Janie Ward-Engelking — Made the motion to send Senate Bill 1420 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Senator Ward-Engelking said she would support the motion, but argued the bill is unnecessary because districts already provide recess and that it undermines local control. She cited her experience with a school district that already scheduled recesses, said the legislation steps on the toes of schools and teachers, and concluded that it preempts local control and suggests a lack of trust in educators.
Caleb — Was thanked for his service as a Senate page.
Caleb Williams — During Caleb Williams’s page recognition segment, he responded playfully to whether he would sing, then reflected on attending the Idaho legislature with his school and learning how busy legislators are and how much reading and research their work requires. He was asked about his favorite song and said his theme song for the session would be "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," which he began singing. He also said that while serving is outside his comfort zone, he feels a responsibility as a citizen to help and serve, though he does not plan to pursue public service as a profession. The segment ended with members thanking and congratulating him for a good job.
Kevin Cook — Asked Caleb Williams what he learned most and what the biggest surprise was.
Mr. Williams — Began answering Senator Cook's question.
Christy Zito — Asked Caleb Williams what his favorite song to sing would be.
Christy Zito — Asked whether 1% of health insurance premiums would go into the fund.
Christy Zito — Asked for details on the health insurance premium tax and whether it could increase.
Christy Zito — Requested to be recorded on the vote.
Cindy Carlson — Asked whether Caleb Williams has changed his occupation plans.
Cindy Carlson — Moved approval of the March 17, 2026 minutes.
Cindy Carlson — Seconded the motion.
Cindy Carlson — Made the motion to send H.J.M. 20 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation.
Van Burtenshaw — Moved approval of the March 12, 2026 minutes.
Van Burtenshaw — Requested to be recorded on the vote.
James Woodward — Moved approval of the March 16, 2026 minutes.
James Woodward — Moved approval of the March 18, 2026 minutes.
James Woodward — Invited to come up and provide clarification on the bill.
James Woodward — Explained the bill and said he was happy to collaborate with Senator Lent.
James Woodward — Explained that the existing fund was created for loan payback related to state-supported medical education.
James Woodward — Said the bill would allow insurance premium revenue and possibly other funds to be deposited into the account.
James Woodward — Argued the fund should receive additional dedicated money for medical education expansion.
James Woodward — Said the bill would help fund a previously enacted 10-seat expansion for medical education.
James Woodward — Explained that the bill redirects premium tax revenue without increasing premiums.
James Woodward — Said the state is currently spending $25 million a year from the general fund on medical education.
James Woodward — Said he would provide more detail on how the tax is figured.
James Woodward — Responded to the concern about dedicating funds and discussed the immunization budget context.
James Woodward — Said he did not believe the bill would affect the immunization fund and would clarify the issue.
James Woodward — Was identified as being present for the House Joint Memorial 20 presentation; likely a reference to Senator Lent or another senator, but the transcript is unclear.
James Woodward — Was introduced as being present and from Idaho District 13; the name appears garbled in the transcript.
James Woodward — Was welcomed to Senate Education and introduced the presentation.
James Woodward — Suggested getting the memorial into the hands of congressional members at the airport while they are a captive audience.
James Woodward — Introduced House Bill 915 and explained that it sets a baseline recess policy for public and charter schools.
James Woodward — Mentioned as being present for the presentation on House Bill 915.
James Woodward — Asked what prompted the bill and suggested recess may already be a right.
James Woodward — Responded that there are situations where whole classrooms have been kept in from recess.
James Woodward — Explained that the bill responds to situations where entire classes are kept in from recess and aims to encourage activity breaks for grades 6 through 8.
James Woodward — Said the bill preserves local control and responded that he was not aware of all local actions taken in the situations described.
James Woodward — Said the proposal has broad support and then excused himself to attend another committee hearing.
James Woodward — Said he would like to know the outcome of his bill but had to leave for another committee hearing.
James Woodward — Moved to hold the bill at the call of the chair after the sponsor left.
James Woodward — Moved to hold House Bill 915 at the call of the chair.
Dave Lent — Referenced as the bill sponsor/collaborator.
Dave Lent — Referenced as having explained that the premium tax goes to more than one purpose.
Steve Tanner — Steve Tanner, representing District 13 in Nampa, introduced himself and presented House Joint Memorial 20, asking the committee to send it to the floor and briefly explaining the memorial’s origin.
Tammy Nichols — Asked a question after the presentation; likely a mishearing of Senator Tammy Nichols or another member, but the transcript is unclear.
Representative Tanner — Representative Tanner was asked to clarify what Bloom refers to and explain the source of the cited numbers. Tanner responded that the numbers came from a report provided to them and offered to share a link to the report, noting it is available through the public school system.
Carrie Semmelroth — Representative Tanner addressed Senator Semmelroth/Semaroth during the discussion, and the senator was later noted as requesting to be recorded on the vote.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Was again referenced as being disappointed.