Hazel — Hazel is thanked for serving as a page and invited to speak. She says she enjoyed the committee, learned a lot, and was pleasantly surprised by how fun and friendly the atmosphere was. She also shares that she plans to study criminal justice and become a lawyer. The committee then thanks her again and presents her with gifts and letters of recommendation in appreciation.
Brian Lenney — Senator Lenney asks Hazel what surprised her about serving as a page.
Brian Lenney — Senator Lenney moves to approve the March 18 minutes.
Josh Keyser — The transcript says 'Senator Kaiser,' likely referring to Senator Keyser, who moves to approve the March 9 minutes.
Josh Keyser — The transcript says 'Senator Kaiser,' likely Senator Keyser, who seconds the motion.
Josh Keyser — The transcript says 'Senator Kaiser,' likely Senator Keyser, who seconds the motion.
Josh Keyser — Senator Nichols is referenced as the sponsor who introduced the bill; the name is not spoken in this section but is clear from context.
Josh Keyser — Senator Nichols is referenced as the person who mentioned the author; identity inferred from prior context.
James Ruchti — The transcript says 'Senator Ruttee,' likely Senator Ruchti, who seconds the motion.
James Ruchti — The transcript says 'Senator Recti,' likely Senator Ruchti, who seconds the motion.
James Ruchti — Senator Ricks's question is being answered regarding the bill's purpose and loophole closure.
James Ruchti — Asked whether grave robbing is occurring in Idaho and how widespread it is.
James Ruchti — Asked how much grave robbing is happening in Idaho.
James Ruchti — Asked Mr. Durden to explain the exception for universities and medical organizations.
James Ruchti — Asked about the scope of the university and medical exceptions.
James Ruchti — Invited to close testimony for the bill.
James Ruchti — Asked what the penalty is for the offense addressed by the bill.
James Ruchti — Asked whether the penalty would remain the same or increase under the bill.
James Ruchti — Made the motion to send House Bill 856 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and spoke in support of it.
James Ruchti — Spoke in support of the motion, describing the issue as horrifying and emphasizing respect for the dead.
Daniel Foreman — Senator Foreman moves to approve the March 13 minutes.
Daniel Foreman — The chair welcomes Representative Scott and asks her to state her name for the record; the chair's identity is not explicit in this section, so the speaker is uncertain.
Daniel Foreman — Seconded the motion on House Bill 856.
Dave Lent — Chairman Dave Lent is referenced in connection with a request to print RS 33803 and the related committee assignment discussion.
Dave Lent — Deslin Swank directly addresses Senator Lent, saying his head would be worth $1,500 in the market she is describing.
Brandon Shippy — Senator Shippy seconds the motion to print RS 33803.
Doug Ricks — Senator Ricks asks whether the item belongs to Senator Burton Shaw's committee and references Chairman Lent.
Doug Ricks — Senator Ricks moves to print RS 33816.
Doug Ricks — Terry Durden offers to answer Senator Ricks's question.
Melissa Wintrow — The speaker refers to a House co-sponsor who will explain more of the bill; the name is not stated in this section, so the identity is uncertain.
Melissa Wintrow — The chair thanks Representative Scott and opens the floor for testimony; the chair's identity is not explicit in this section.
Representative Heather Scott, District 2 — Introduces herself and explains that there are online and physical retail stores in Idaho selling human remains.
Kelly Brassfield — Kelly Brassfield, representing the Idaho Association of Counties, testifies in support of the bill. She notes that stakeholders sought the association’s feedback, some technical corrections were made, and questions were addressed, leading the association to support the bill.
Deslin Swank — Deslin Swank identifies herself as the author Senator Nichols referenced and a Boise resident, then testifies that there are over 600 dismembered human remains parts available for sale into Idaho, some with free shipping. She concludes by urging the committee to fix the law, and the chair follows up by asking whether Idaho’s current law contains a loophole that prevents action against sellers.
Terry Durden — Terry Durden, representing the Idaho Sheriff's Association and Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford, explains the bill he helped author and its purpose. He says the legislation is aimed at closing a loophole to stop the sale of human remains rather than possession, while preserving broad exceptions for medical schools, museums, teaching hospitals, and law enforcement uses. In response to questions, he notes he does not have data on how often grave-robbing or illegal sales have occurred, explains that remains could come from various sources and not necessarily Idaho graves, and says he has not seen any instance where a sheriff would investigate legitimate institutional possession or handling of remains.
Todd Lakey — The chair invites closing testimony, and Senator Nichols delivers closing remarks in support of the bill. She explains that the bill is intended to prevent trafficking and sale of human remains, notes that the measure was developed with support from coroners, sheriffs, and counties, and states that it would increase the current penalty from a misdemeanor to a felony.