Senate Chambers [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a roll call confirming the presence of 32 senators, with three absent and excused. Chaplain Doug Armstrong led a prayer, referencing the partnership of John and Abigail Adams, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The journal was read and approved as corrected. Reports from various committees included the Judiciary and Rules Committee, which confirmed the enrollment of Senate Bill 1222 and Senate Joint Memorial 108. The Commerce and Human Resources Committee recommended the passage of Senate Bills 1261, 1262, and 1265, while the Health and Welfare Committee reported on Senate Bill 1266. The State Affairs Committee recommended the passage of House Bill 504. Messages from the House included the transmission of several House Bills and the return of Senate Bill 1225 as amended. The Senate introduced and read several new bills, including Senate Bills 1282 through 1297, covering topics from consumer protection to education and public benefits. During the second reading, several Senate Bills were referred to the 13th order for third reading. Senators Lant and Robby introduced family members present in the gallery. The third reading of Senate Bill 1240 focused on updating guardianship and conservatorship statutes, with Senator Ruttke explaining the need for modernization since the last update in 1972. The bill's implementation date was extended to January 1, 2027, to allow for training on the new provisions. The bill aims to enhance protections for individuals in guardianship and conservatorship processes, emphasizing their constitutional rights. Support for the bill was expressed by Senator Groh and others, leading to its passage with a vote of 32 in favor and three absent. Senate Bill 1248, which repeals the Capital Crimes Defense Fund, passed with a similar vote count. Senate Bill 1249, correcting outdated language regarding time zones in juvenile corrections, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 1251 clarified the civil authority of the Attorney General's office, allowing it to seek injunctions and declaratory actions to enforce state laws, and also passed. The meeting concluded with announcements, including a reminder about the University of Idaho's Know Your Government program, a birthday acknowledgment for Senator Shippey, and a scheduled memorial service for deceased senators. The Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.