Tammy Nichols — Senator Tammy Nichols introduces House Bill 856, and the discussion continues with a brief reference to her remarks in connection with the bill's concerns.
Tammy Nichols — Senator Tammy Nichols closed in support of the bill, arguing that the remains in question could come from disturbing circumstances such as human trafficking, murder, or grave robbery. She asked the committee to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation and clarified in response to a follow-up that the bill would change the current misdemeanor penalty to a felony.
Heather Scott — Representative Heather Scott of District 2 introduced herself and spoke on the bill, and later received a brief acknowledgment of thanks after her testimony.
Soñia Galaviz — Not mentioned.
Deslin Swank — Deslin Swank identified herself as the author Senator Nichols referenced and as a Boise resident, then testified that there are over 600 dismembered parts of dead people available for sale in Idaho, alleging grave-related sourcing, and concluded by urging the committee to fix the law and protect human remains.
Dave Lent — Mentioned in a price comparison for a human head.
Todd Lakey — Senator Ricks questioned the bill’s scope and potential loopholes, including how it addresses grave robbing in Idaho and the extent of exceptions for universities and medical organizations. He then asked about the bill’s penalty provisions and whether the measure would maintain or increase existing penalties. The discussion culminated with Senator Ricks moving to send House Bill 856 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Mr. Durden — Mr. Durden explained that Idaho already prohibits possession of human remains taken from a cairn or grave, but the bill would close a loophole by prohibiting the sale or lease of such items. He clarified that the measure is aimed at stopping sales rather than possession and that it includes exceptions for institutions such as medical schools, museums, law enforcement, and organizations handling body donation for science. He said the exceptions were discussed with Idaho State University, Boise State, St. Luke’s, and St. Al’s, and emphasized that he has no specific numbers on grave robbing or any known instances that would trigger sheriff investigations under the bill.
Ilana Rubel — The chair invited Representative Scott to close if she wished.
those that testified today — Senator Nichols thanked the witnesses who testified.
Brian Lenney — The chair appears to address Senator Lenney earlier in the meeting; no direct action in this section.
Brian Lenney — Senator Lenney moves to approve the March 18, 2026 minutes.
Daniel Foreman — Senator Daniel Foreman is involved in the committee’s approval of the March 13, 2026 minutes, with the substantive action being his motion to approve them.
Daniel Foreman — Senator Foreman seconded the motion on House Bill 856 and then briefly spoke in support of it, expressing appreciation for the legislation and saying it should help put an end to the issue so the dead can rest in peace.
Ron Mendive — Senator Ricks asks about committee jurisdiction; the transcript may have misidentified the speaker as Ricks.
Phil Hart — The committee turns to Senator Phil Hart, who introduces himself and presents RS 33816. He explains the scope of the bill and the agencies whose rules were reviewed, and the chair then thanks him for his explanation.
Hazel — The committee thanks Hazel for serving as a page and invites her to speak. Hazel says she had lots of fun, learned a lot, and found the committee interesting. She adds that she was surprised by how fun the experience was and by the senators’ sense of humor, and she says she plans to study criminal justice and become a lawyer.
Brian Lenney — Senator Lenney asks Hazel about a surprise she had while serving as a page.