Barbara Ehardt — Barbara Ehardt, acting as chair, opens the meeting segment by approving the minutes and introducing agenda items, then moves the committee through discussion of the RS by asking for questions and requesting a motion to introduce it. A later brief reference to her as 'Mr. Chairman' indicates the discussion is still centered on her chairing role in the same legislative proceeding.
Bruce Skaug — Bruce Skaug is introduced, presents RS 32963C1, and explains that it would require governing bodies to allow a public comment period at meetings, based on a constituent’s experience being unable to speak at a governing body meeting. The discussion includes brief procedural exchanges and questions about the bill’s scope, and later a chair remark notes that Representative Bruce should have been allowed to take a seat.
Bruce Skaug — Bruce Skaug’s bill was referenced in a discussion about rats and potential state costs, then Skaug responded in the same exchange by clarifying that Idaho only counts recidivism if a person returns within three years. He further argued that Idaho’s recidivism rate may be understated because arrests in other states or jurisdictions are not counted, implying that offenders should be kept in jail to reduce reoffending. Birch later referenced Skaug’s comment as part of the same discussion.
Elaine Price — Elaine Price moves to introduce RS 32949, then follows up with a brief comment and question about the bill’s language, suggesting it be made more specific—particularly around terms like “governing body”—and noting that while she is not opposed to introducing the legislation, she has concerns about the bill’s broad language, which she has discussed with the sponsor.
Elaine Price — Representative Elaine Price was called on and asked where in the budget the state sends money to local governments, continuing her inquiry about state funding for local governments.
Joe Alfieri — He jokes that he was excited to see 'pests' and thought the bill would outlaw pests generally, before clarifying it is agricultural.
Marco Erickson — Representative Marco Erickson asks whether the proposal affects party central committees and their work as elected officials in their local communities. The chair and others seek to clarify that he is referring to party central committees, then indicate they may return to his question if needed. The exchange ends with a final check that the clarification addresses his concern.
Cornel Rasor — Representative Cornel Rasor explains that precinct committeemen are not officials or a governing body and therefore would not be affected by the bill. A later remark reinforces that the bill’s language should clearly exclude the type of entity he referenced.
Richard Cheatum — Representative Birch supported the motion while warning that legislation should not be overly broad or based on isolated incidents. He noted that laws prompted by a single situation can have unintended universal effects and said he would bring these concerns and questions to any future hearing.
Richard Cheatum — Representative Birch is mentioned twice in close succession, with both references appearing to be the same ongoing mention in the discussion and no substantive change in topic.
Kent Marmon — Representative Tanner introduces himself as Josh Tanner, Representative from District 14, and then gives a sustained overview of budgeting and fiscal note issues for the committee. He explains that fiscal notes are often estimates, stresses the importance of making them as accurate as possible, and discusses how revenue volatility, governor holdbacks, and conformity adjustments affect the budget. He advises lawmakers to be mindful of bill-related cost increases and to balance them with cost-decreasing legislation, noting that JFAC often must appropriate funds for costs driven by statute rather than discretion. He also points out that major budget areas like education, corrections, and health and welfare are largely driven by statutory obligations, and mentions a budget tool on the Idaho Legislature website before offering to answer questions.
Dale Hawkins — Questioned Representative Tanner about the fiscal impact of Representative Skaug's bill and joked about rats costing the state if too many are caught.
Dale Hawkins — Opened his question to Representative Tanner and the Chair.
Dale Hawkins — Was addressed by Representative Tanner in the next exchange.
Dale Hawkins — Asked whether more laws and more incarcerated people drive corrections costs up.
Dale Hawkins — Was addressed by Representative Tanner.
Dale Hawkins — Was referenced in Tanner's response.
Dale Hawkins — Was addressed directly by Representative Tanner.
Dale Hawkins — His question is being answered by Representative Tanner regarding corrections costs.
Dale Hawkins — Was addressed by Representative Skaug.
Dale Hawkins — His question was referenced by Representative Birch.
Dale Hawkins — His earlier point about corrections and county impacts is referenced by Representative Tanner.