appreciation for the discussion, then moved the committee process forward by requesting an amended substitute motion and later asked for unanimous consent to withdraw that motion.
Idaho Farm Bureau Federation — Referenced as part of the work supporting the bill.
Carrie Semmelroth — Representative McCann spoke in support of her motion, explaining that the proposal has been in development since before she joined the legislature in 2021. She clarified that, as Chairman Raymond noted, the motion is not asking for any money but is intended to establish the framework and parameters. She then closed by thanking Chairman Raymond, the Farm Bureau, and others for their hard work in bringing the issue forward after a long time.
Carrie Semmelroth — Representative Nelson expressed concern that the bill’s language might inadvertently sweep in products like yogurt and kefirs, but clarified that despite that concern he supports the bill and will vote for it.
Dr. Collie — Identified as someone who was running the task force, though the name is uncertain.
Mr. Jones — Referenced as having noted that changes may be needed as the bill moves forward.
Farm Bureau — Farm Bureau was thanked for its work on the bill, and it was noted that a specific recommendation from Farm Bureau was incorporated to prevent the use of meat-style terms on cultivated products.
Heather Scott — Heather Scott presented Senate Bill 1270AA and explained that it is not banning cell-cultivated animal protein but requiring clear, visible labeling. She described the bill’s definition of the product, its labeling standards, restrictions on using meat cut terms like steak or brisket unless authorized by USDA, and the requirement that restaurant menus disclose when cell-cultivated meat is served. She also noted the bill’s penalty structure, including no penalty for good-faith mistakes, said the Senate passed it 34-0, asked the committee to send it to the floor, and answered a follow-up by listing states with similar legislation.
Russ Hendricks — Russ Hendricks is called forward to testify, identifies himself as representing the Idaho Farm Bureau, states support for Senate Bill 1270 as amended, and concludes by asking the committee to support the bill.
Elizabeth Kreiner — Elizabeth Kreiner testifies on behalf of Food Northwest, explaining that while she appreciates the sponsors’ work and supports transparency and national, consistent labeling requirements, Food Northwest does not support state-based labeling.
Larisie Phillips — The next witness is called forward, though the name appears garbled in the transcript.
Pachi Larcia Phillips — Testifies on behalf of Idaho Wool Growers and Idaho Cattle Association in support of the bill.
Mr. Phillips — Responds to a question about federal progress and says the issue remains a priority with national affiliates and Secretary Rollins.
Ron Taylor — The discussion centered on support for SB 1270 and related labeling policy. The speaker noted good traction with Secretary Rollins and described the bill as a workable state-level meeting point, then emphasized transparency and the number of companies involved. The conversation continued with an argument that Idaho should support ranchers and that if labeling is too costly in Idaho, it could be tested in other states. The member then asked whether there are long-term safety studies and whether the product is healthy to eat, prompting a response that no studies were immediately available to answer the question fairly. The exchange ended with a request asking Representative Scott whether he would carry the bill.
Mr. Larcia Phillips — Thanked for testimony; the speaker appears to be addressing him after his testimony.
Joshua Kohl — Representative Chris Mathias introduced himself as the sponsor and presenter of House Bill 781, then opened with a lighthearted joke about rats before saying he would explain how the bill came about.
Joshua Kohl — Was thanked by the prior speaker and then responded that the language could be improved in general orders to make the steps more reasonable and account for the totality of the circumstances.
Camille Blaylock — Worked with Representative Mathias on the bill and contacted the same constituent.
Camille Blaylock — Co-sponsored the effort to clean up the statute with Representative Mathias.
Camille Blaylock — Worked with Mathias to reorganize the statute and make it clearer.
Camille Blaylock — Said to have presented the bill to the committee.
Camille Blaylock — Agreed the earlier bill covered the issue they were trying to address.
Tammy Nichols — Representative Garner was introduced as the next speaker and then asked why the language specifically calls out Norway rats instead of using the broader term 'rodents,' questioning whether that specificity is necessary or already covered by existing authority.
Chanel T. Walt — Identified as the State Department of Agriculture Director and thanked for supporting the committee.