Monica Church — Representative Church asked whether the bill accounts for situations where the federal government requires digital ID for services, especially in state-federal programs like health and welfare, and expressed concern that restricting digital identification could put the state in conflict with federal requirements.
Joe Alfieri — Representative Alfieri first asked whether the bill had gone through the Secretary of State's Office and whether any issues had arisen. He then said he understood the intent of the proposal but was concerned that requiring filing with the county clerk could have a chilling effect on people running for office by making candidacy less accessible. That concern was then acknowledged in response as a valid consideration.
Jaron Crane — Responded that online filing and existing travel burdens make the change workable.
Jaron Crane — Explained that the filing process should still work despite the change.
Jaron Crane — Explained that irrigation districts and similar entities will file through the county clerk first, then the subdivision clerk.
Jaron Crane — Continued explaining the filing workflow and noted it should remain close to the same.
Jaron Crane — Explained the revised filing process and reassured the committee it would work similarly to the current system.
Jaron Crane — Joked about a House win and then the committee moved to the next bill.
Jaron Crane — Raised a concern about Boise State using facial recognition for entry to games.
Jaron Crane — Asked for a response to Boise State's facial-recognition entry process and said he was bothered by it.
Jaron Crane — Was told he could ask the question when Boise State's AD and football coach appear.
Jaron Crane — Spoke in favor of the motion and referenced the U.K. requiring digital ID for work and family support.
Mark Harris — Representative Nicholson asked how the filing change would affect groundwater districts and irrigation districts that have elected boards.
Bito Barbieri — Identified himself as Representative, District 3, and introduced Senate Bill 1299.
Stephanie Mickelsen — Moved Senate Bill 1299 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Stephanie Mickelsen — Asked for confirmation that the bill does not prohibit future use of digital IDs.
Stephanie Mickelsen — Compared the issue to allowing cash or card options in other settings.
Stephanie Mickelsen — Was asked to respond to the Boise State facial-recognition example.
Stephanie Mickelsen — Responded that the bill does not attempt to limit federal digital ID requirements.
Brent Crane — Representative Brent Crane questioned how the bill would interact with existing law and Senate Bill 1300, then continued with follow-up questions about the status and consequences for individuals serving in state government without Senate confirmation, pressing for clarification on what happens in those unconfirmed positions.
Brent Crane — Declined to comment in response to the federal-conflict concern.
Bruce Skaug — Moved to send Senate Bill 1351 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Monica Church — Made the motion to send Senate Bill 1376 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Shawn Dygert — Shawn Dygert moved to adopt the March 24 minutes and then presented Senate Bill 1376, explaining that it would modify filing procedures for candidates for political subdivisions by moving toward an online filing system beginning in 2027. He continued describing the bill’s filing and notification provisions and noted his background in the Secretary of State’s office, indicating support from clerks.
Heather Scott — Heather Scott presented Senate Bill 1351 and responded to questions about how the bill would handle appointments subject to Senate advice and consent, including whether conflicts or numbering issues would be resolved later by codifiers and session law. She asked for clarification when needed, then explained that the bill appears to address rejected appointments and read/paraphrased the relevant language about filling vacancies. She concluded by noting uncertainty about what would happen to someone in that position, suggesting it could become a legal issue.