Douglas Pickett — Douglas Pickett introduced RS 33287 C1 as Representative for District 27, explained that a drafting/editing mistake was discovered in the bill and corrected through the C1 version, noted that the phrase 'until notice has been given' was added, and added that the measure is essentially House Bill 95 from the prior session with requested changes.
Charlie Shepherd — Charlie Shepherd briefly took over as Vice Chair for the rules portion of the meeting, noted that he had personally reviewed the rules and that the process would be brief, and then handed control back after the rules vote, remarking that he wished all rules were that easy.
Charlie Shepherd — Charlie Shepherd asked who pays for the water used to support recharge beneficiaries when the canal is lined, and followed up by questioning whether people complaining about insufficient recharge are also contributing to the cost of the canal water.
Charlie Shepherd — Vice Chairman Charlie Shepherd was called on and then asked whether the Bear River Compact rights sunset or remain in place, seeking clarification on how long those rights continue.
Charlie Shepherd — The transcript says 'Representative Souter,' which appears to be a mishearing; likely a member is being called on to ask a question.
Charlie Shepherd — The transcript says 'Chairman Riggle,' which appears to be a transcription error; likely the chair is being addressed.
John Price — John Price, Bureau Chief for the Occupational Licensing Bureau, introduced testimony on docket 24-3501-2501 for the Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board and explained that, in compliance with Executive Order 2020-01, the board completed a full chapter review of its base regulations and considered public input on the pending rules.
Brad Compton — Identified as Board Chair for the Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board and present with John Price.
Ryan Bernard — Ryan Bernard is introduced and then begins an update for the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, identifying himself as the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Chief. He explains the division’s scope, including oversight of more than 259,000 licenses across 44 boards and three safety programs in Idaho, and begins describing its size, funding, staffing, and consolidation efforts.
Mr. Bernard — Concluded his presentation and stood for questions.
Director Weaver — Upcoming presenter for the Department of Water Resources update.
Director Weaver — Director Weaver said he planned to address staffing, recruitment, and retention issues later in the presentation, noting that he would cover those topics in his last two slides if time allowed.
Matt Weaver — Introduced himself as Director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources.
Deputy Director Brian Patton — Introduced as assisting with the presentation.
Jeff Raibold — Jeff Raibold is acknowledged and praised as Chairman of the Idaho Water Resource Board.
Dori Healey — Representative Mickelsen asked that the presentation pause briefly so she could ask about the budget’s effects on staffing before moving into technical water topics. She expressed concern that staffing cuts could hinder the department’s ability to complete important projects and raised follow-up concerns about recruiting people into difficult jobs and retaining them once hired. Director Weaver responded that he planned to address those staffing concerns in the final slides.
Steve Miller — Steve Miller asked follow-up questions about what actions had been taken to change groundwater conditions from the prior 20-year period and to clarify what measures were responsible for the reported improvements or changes.
Steve Miller — Representative Steve Miller asked for clarification on Bear River water rights, specifically what depletion estimates mean and whether that much water is available. He then followed up by asking about the meaning of the additional 75,000 acre-feet, which was explained as a potential amount beyond Idaho’s first right of 125,000 acre-feet that would be split between Utah and Idaho depending on the pace of new development. The chair then checked whether Miller had any further questions and closed the exchange.
Steve Miller — Representative Miller engages in a continuous line of questioning about water project planning and water rights. He first asks about the cost per acre-foot and rough cost estimates for the Anderson project, then follows up on whether the board is considering raising existing dams or pursuing other projects. He continues by asking about recharge infrastructure capacity and completion timelines, and then shifts to how water rights work when converting from groundwater to surface water. He further asks how rights are obtained when land is or is not within a canal company, how stored water is acquired and delivered, and what incentive exists for someone to buy stored water or otherwise participate in that arrangement.
Jack Nelsen — Asked how much water is moving between basins in the Treasure Valley based on current data.
Stephanie Mickelsen — Her earlier comments were referenced as the speaker responded to them.
Dr. Weaver — Dr. Weaver explained several aspects of the Bear River Compact: that 'depletions' refers to new consumptive uses and diversions of water; that water availability depends on the water year and runoff conditions; and that the compact does not sunset but is periodically reopened for comment by the three states.
Jeff Raybould — Introduced the presentation on statewide sustainable water supply and amendments to the State Water Plan and ESPA Compact.
Monica Church — Asked to do the minutes at the end.
Monica Church — Representative Monica Church asked what kind of support would be needed to replicate the successful Southeast Boise outcomes in other harder-hit areas.
Monica Church — The speaker hoped Representative Church would join the tour.
Monica Church — Representative Monica Church is asked to be ready for the motion on the February 3rd minutes, and she responds that she is ready.
Judy Boyle — Judy Boyle introduced RS 33153/33151 in the committee, describing it as a federalism-related bill, then clarified the correct RS number after a point of order. She also noted that she handles many bills and has too many RS numbers.
Judy Boyle — The speaker referenced a prior conversation with Representative Boyle about the lack of discussion of western Idaho groundwater conditions.
Judy Boyle — The chair was thanked and then asked for questions.
Jerald Raymond — Indicated no questions and made a motion to introduce the RS.
Jerald Raymond — The speaker said Representative Raymond indicated the measures would be up in House Ag next week.
fourth grader from Twin Falls — A young student researched and proposed that Idaho adopt a state sport.
Britt Raybould — Made a motion to introduce the RS.
Britt Raybould — Moved to introduce RS 33284 in the prior exchange; the motion was adopted here.
Britt Raybould — Moved to introduce RS 33287 C1.
Britt Raybould — Moved to approve Rule Docket 24-3501-2501.
Britt Raybould — Questioned how canal lining might affect recharge in the southeast Boise area.
Britt Raybould — Chairman Britt Raybould presides over a hearing exchange covering water management and weather modification efforts. He responds to questions about recharge infrastructure and future project capacity, saying current and planned projects could support a consistent 350,000 acre-feet average and that 600 CFS may be online within about 24 months. The discussion then shifts to cloud seeding, where he confirms the program does not extend north of Central Idaho beyond the Boise and Payette basins, explains that meteorologists review clouds closely, and notes that seeding decisions are made hour by hour using either ground generators or aircraft. The segment ends with the chair closing the presentation after no further questions.