State Affairs
[Source]
Committee
State Affairs
Location
N/A
Date & Time
Feb 12, 2026 • 12:00 AM
Duration
10m 49s
The meeting began with Representative Bruce Skog discussing legislation that allows the Idaho legislature to hire private counsel for actions against the federal government when deemed necessary by the pro tem and the speaker. He highlighted the state's previous success in similar legal actions, noting that they had won nine out of ten cases. Skog emphasized the importance of being able to take proactive legal measures, especially in response to federal overreach, and mentioned that this legislation has been passed in Tennessee, although it has not yet been utilized there. He requested the committee to send House Bill 498 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
Following this, Representative Jeff Ehlers presented House Bill 539, which aims to enhance legislative oversight of temporary rules. He explained that the bill would require the governor to provide a statement justifying the necessity of temporary rules and ensure that these rules are subject to judicial review. Ehlers provided an example of a recurring issue with temporary rules being repeatedly reintroduced after being struck down by the legislature. A motion was made to send House Bill 539 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, which was approved by the committee.
Next, Representative Britt Raybould introduced House Bill 613, addressing liability concerns for private facilities used as polling locations during elections. The bill aims to extend liability protections to election workers and volunteers, ensuring that private locations can confidently serve as polling places. Raybould clarified that the liability coverage would apply only during the time election workers are present. The committee heard supportive testimony from Trent Tripple, Ada County Clerk, who emphasized the importance of maintaining polling places to avoid long lines on Election Day. A motion to send House Bill 613 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation was made and carried.
The meeting concluded with the committee's work for the day being completed.
Loading transcript...
No transcript available for this meeting.
Loading witnesses...
No witnesses found in this meeting.
Loading bills mentioned...
No bills mentioned in this meeting.
Create Video Clip
Click on transcript segments to set start and end times.
Start
--:--
End
--:--
Duration
0:00
