Heather Scott, District 2 — Heather Scott, District 2, introduced herself and presented House Bill 750, explaining that it concerns protections for programmable money. She described programmable money as an emerging technology and noted its current market size, using it to frame the bill’s relevance.
Treg Bernt — Senator Treg Bernt thanks Representative Scott, then asks whether the technology is currently operational and being used by banks and credit unions. The response confirms that it is operational and already in use, noting that major banks such as J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo are among the leading adopters.
Treg Bernt — Votes no on the motion.
Treg Bernt — Said he was not questioning Gifford's experience and asked what Gifford would say to rebut the prior witness's concerns.
Treg Bernt — Treg Bernt engaged in a continuous discussion about the bill, first complimenting Senator Adams and then asking for clarification about Title 67 and whether it was passed to help veterans. He followed up with additional questions about the bill and later noted that chaplains likely would not mind taking a test, but expressed concern about potential conflicts with existing code and said he would defer to the committee if that was its will.
Treg Bernt — During the roll call vote, Senator Treg Bernt was called (transcribed as 'Burnt'/'Byrd') and responded 'Yes,' indicating support for the original motion.
Christy Zito — Representative Scott invites questions and notes that experts will testify.
Christy Zito — Representative Scott responds that the technology is operational and in use right now.
Christy Zito — Representative Scott responds that the bill is similar to debanking protections and prevents discrimination.
Christy Zito — Representative Scott says the bill is similar to debanking protections and says Visa companies cannot debank users.
Christy Zito — Representative Scott is asked whether she can fill in for what was missed from Catherine Austin Fitts.
Christy Zito — The chair calls on Senator Zito to ask a question.
Christy Zito — Asks whether participation in programmable money is optional and whether a person can exit it later.
Christy Zito — The chair addresses Senator Zito by name before her question.
Christy Zito — Votes no on the motion.
Christy Zito — The transcript appears to misstate the next witness as 'Christy Weissman'; based on the member list, this may be a mistaken reference, but the name is uncertain.
Christy Zito — Introduces a practical question and notes the issue has passion on both sides.
Christy Zito — Asks what happens when someone needs more help than counseling and a diagnosis is needed.
Christy Zito — Clarifies that the question is about civilian counseling and diagnosis, not military service.
Christy Zito — The senator confirms the witness would refer to someone qualified and licensed to diagnose.
Christy Zito — Recognized as the senator being invited to ask another question.
Christy Zito — Named as a chaplain she works with in the Idaho National Guard.
Christy Zito — One of the chaplains she says she asked about clinical experience.
Christy Zito — Identified as her husband.
Christy Zito — Christy Zito asked to speak to the motion and explained that chaplains, whether military or not, serve a distinct purpose as people members can turn to emotionally and mentally. She argued that blending chaplains and counselors would diminish both roles, since counselors provide diagnosis and other services while chaplains offer a separate kind of support. Based on that distinction, she said she would support Senator Guthrie’s motion because she believed military people are better served by keeping the two areas separate. She later voted yes on the substitute motion and no on the original motion.
Brian Lenney — Senator Lenney asks whether the bill functions like a debanking bill and whether it prevents discrimination.
Brian Lenney — Senator Lenney asks whether the bill is similar to a debanking bill and whether it prevents discrimination.
Brian Lenney — The response is attributed to Mr. Lenney as the discussion turns to why the bill creates a separate statutory framework.
Brian Lenney — Brian Lenney moves to send House Bill 750 as amended to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and then votes yes on the motion as Vice Chair.
Brian Lenney — The chair said he had been informed by the vice chair that the next committee would not be coming in today.
Tammy Nichols — Senator Tammy Nichols moved that House Bill 562, as amended, be sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and this motion was later referenced again in the discussion.
Tammy Nichols — Senator Tammy Nichols asks for clarification about the comparison chart and the military route, then follows up by asking the witness to explain his qualifications and how the military route compares with the traditional route.
Tammy Nichols — Senator Tammy Nichols is recognized by the chair and then asks how many chaplains actually meet the qualification being discussed.
Tammy Nichols — Seconded the motion to send House Bill 545 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Tammy Nichols — During the roll call vote, Senator Tammy Nichols was called on, stated that she would support the motion because the law was already clear and the testimony made sense, and was then called again as the vote continued.
Tammy Nichols — Moved to approve the March 5th, 2026 minutes.
Tammy Nichols — Senator Tammy Nichols participates in the discussion on the motion to send House Bill 750 as amended to the floor by seconding it, explaining her support for the bill as a light-touch approach similar to other regulatory issues, stating she will vote yes, and requesting a roll call vote before being called during the roll call.
Brian Lenney — The chair thanks Senator Lenney after the witness's response.
Brian Lenney — Began a question to Mr. Morris.
Brian Lenney — Addressed as the senator asking the question.
Brian Lenney — Questioned why military chaplains should not have to complete the same training and requirements as the counselors/testifiers.
Brian Lenney — Continued asking why chaplains should not follow the same training path as counselors.
Brian Lenney — Referenced as the senator who had a comment and a follow-up question.
Brian Lenney — Named as having a quick comment/follow-up.
Brian Lenney — Asks the chaplain how he would handle a self-harm situation and whether he would refer the person elsewhere.
Brian Lenney — The question is directed to him as the senator asking about referral and handling self-harm cases.
Brian Lenney — Likely the intended senator name in the phrase 'Senator Rutty'/'Rutty' from the transcript, but uncertain.
Brian Lenney — Likely the senator asking whether the witness would take the National Counselor's exam, though the transcript says 'Senator Rutty' in places.
Brian Lenney — Referenced in the prior exchange as having a follow-up question.
Brian Lenney — Brian Lenney was called on and moved to send House Bill 545 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the committee then acknowledged his motion.