Richard Cheatum — Moved to send House Bill 661 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Richard Cheatum — Richard Cheatum clarified details about local library governance, explaining that most city libraries have a small tax levy that funds the library budget, that library board members are not easily removed once appointed, and that the library director is appointed through a board-and-mayor process without requiring council confirmation by statute.
Richard Cheatum — The chair invites Representative Birch forward to present House Bill 658.
Richard Cheatum — The chair concludes the discussion of Representative Birch’s presentation by noting there are no further questions and complimenting the presentation as very well done.
Lucas Cayler — Lucas Cayler was called on for a comment and responded that he did not feel bad about being homeschooled, noting that he was also homeschooled himself.
Lucas Cayler — Lucas Cayler questioned why the library board should not simply be abolished if its authority is being reduced, was then referenced in the ensuing response, and finally asked for the record pronunciation of his last name for clarity.
Lucas Cayler — Lucas Cayler first asks to comment on the bill and is told to wait until questions are finished. When given the floor, he says he supports the motion as introduced and argues the bill is appropriate, comparing the authority city councils already exercise over other city functions to the proposed library district change. He concludes by urging that the bill be advanced through the House.
Jeff Cornilles — Jeff Cornilles was called up to present House Bill 661, introduced himself, and answered committee questions before the discussion moved on to House Bill 715. In the HB 715 exchange, he explained the bill’s approach to city-owned library boards and director appointments, clarified that the board should remain to provide expert recommendations rather than be abolished, and responded to questions about how the process would work across cities. He also addressed concerns about the bill’s scope, noting that it arose from an issue in one city but would affect 55 of 163 cities.
Jeff Cornilles — The chair calls Jeff Cornilles back to continue the proceedings, and shortly afterward addresses him directly as the representative in the ongoing discussion, indicating a single continuous exchange.
Barbara Ehardt — Barbara Ehardt presided over a brief procedural exchange, moving to approve the minutes and calling for the vote, while being addressed as Madam Chair during the discussion.
Barbara Ehardt — Barbara Ehardt, acting as chair, managed the hearing procedurally by apologizing for uncertainty about how to pronounce a member’s name, inviting another question, and then asking whether there were any further questions before moving the discussion along.
Allie Silvers — Allie Silvers is introduced as the committee’s new page and welcomed by the committee. She responds that she is happy to be there, says she is from Twin Falls, is 17, and is homeschooled, and adds that her great uncle is Representative Steve Miller. The committee then reassures her and thanks her for attending.
Richard Cheatum — Asked Allie Silvers whether she has a relative in the Capitol.
Richard Cheatum — His name was spoken as the member asking the question.
Cornel Rasor — Was addressed as the member being asked to entertain a motion.
Cornel Rasor — Called on and declined to follow up.
Jeff Cornilles — The chair refers to Vice Chairman Jeff Cornilles and notes they will work on correctly pronouncing his name.
Monica Church — Monica Church questioned whether the bill was too broad and unfairly targeted libraries, asking if the change was being driven by one issue and whether librarians supported it. She then followed up with questions about whether other taxing districts use similar methods for selecting board directors and whether those selections are made by city councils or county elected officials, prompting responses that the witness could not speak for every city.
librarians — The speaker says librarians have been contacting them in support of the current system, indicating opposition to the proposed change, and then reinforces that point by noting that if one talks to librarians, they would likely hear the same preference for keeping the current system.
Clint Hostetler — Representative Clint Hostetler was recognized, expressed support for House Bill 715 and argued that city-paid employees should be accountable to the city, then moved to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Clint Hostetler — The chair compliments Representative Handy on the presentation.
Elaine Price — Representative Elaine Price first asked whether city libraries are normally taxing districts. Her question was then referenced during clarification, and she followed up to confirm that the discussion was about cities and city councils rather than taxing districts.
Elaine Price — Representative Elaine Price asks whether the bill removes power from the library board beyond requiring city council approval of the director recommendation, then follows up by asking whether similar city council approval processes are common in Idaho cities. The discussion briefly references her original question, and she ultimately withdraws it after the exchange.
Steve Berch — Representative Steve Berch was recognized by the chair and then asked whether the legislation was prompted by a single library board situation or by broader statewide requests and concerns.
Steve Berch — Representative Berch asks about qualifications and professional requirements for a library director role.
Steve Berch — Asks whether the bill dilutes or diminishes the library board's power.
Steve Berch — Argues the bill allows city council to override or prevent library board decisions, diminishing the board's authority.
Steve Berch — Clarifies the intended question and asks whether he misheard it.
Steve Berch — Says the intent of Representative Price's question was misinterpreted and asks for a restatement.
Steve Berch — Begins presenting remarks on House Bill 658 and compares it to the prior bill.
Steve Berch — Identifies himself as Representative Steve Berch from District 15 and continues presenting House Bill 658.
Steve Berch — Referred to as the co-sponsor and described as a Democrat.
Joe Alfieri — Joked about giving the chair an opportunity to pronounce his name; then asked how many cities are affected.
Heather Stout — Heather Stout is called to testify virtually, introduces herself as a resident of Latah County, and gives testimony supporting the current library governance structure while opposing HB 715, which would change how public library directors are hired and fired. She notes her background working in libraries, offers to answer questions, and is then briefly referenced by another speaker.
Vicki Fadness — The chair brings up Vicki Fadness for virtual testimony, confirms audio connection, and grants her two minutes. Fadness then begins her remarks by saying Lewiston’s library has functioned well for over 100 years and questioning the need for the bill.
Ms. Fadness — The chair and committee direct a question to Ms. Fadness about library director qualifications, and Ms. Fadness responds by explaining that library directors need degrees, belong to professional associations, and attend meetings.
Robert Wright — The chair notes Robert Wright is expected in person and that he opposes the bill.
Josh Wheeler — Representative Kaler asks to make a comment and then continues with questions and observations about the bill, including a reference to a prior bill by Representative Haney and related bill language and sponsor remarks.