Seth — Possibly a future witness; the questioner suggests he may address the issue.
Seth — Was invited to speak after his name was mentioned.
Richard Beck — Richard Beck, director of Ada County's Development Services Department, testified in respectful opposition to Senate Bill 1355 as written. He explained that the bill does not clearly address how newly created parcels would comply with existing development standards, zoning, building codes, and other health and safety requirements, meaning parcels could be legally created but still ineligible for building permits. He also warned the bill could increase rural parcel fragmentation and harm agricultural land preservation, while creating enforcement challenges around verifying ownership, tracking timelines, and determining family relationships. He concluded by opposing the bill in its current form and suggested the statute should either require compliance with applicable zoning standards or otherwise resolve those conflicts explicitly.
Ron Hanson — The committee announces Ron Hanson as the next online witness and then immediately attempts to connect with him by asking whether he is present.
Tom Henson — Tom Henson, from Teton County, testified in support of the bill because local land-use restrictions are affecting his family. He explained that the county has limited parcels to 40 acres, but even that size would not help his children secure financing for a home. In response to a question about what parcel size would be ideal, he said about five acres would likely be enough for a home site while allowing the remaining land to stay in agricultural use.
Rachel Martin — Rachel Martin was connected as the next online witness, confirmed audio, and then testified as Blaine County’s land use director. She said the county opposes the bill as written and raised concerns about how familial relationships would be verified, the risk of creating unbuildable five-acre parcels in mountainous or historic mining areas due to avalanche hazards, and the possibility that deed-only parcels could conflict with local subdivision and Hillside Ordinance requirements. She suggested limiting the bill to applicants with an agricultural exemption or adding an administrative county review process to ensure buildability and life safety compliance. Martin also explained Blaine County’s agricultural short plat process, noting it is county-specific, includes administrative review for subdivision and zoning compliance, and can allow small splits such as pivot corners or parcels as small as two and a half acres, not limited to family members.
Ron Taylor — Asked Rachel Martin whether the bill could negatively affect Blaine County's Hillside Ordinance.
Ron Taylor — Not mentioned in this section; likely no member mention here.
Ron Taylor — The transcript labels this as 'Senator Harris,' but the context suggests a senator speaking in favor of private property rights and friendly amendments; identity uncertain.
Ron Taylor — Seconded the motion to approve the minutes.
Doug Ricks — Addressed as Chair Ricks by the witness.
Rees Empey / Reese Sempe — Introduced himself as being with Pacific Legal Foundation and began testimony in support of the bill.
Seth Grigg — Seth Grigg, executive director of the Idaho Association of Counties, introduced himself and noted he had discussed the bill with Senator Harris. He explained that some counties already have provisions allowing smaller lot splits, often near one acre, and said counties believe language can likely be found to address concerns. He concluded by stating that counties support Senator Harris’s recommendation to send the bill to the 14th order for amendments.
Ben Adams — Senator Ben Adams moved to approve the minutes from February 19th, 2026, and the motion was seconded.
Treg Bernt — Likely the intended reference in 'Senator Burnt.'
Treg Bernt — Treg Bernt is identified in the transcript and then makes a motion to send Senate Bill 1355 to the 14th order for possible amendments.