Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Legislative Session Day 29 Feb 9th, 2026

Idaho House Floor Meeting

Key Moments

  • Richard Cheatum — The 'good gentleman from 35' requests unanimous consent on HB 531 and begins presenting it.
  • — The District 6 member questions whether the revised bill text still clearly contains the background-check requirement after certain lines were removed. They press for the exact place in the newly created section where the specific background-check language appears, and the exchange ends with acknowledgment that the speaker will need to verify the reference elsewhere.
  • — Introduced debate from the floor after the comment from the gentleman from 7.
  • — Clarified that the Clean Water Act is federal and beyond state control.
  • — Announced that the Boise bus tour has been canceled.
  • John Gannon — A name is called out during the vote-change phase, likely indicating a vote or inquiry involving Representative Gannon.
  • PTA mother and school nurse in a rural school district — Described as the person who brought the issue forward and asked for clarity in the statute.
  • other school nurses around the state — Referenced as supporting the bill because nasal spray epinephrine is easier for students with needle phobias.
  • Douglas Pickett — The speaker identified as the good gentleman from 12 presents the motion on House Bill 542.
  • Douglas Pickett — The speaker from District 12 presents the bill and yields for questions; the chair then recognizes another member for debate.
  • Douglas Pickett — The speaker refers to the 'good gentleman from 12' as the sponsor of the bill.
  • Douglas Pickett — The 'gentleman from 12' is referenced as the one closing debate.
  • brother-in-law / youth pastor / associate pastor — Described as a constituent and family member who has worked with youth for more than 25 years and called the speaker for help.
  • Dr. Horvath — A neuroscientist cited as having testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  • Jason Monks — The name 'Monks' appears during the vote check.
  • Jason Monks — Called during the vote check as a member who had not yet voted.
  • constituent of mine — A constituent was injured in an e-bike accident and is used as the motivating example for the bill.
  • John Shirts — In the continuing debate on the solid waste rewrite, the gentleman from 34 (John Shirts) responds that if DEQ chooses to contract, it would be with the health district. The exchange then shifts to questions about page 9, line 47 of the bill and whether the language is an addition or refers to federal regulation, before the discussion moves toward closing debate.
  • — The member from 7 briefly engaged in debate on the bill, first asking a question about page 9, line 47, and then following up with a comment to the Speaker as part of the same discussion.
  • — Requested unanimous consent to hold the remaining third-reading bills for one legislative day.
  • — Moved that the House adjourn until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 10th, 2026.
  • — Used personal privilege to welcome constituents and family members to the chamber.
  • Joe Palmer — Referenced jokingly as 'grandpa' in response to the birth announcement.
  • — Announced that the majority will caucus at 3:30 today.
  • Mark Sauter — Referenced as chairman of the House Business Committee in the committee schedule announcement.
  • James Holtzclaw — Referenced as chairman of House Commerce and Human Resources Committee, which will not meet.
  • Bruce Skaug — Referenced as chairman of House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee.
  • Ron Mendive — Referenced as chairman of House Resources and Conservation Committee.
  • Dale Hawkins — Referenced as chairman in the committee schedule announcement.
  • David Cannon — Referenced as chairman of House Taxation Committee, which will not meet.
  • Jaron Crane — Referenced as chairman of House State Affairs Committee.
  • — Seconded the motion to adjourn.
  • Mike Moyle — The prayer asks for God's leading on Speaker Moyle.
  • Judy Boyle — Judy Boyle is identified as the member from District 9 and declares a Rule 80 conflict because her daughter works for the company under discussion. The later reference to her continues the same rules-related context without introducing a new topic.
  • Richard Cheatum — The 'gentleman from 35' is likely Representative Richard Cheatum, who requests unanimous consent on HB 494.
  • Richard Cheatum — Continues presenting HB 494 and opens the floor for debate.
  • Richard Cheatum — The member from District 35 is asked to yield for a question during debate on HB 494.
  • Richard Cheatum — Explains that the background-check requirements were moved to another chapter and title of Idaho Code.
  • Richard Cheatum — The District 35 member is addressed again during the exchange.
  • Richard Cheatum — Admits he does not have the exact statutory reference and will have to follow up.