Tammy Nichols — Explained that the bill is intended to help the industry and partners create a workable framework and avoid a black market from an outright ban.
Tammy Nichols — Identified as seconding the motion.
Tammy Nichols — Spoke to clarify the record, noting Utah considered but rejected a ban due to unintended consequences and black-market concerns.
Tammy Nichols — Said the concerns are fixable and emphasized that kratom is a legal product already on the market.
Tammy Nichols — Praised the industry and users for working on regulation and noted the product can have both positive and negative effects.
Tammy Nichols — Said the proposal could be improved and argued against an outright ban, citing prohibition as a cautionary example.
Tammy Nichols — Closed remarks and then the committee moved to a vote on holding Senate Bill 1282 at call of the chair.
Tammy Nichols — Closed the meeting after announcing the bill would be held and thanking the committee.
Dave Lent — Dave Lent is identified as the member making the motion to change the agenda, and he then formally states the motion to proceed with the agenda as identified by the chair.
Dave Lent — Not present in this section.
Dave Lent — Senator Lent is called on and then begins a follow-up question, thanking the chair and witness before saying he is struggling with the witness's adamant declaration and raising concerns on the same topic.
Dave Lent — Voted aye on the motion.
Todd Lakey — Provides the second to the motion.
Todd Lakey — Todd Lakey is identified in a brief opening exchange and then continues with a question seeking clarification about a 2019 CDC study, specifically referencing the reported 91 deaths and asking whether kratom was the primary cause of death.
Todd Lakey — Senator Cole is likely a mis-transcription; the question appears to be from Senator Todd Lakey, who asks about deaths and 7-OH versus natural leaf.
Todd Lakey — Asks whether the witness is speaking on behalf of the Idaho Chiefs of Police.
Todd Lakey — Not present in this section.
Todd Lakey — Not present in this section.
Todd Lakey — Not present in this section.
Todd Lakey — Asked whether kratom would be banned if the bill failed and then raised questions about enforcement and penalties.
Todd Lakey — Senator Lakey questioned Dr. Litchfield about the health risks of kratom, including serious harm and potential death, and asked why the substance should not be scheduled and prescribed in light of those risks.
Todd Lakey — Todd Lakey is addressed in the exchange and then follows up by thanking the chair and Mr. Larson before asking whether medical marijuana should be available in Idaho as part of a broader discussion about prohibition.
Todd Lakey — Expressed concern that the bill appears to favor industry, questioned the 18-year-old age provision and the lack of a private right of action, and said he would oppose the bill.
Todd Lakey — Continued his criticism of the bill and objected to the age and liability provisions.
Todd Lakey — His concerns about the bill's industry focus and liability provisions are directly addressed.
Todd Lakey — Invited to ask a follow-up question after the witness's response.
Todd Lakey — Pressed the witness on quoted numbers and said he did not accept attempts to attribute them elsewhere.
Todd Lakey — Thanked by the chair after his follow-up question.
Todd Lakey — Continued pressing the witness on the quoted figures and attribution.
Todd Lakey — His question about penalties and the private cause of action was answered.
Todd Lakey — A senator identified as Lent was asked for a motion; likely Senator Todd Lakey/Lent? The transcript says 'Senator Lent.'
Todd Lakey — Identified as the member making or responding to the motion.
Todd Lakey — Supported the motion but said he had concerns and wanted more controlled regulation.
Todd Lakey — Said he wants stronger controls, possibly scheduling and prescription requirements, to avoid a false sense of security.
Todd Lakey — Was thanked by name for his comments.
Todd Lakey — Was thanked by name after making comments about protecting the right to civil litigation.
Todd Lakey — Was thanked by name before the chair recognized the next speaker.
Todd Lakey — Voted aye on the motion.
Mr. Bat — Mr. Bat is introduced as a witness for the Wine Commission and later concludes his remarks by introducing Moya Dolesby, indicating a single continuous presentation segment.
Roger Bat — Roger Bat, representing the Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission, provides an annual update on Idaho’s grape and wine industry, including discussion of the number of wineries and related industry facts.
Roger Bat — Referenced as having previously discussed labor challenges.
Roger Bat — Thanked for his work with the wine industry.
Jay Hawkins — Identified as a commissioner with Lanier Ridge Vineyards.
Jay Hawkins — Jay Hawkins was introduced, then testified about Lanier Ridge Vineyard and his experience growing grapes in Idaho. He described planting his first vineyard in 2016, the high startup costs of grape production, the revenue potential of red grapes, and how vineyards can preserve agricultural land. He explained that grapes are relatively water-efficient and that his operation uses drip irrigation. He also discussed rising labor costs, difficulty finding qualified workers, and investments in mechanization to reduce labor dependence. Hawkins noted increasing costs for fuel, fertilizers, chemicals, and agricultural land, and explained that well-drained, south-facing slope sites are ideal because they reduce frost risk. He concluded by praising the Idaho Wine Commission’s educational sessions, saying they have provided valuable expertise and directly improved fruit quality and grower support, and was then thanked for his presentation.
Moya Dolesby — Moya Dolesby, executive director of the Idaho Grape and Wine Commission, was introduced and then delivered a continuous update on the commission’s work. She described the commission’s grant titled “Idaho-Made Wine for an Idaho-Made Lifestyle,” discussed the economic impact and growth of Idaho’s wine industry, explained factors behind that growth, and highlighted marketing and outreach efforts such as the Year of Tempranillo campaign, media outreach, and a field trip for winery and tasting room staff to Walla Walla. She concluded by making sure there was time for Jay Hawkins to present next.
Moya Dolesby — Thanked for her work with the commission.
Jules Germain — Identified as part of the Idaho Grape and Wine Commission.
Christy Zito — Referred to as the co-chair who will run the meeting and handle housekeeping.
Christy Zito — Again identified as the senator taking over the meeting.
Christy Zito — The prior hard-stop timing is being clarified in response to the committee.