Bruce Skaug — Introduced the bill and explained that it would allow the Legislature to retain private counsel for actions against the federal government.
Bruce Skaug — Continued explaining the need for private counsel and cited prior successful use of hired counsel.
Bruce Skaug — Argued that the Legislature needs the ability to act offensively in important state matters, referencing the COVID period.
Bruce Skaug — Explained the bill's purpose as a tool to respond to federal actions that may harm Idaho.
Bruce Skaug — Closed presentation, requested a due pass recommendation, and noted the bill is jointly sponsored by the Speaker of the House.
Bruce Skaug — Answered with an example involving the electrical board and repeated temporary rules.
Heather Scott — Representative Scott moved to send House Bill 498 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and then, during the same bill discussion, was recognized and asked whether the insurance coverage would apply only on voting day or more broadly.
Stephanie Mickelsen — Representative Mickelsen moved House Bill 539 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and then asked for an example of the 'whack-a-mole' situation to better understand the issue being discussed.
Brent Crane — Addressed by Representative Ehlers during the response.
Russ Hendricks — Signed up to testify but declined to testify.
Brandon Shippy — Representative Britt Raibold presented House Bill 613, explaining that it addresses liability concerns for private polling locations. She described how county clerks would designate polling places and provide those locations to the Secretary of State so they can be covered. She clarified that the liability coverage applies only while election workers are on the premises, and noted that churches are included if they host polling places because some had raised liability concerns.
Trent Triple, Ada County Clerk — Trent Triple, Ada County Clerk, speaking for the Idaho Association of Clerks and Recorders, testified in support of the bill and explained that it would help clerks find and maintain enough polling places, allowing them to keep polling locations appropriate and reduce long lines on election day.
Joe Alfieri — Moved to send House Bill 613 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Monica Church — Commented that moving polling places out of schools and providing liability protection is sad but appreciated the bill sponsor's work.