Todd Lakey — Declines to add closing remarks on Senate Bill 1261.
Todd Lakey — Senator Todd Lakey moved to send Senate Bill 1262 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the chair recognized his motion.
Treg Bernt — Treg Bernt is involved in a series of procedural motions during the meeting, including moving to introduce RS 23-983, being credited with the motion to send it to print, seconding a motion on SB 1265, and later moving to introduce RS 33-153, which is also described as a motion to send to print.
Tammy Nichols — Seconded the motion to send RS 23-983 to print.
Tammy Nichols — Made the motion to send SB 1265 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Tammy Nichols — Was introduced as the next presenter for RS 33-153.
Tammy Nichols — Identified herself and introduced RS 33-153.
Tammy Nichols — Her RS 33-153 is being presented and she asks that it be printed for hearing.
Tammy Nichols — Moves to approve the minutes of February 3rd, 2026.
Brian Lenney — Senator Brian Lenney moved to send RS 33-125 to print, and the motion was attributed to him in the proceedings.
Brian Lenney — Brian Lenney asks whether the bill is essentially the same kind of measure previously applied to police chiefs, then follows up to clarify whether it is meant as a general prospective framework for future situations or whether it is being tailored to specific individuals currently seeking to use it.
Jim Guthrie — Jim Guthrie first seconded the motion to send RS 33-153 to print, then reviewed the February 5th, 2026 minutes and recommended their approval, noting they were in excellent order.
Jim Guthrie — Jim Guthrie presented Senate Bill 1262, explaining that it would give insurance companies additional flexibility in making investments. In his closing remarks, he thanked the committee for the hearing and described the bill as common-sense and industry-supported.
Sheriff Getz — Sheriff Getz introduces himself and testifies in support of the bill. He explains that the provision is different from the earlier police chiefs subsection because it concerns appointment to elective office, notes that he is considering retiring midterm, and says a qualified PERSI retiree who previously served as his chief deputy could be the best candidate. He emphasizes that he does not want the bill to exclude the best candidate from consideration and that the bill would apply not only to sheriffs but to other offices as well.
Chris Getz, Colorado County Sheriff — Chris Getz, Colorado County Sheriff, testifies in support of Senate Bill 1261. He notes support from several associations and no objection from PERSI, then explains that appointed officials should be treated the same as elected officials for PERSI purposes because they assume the same responsibilities. He concludes by asking for a due pass recommendation.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Janie Ward-Engelking first indicates that a motion is in order, then moves that Senate Bill 1261 be sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
James Ruchti — Seconded the motion on Senate Bill 1261.
Jeff Niemeyer — Identified as the person who would answer technical questions about the bill.
Jeff Newmire / Jeff Niemeyer — Identified himself as chief administrative officer and general counsel for United Heritage Life Insurance Company in Meridian, Idaho.
Jeff Newmire / Neidmeyer — The chair thanked the witness and closed witness questions.
Daniel Foreman — Opened the meeting as chair and recognized the first agenda item.
Todd Lakey — Asked a question and raised concerns about sovereignty and compact rules.
Todd Lakey — Expressed concern that compacts could require Idaho to follow outside rules and asked whether sovereignty would be lost.
Todd Lakey — Seconded the motion to send RS 33-125 to print.
Todd Lakey — Introduces Senate Bill 1261.
Todd Lakey — Explains that Senate Bill 1261 amends the retired re-employment section for PERSI retirees who return to elected office.
Todd Lakey — Asks for approval of Senate Bill 1261 and offers to answer questions.