Steve Berch — Representative Berch questions the proposal, expressing concern that it could undermine abatement and asking about its broader application to other nuisances. He continues by noting he has not fully read the bill and raises additional concerns about the proposal's practicality and effectiveness.
Steve Berch — Steve Berch stated that he would not support the motion, explaining that he views the bill as an overreach of legislative or state power into the authority of cities and local communities.
Lucas Cayler — Representative Lucas Cayler is called on and responds to make a motion, then continues in support of introducing RS 33076, citing public concern about mosquito abatement districts.
Lucas Cayler — Representative Kaler is introduced and then speaks in support of the motion, but raises concerns about the federal regulation and bill language. He emphasizes his preference for small, limited government and objects to provisions that would expand the director’s powers and duties. The discussion continues to focus on his concerns and responses to the bill.
Lucas Cayler — Likely the intended name for 'Kaler'; voted yes in the roll call.
Jon Weber — Representative Jon Weber is introduced as the sponsor of RS-33014 and then presents the bill, explaining that it is a solid waste consolidation measure. He identifies himself as representing District 34 and discloses his connection to the East Idaho Waste District. During committee questions, he says the bill could create cost savings by shifting authority away from health districts, explains that DEQ is better positioned to handle inspections, clarifies that the director’s authority still goes through public hearings and application processes, notes he will follow up with a better answer on EPA involvement, and specifies that the proposal applies only to landfills and not haulers. After questions conclude, the chair moves the committee toward a motion on RS 33014.
Jon Weber — Asked whether the bill could affect other local laws or ordinances that are more restrictive.
Jon Weber — Continued asking about the bill's impact on local governments' ability to be more or less restrictive.
Jon Weber — Called on during the roll call vote and voted yes.
Barbara Ehardt — The chair interrupts briefly and acknowledges the remote testimony.
Barbara Ehardt — The chair welcomes Representative Weber and yields the floor.
Barbara Ehardt — The chair asks members to keep questions technical and focused.
Barbara Ehardt — The chair gives a procedural reminder to the media and notes the bill packet will be emailed.
Barbara Ehardt — The chair reminds members that today is the only day the committee can make changes.
Barbara Ehardt — Barbara Ehardt was called during the roll call vote and recorded two votes in sequence: first as 'Representative Hedem' voting yes, and then as 'Representative Birch' voting nay.
Josh Wheeler — Representative Josh Wheeler is called on and asks whether the fiscal note could reflect savings if authority moves from health districts to DEQ. The discussion continues immediately with a direct response confirming his point.
Josh Wheeler — Moved to introduce RS 32909 C2.
Josh Wheeler — Voted yes in the roll call.
Richard Cheatum — Representative Cheatum moves to introduce RS 33014.
Richard Cheatum — Asked for county-by-county numbers on affected jails and inmate counts.
Richard Cheatum — Voted yes in the roll call.
Bruce Skaug — Representative Bruce Skaug says he will support the motion and then asks why DEQ was chosen over the health districts.
Bruce Skaug — The chair invited Representative Skaug to present his RS 3-2909-C-2.
Bruce Skaug — Explained he had brought a similar bill last year with a large fiscal note to prompt discussion on the issue.
Bruce Skaug — Described the proposal as a tax shift and argued the state has unfairly placed costs on counties.
Bruce Skaug — Requested introduction of the RS and proposed raising reimbursement to a flat $80.
Bruce Skaug — Was addressed by Representative Rasor regarding the funding question.
Bruce Skaug — Responded that the suggestion was well received and could be considered in a hearing.
Bruce Skaug — Said he would provide the requested numbers with help from the Association of Idaho Cities or counties.
Bruce Skaug — Agreed to provide additional information and joked about including cities too.
Bruce Skaug — The chair concluded questions and moved the committee to vote on introducing RS 3-2909-C-2.
Bruce Skaug — Reintroduced himself and presented RS 32985 as a different type of proposal for the committee.
Bruce Skaug — Explained the purpose of RS 32985 and argued it would align local ordinances with state law.
Bruce Skaug — Responded that about 30 percent of the state is under these ordinances and said he would bring more information.
Bruce Skaug — Responded that the state can set limits and regulations and said the bill would not conflict with federal court or federal law.
Bruce Skaug — Identified the affected county and cities and said the bill would keep local ordinances in line with state law.
Bruce Skaug — Likely the intended name for the transcribed 'Scott'; called on during the roll call vote and voted yes.
Joe Alfieri — Representative Alfieri opens a line of questioning about repeated references to United States Environmental Protection Agency approval in the document and asks why EPA approval is needed, indicating he wants to address the issue during the hearing. Representative Weber then responds to Alfieri’s question.
Joe Alfieri — During the roll call vote, Representative Joe Alfieri was asked to speak into the microphone, joked that he has a booming voice, and then was called on and voted yes.
Elaine Price — Representative Price asked whether the proposal is limited to landfills or whether it would also affect garbage company/hauler contracts for local pickup.
Elaine Price — Asked for county-by-county cost differences for housing inmates.
Elaine Price — Representative Elaine Price was called during the roll call vote on the motion to introduce RS 32985 and responded yes.
Cornel Rasor — Representative Cornel Rasor urged the committee to find a way to cover the proposed $3.1 million without creating a new revenue stream, suggesting they consider using existing funded but unoccupied FTEs or another alternative method.
Cornel Rasor — Likely the intended name for 'Razor'; voted yes in the roll call.
Marco Erickson — Moved to introduce RS 32985.
Marco Erickson — Called on during the roll call vote.
Monica Church — Representative Monica Church questioned the bill’s economic justification, asking whether it addresses a real problem and requesting supporting data, including information on the bill’s fiscal and economic impact.
Monica Church — Voted no in the roll call.
Jeff Cornilles — Called on during the roll call vote.