House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee
Key Moments
Heather Scott — Heather Scott is referenced in the transcript, first through unclear/garbled mentions, and then she speaks to move that House Bill 689 be sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Heather Scott — Asked Representative Garner whether he had numbers on how many people might be affected.
Heather Scott — Made a motion to send House Bill 603 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.
Heather Scott — Was asked whether she wanted to close on the bill and was then addressed with a question about the bill's enforcement.
Heather Scott — Was asked to explain enforcement under the bill.
Heather Scott — Invited to return if she wished to close, but the committee concludes business.
Mike Pohanka — Representative Pohanka asks Paisley what her favorite day of the week is.
Clay Handy — Representative Handy is called up for House Bill 689.
Clay Handy — Representative Handy is identified with House Bill 689 on administrative subpoenas.
Clay Handy — Representative Handy is identified with House Bill 689.
Clay Handy — Representative Handy begins introducing himself and the bill, though the transcript is garbled.
Clay Handy — Representative Clay Handy introduces himself and explains House Bill 689.
Clay Handy — Representative Handy is assigned to carry HB 689 on the floor.
Clay Handy — Representative Handy introduces House Bill 690 and explains that it repeals an obsolete program.
Clay Handy — Representative Handy is asked if there are any questions for the presenter.
Bruce Skaug — Bruce Skaug is addressed by name earlier in the meeting, then identified as the presenter of H603. He then speaks to introduce the bill, describing it as a cleanup and security measure for the Capitol Mall.
Joe Alfieri — Representative Alfieri asks for clarification about whether the bill is actually eliminating a program.
Joe Alfieri — Representative Alfieri questions whether the bill is eliminating a program and makes a joking follow-up about a defibrillator.
Joe Alfieri — Moved to send House Bill 690 to the floor with an enthusiastic due-pass recommendation.
Jeff Nime — Jeff Nime, the criminal division chief in the Idaho Office of the Attorney General, explained the background of the 24/7 sobriety and drug monitoring program and said that although draft implementation documents existed, the program was never actually implemented. He noted that after checking with sheriffs, prosecutors, and counties, he concluded the program could be eliminated safely.
Dan Garner — Dan Garner was recognized to present House Bill 698, identified himself for the record, and explained the bill was brought at the request of the Secretary of State. During questioning, he said he did not have numbers on how many people might be affected by the bill. The discussion also noted that he would carry House Bill 698 on the floor.
Barbara Ehardt — Moved to send House Bill 698 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.
Kayla Jacobs — Kayla Jacobs testified virtually in support of House Bill 603 on behalf of Cicero Action. She explained that the bill addresses gaps in other state laws, is supported by the legal framework discussed in Grants Pass v. Oregon, and requires political subdivisions to hold individuals accountable for violating the ban. She also argued that HB 603 is more specific than SB 1141 and is necessary for applying the law to state property.
John Gannon — Asked Mr. Jacobs to repeat the organization he represents and provide more details about it.
John Gannon — Asked Mr. Jacobs to identify the organization he represents and explain where it is located and who is involved.
John Gannon — Continued questioning Mr. Jacobs about the scope and location of Cicero Action's work.
John Gannon — Asked where the organization's headquarters or principal office is located.
John Gannon — Is called on after the enforcement explanation.
John Gannon — Said he is familiar with the camping issue from the Occupy movement and described prior work involving the Attorney General, the Department of Administration, attorneys, and court decisions.
John Gannon — Asked what changed to prompt the legislation and why the bill's provisions are needed now.
Mr. Jacobs — Mr. Jacobs testified in support of HB 603, explaining that camping can be treated as a form of protest subject to reasonable regulation. He identified his organization as Cicero Action, which advocates for policy, and noted that it operates in about 30 states with a focus on homelessness and public safety, including an office in the Second Congressional District.
Ms. Jacobs / Mr. Jacobs — Answered that the headquarters is in Austin, Texas, and noted an office in Boise as well.
Chris Mathias — Chris Mathias asks about how the bill would be enforced, including whether violations would result in tickets or arrests and what the citation process would look like. After hearing the explanation, he returns to the bill to say it seems straightforward but that he is struggling to reconcile the memo and the bill’s intent, especially the different treatment of people living in vans versus tents. He says he likes most of the bill but not the disputed lines, votes no, and notes he may reconsider his vote on the floor if the administration supports the bill.