Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 27th, 2026

Senate State Affairs Committee

Key Moments

  • Drew Brown — The committee is speaking to Drew Brown, the page, and encouraging him to ask a question of any committee member.
  • Drew Brown — Asked Senator Harris what his greatest achievement in the Idaho Senate has been.
  • Drew Brown — The committee thanked Drew Brown for serving as page and wished him well.
  • Mark Harris — Asks Drew Brown what kind of law enforcement he wants to enter.
  • Mark Harris — Responded to Drew Brown's question by saying his greatest achievement this year is just showing up.
  • Mark Harris — Said one of his proudest accomplishments was helping Bear Lake County get a new courthouse.
  • Mark Harris — Described the old Bear Lake County courthouse and the access problems that motivated the effort to replace it.
  • Mark Harris — Said legislation helped secure funds for a new courthouse in Bear Lake County.
  • Mark Harris — Described legislation he worked on with Senator Guthrie to help coroners notify next of kin.
  • Mark Harris — Explained that the next-of-kin information is stored in DMV records and has been well received.
  • Mark Harris — Praised for carrying tough legislation and being willing to take on difficult bills.
  • Mark Harris — Referred to by first name in a story about agreeing to carry a difficult bill.
  • Mark Harris — Moved to introduce RS 33839.
  • Mark Harris — Referenced as the senator introducing the resolution.
  • Mark Harris — Bill sponsor/introducer for House Bill 930.
  • Mark Harris — Introduced and explained House Bill 930.
  • Mark Harris — Explained the bill's restrictions on campaign fund investments and personal loans to campaigns.
  • Mark Harris — Seconded the motion on H.C.R. 35.
  • Mr. Brown — Drew Brown is addressed with questions about his future career plans.
  • Treg Bernt — Thanks Drew Brown and compliments his family.
  • Treg Bernt — Commented that the struck language is helpful and said he has operated this way, but expressed concern about adding more law.
  • Treg Bernt — Said the biggest change appears to be requiring at least one checking account instead of using cash.
  • Treg Bernt — Was addressed in the explanation about checking accounts and cash use.
  • Treg Bernt — Was addressed in the explanation about account setup and cash use.
  • Treg Bernt — Moved that House Bill 930 be sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation.
  • Treg Bernt — Opposed the motion, saying the bill adds unnecessary law and common sense should suffice.
  • Treg Bernt — Referenced as speaking to the motion.
  • Treg Bernt — Defended the motion, saying the bill promotes transparency and ensures candidates actually deposit their own money into campaign accounts.
  • Treg Bernt — Said the bill would not affect those already complying and thanked the committee for the legislation.
  • Treg Bernt — Recorded as voting no on the motion.
  • Treg Bernt — During this portion of the meeting, Senator Treg Bernt is referenced in the course of procedural discussion: he is mentioned by name, then addressed in a question exchange involving the chair and another senator, and finally noted as the second on a motion. Together, these references reflect the same ongoing legislative action rather than separate topics.
  • Jim Guthrie — Was identified as a collaborator on legislation related to next-of-kin notification.
  • Jim Guthrie — Asked Representative McCann for closing remarks.
  • Jim Guthrie — Chair transitions to the next item and calls on Representative Ehart for H.C.R. 35.
  • Secretary of State — Acknowledged as present and invited to participate in the discussion.
  • Secretary of State — Worked with Representative McCann on language that would match the Secretary of State's office if the bill advanced.
  • Secretary of State — Invited to elaborate on the interest question.
  • Bank of America — Used as an example of a credit card payment reducing campaign debt.
  • Phil McGrane, Secretary of State — Phil McGrane, Secretary of State for Idaho, testified about the importance of accurately reporting campaign funds and ensuring that reported transfers are actually deposited. He emphasized that if a candidate says $100,000 is being put into an account, that amount should truly be deposited, and noted concerns about candidates keeping interest earnings personally.
  • Secretary Phil McGrane — Explained that campaign account interest would go to the campaign and that the bill clarifies separation of campaign and personal money.
  • Brandon Shippy — Asked about line 22 and whether the political treasurer language is already reflected in prior legislation.
  • Brandon Shippy — Asked whether the seven-day account update requirement is already reflected in prior legislation.
  • Brandon Shippy — Asked whether the bill is redundant with the other legislation or contains unique provisions.
  • Brandon Shippy — Asked whether the seven-day deposit requirement is current law or only in the other bill.
  • Brandon Shippy — Was addressed in the explanation of what is current law versus unique bill language.
  • Brandon Shippy — Echoed concerns about the bill, saying his campaign already uses a separate account and careful bookkeeping.
  • Brandon Shippy — Said he already keeps campaign money separate and does not think a law is needed because candidates should take responsibility for their own books.
  • Brandon Shippy — Closed his remarks and yielded to discussion on the motion.
  • Brandon Shippy — Named during the vote tally.
  • Brandon Shippy — Recorded as voting no on the motion.