House Chambers
[Source]
Committee
House Chambers
Location
N/A
Date & Time
Feb 16, 2026 • 12:00 AM
Duration
2h 16m
The meeting began with a roll call confirming 59 members present and 11 absent, allowing the House to proceed with business. Chaplain Tom Doherty led a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance recited by a student from New Plymouth High School. The journal from the previous session was approved after a motion by Skagg and a second by Gannon.
Members welcomed various groups in attendance, including students from the 4-H Know Your Government program and local constituents. Personal privileges were granted to members recognizing family and friends. A Memorial Program honored former legislators Frank Brunel, Jeannie Givens, and Carl Shurtleff, with tributes highlighting their contributions to the state.
The House then transitioned to legislative business, discussing several House Bills introduced by various committees. Key bills included:
- House Bill 673: Amends qualifications for state representatives and senators in emergencies.
- House Bill 674: Revises provisions on telecommunication services.
- House Bill 675: Updates the definition of broadband.
- House Bill 676: Addresses geothermal water applications.
- House Bill 677: Prohibits blinds near non-natural watering sites for game.
- House Bill 678: Establishes provisions for checking traps in trapping regulations.
- House Bill 679: Revises self-defense laws related to motor vehicles.
- House Bill 680: Mandates documentation of interviews with alleged child abuse victims.
- House Bill 681: Eliminates the statute of limitations for certain felonies.
- House Bill 682: Revises conditions for termination of parent-child relationships.
- House Bill 683: Updates definitions for sex offenders.
- House Bill 684: Allows sheriffs to seek reimbursement for recapture costs.
- House Bill 685: Prohibits the use of masks during criminal offenses.
- House Bill 686: Revises employment provisions in bribery cases.
- House Bill 687: Establishes provisions for purchasing unbiased artificial intelligence.
- House Bill 688: Repeals provisions related to airbags in vehicles.
- House Bill 689: Revises administrative subpoena provisions.
- House Bill 690: Removes sobriety monitoring program provisions from the Attorney General's responsibilities.
- House Bill 691: Revises definitions related to child protection.
- House Bill 692: Updates provisions for child protection hearings.
- House Bill 693: Introduces provisions regarding the concealment of aliens.
- House Bill 694: Makes technical corrections regarding safety restraints in vehicles.
- House Bill 695: Revises fees for unlawful detainer cases.
- House Bill 696: Updates definitions related to prisoners.
- House Bill 697: Repeals provisions regarding illegal voting.
- House Bill 698: Revises voting provisions for individuals with felony convictions.
- House Bill 699: Establishes provisions for attorney's fees in contested divorce matters.
- House Bill 700: Prohibits unlawful employment of unauthorized aliens.
- House Bill 701: Limits rental application fees.
- House Bill 702: Revises provisions regarding commercial transactions.
- House Bill 703: Revises powers and duties of professional licensing boards.
The meeting also discussed a proposed bill concerning bathroom access based on biological sex, prompted by concerns from a father about safety in public facilities. The bill aims to ensure individuals use facilities corresponding to their biological sex, with provisions for signage and liability protections for businesses. Concerns were raised about potential financial burdens on small businesses and the vagueness of terms in the bill.
House Bill 607, which restricts biological males from accessing women's restrooms, was debated and passed with 56 votes in favor and 13 against. The meeting concluded with various announcements and a motion to adjourn until February 17, 2026, which passed without opposition.
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