Kathy Wilson — Kathy Wilson introduces herself and explains that her son was harmed in a situation involving Boise School District’s failure to follow mandatory reporting procedures. She says she never expected to speak publicly about sexual crimes involving her school-age son, notes that he is not the only victim, and emphasizes that the district’s handling of the matter is part of a broader failure of accountability. She argues that supervision, transparency, and accountability are essential to protecting children in schools, and closes by supporting Senator Nichols’ efforts to protect her child and other good teachers, while saying Boise School District broke its promise to her family.
Tori Dell / Torre Dill (questionable) — Tori Dell (transcribed inconsistently as Torre Dill) describes her experience as a Boise School District teacher and whistleblower. She says she raised concerns about a principal’s wife, whom she alleges had a prior sex offense conviction, and that parents came to her with concerns. She explains that she reported the matter up the chain of command to the superintendent and then to police when no action was taken, but says the report led to retaliation and continued harassment, including an officer appearing at her classroom. She adds that she received no support from district leadership and argues schools should be required to call law enforcement immediately when abuse or predatory behavior is suspected, since whistleblowers are not protected.
Dr. Bolton — Senator Nichols says testimony read on Dr. Bolton's behalf had been cleared by her lawyers and was part of a settled case made public in 2024.
Superintendent Critchfield — Senator Nichols asks Superintendent Critchfield to briefly explain the technical portions and current status of the issue.
Superintendent Critchfield — The superintendent is named as part of the group working on the language.
Debbie Crishfield — Debbie Crishfield, State Superintendent, states that the shared goal is protecting students and ensuring mandatory reporting compliance. She adds that the bills are intended to improve student safety, strengthen reporting requirements, and enhance vetting of school personnel to better protect children in schools.
Van Burtenshaw — A senator identified as Burtenshaw is welcomed to the committee and asks about planned modifications.
Carrie Semmelroth — Senator Semmelroth asks for clarification on what 'withholds' means in the bill and how it affects personnel privacy.
Carrie Semmelroth — Addressed by the speaker in response to the question about out-of-state records.
Dave Lent — Dave Lent repeatedly addresses the chair and other senators while responding to the ongoing discussion, offering brief acknowledgments, clarifications, and comments. Across the exchange, he affirms points being made, references the superintendent’s support, and continues the same line of discussion without a meaningful topic shift.
Dave Lent — The chair is repeatedly referenced as the person whose agreement is needed before the committee can proceed. Members indicate they are fine moving in the proposed direction if Chairman Lent approves, then the chair is identified in the motion to hold the bills in committee. The chair presides over the vote, announces the motion carries, and then adjourns the meeting.
Superintendent — The superintendent's testimony is referenced as raising concerns about something she thought was already in practice.
Superintendent — The superintendent is said to be able to back up the sponsor's view on the bill changes.
Kevin Cook — Senator Kevin Cook is recognized and follows up on the proposed bill changes, pressing for specifics about what will be changed and whether the revisions are minor enough to proceed without holding another public hearing. The exchange continues with confirmation that the changes are not considered major and that the superintendent can support that position.
Christy Zito — Senator Christy Zito asks a series of related questions about whether Idaho is a mandatory reporting state, whether adults are required to report suspected abuse, and whether school hiring processes already include background checks and fingerprints. She then questions where the breakdown is if mandatory reporting and background checks already exist, and whether accusations of misconduct should follow an applicant to a new school even without a conviction.
James Woodward — Senator Woodward noted that the committee was generally aligned but slightly out of sync, suggesting the bill may need to be reprinted and worked on with the Attorney General’s office before returning to committee. He indicated he would make a motion once he had confirmation from the relevant senators, and then moved to hold Senate Bill 1371 and Senate Bill 1372 in committee.
Tammy Nichols — Senator Nichols is discussed throughout a continuous committee exchange about her bill. Speakers reference her as a partner on the legislation, express support for her efforts to protect children and good teachers, and note appreciation for her work refining the bills toward shared goals. The discussion then shifts into direct questioning of Nichols about bill language and enforcement, including whether private schools can be included. Nichols responds that the AG’s office indicated private schools could be included because the issue is education-related and standards are being developed for consistency, and she notes that draft language is still being prepared.
Tammy Nichols — Senator Nichols and the committee discussed a proposed tweak to the bill regarding records for out-of-state applicants, clarifying that districts could request records but not compel them. The exchange then shifted to whether the committee and chairman needed to agree on the approach, with Senator Nichols saying she was fine with whatever was easiest for the committee and that everyone seemed to be moving in the right direction. The committee ultimately indicated support for her suggestion and said the bill would be brought back when ready.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Janie Ward-Engelking cautions that the committee should not pursue unsubstantiated accusations because the matter is already in court, then reiterates that teachers want to keep children safe and that districts try to check backgrounds, ultimately expressing support for Senator Nichols' bill.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Senator Janie Ward-Engelking expresses hesitation about the bill because she does not yet fully understand the amendments and is unsure she can support the bill as written, while emphasizing that the bill’s purpose is important. The discussion then continues with questions about how the bill would be enforced at private schools and whether it would also apply to micro schools, reflecting ongoing concern about the bill’s scope and implementation.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Likely intended by the transcript as 'Senator Samuel Roth' / 'Senator Sama Roth'; the text is unclear, but the speaker is addressing a senator about out-of-state records.
Dr. Laura Bolton — The speaker discusses Dr. Laura Bolton in a continuous thread: they reference her statement, caution against publicly discussing accusations without proper legal or historical context, note that her experience appears to have motivated her interest in partnering on the legislation, and then thank her for being present.