House Chambers [Source] Translate

The meeting commenced with the Clerk recording the roll, noting 69 members present and one absent. Chaplain Tom Doherty led a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The journal from the previous session was approved without objection. Representative Jordan Redman communicated the designation of Kenneth Zakin as a qualified substitute for Legislative District 3, Seat B, effective until February 19, 2026. The House approved a message from the Governor regarding Senate Bill 1225 for the Speaker's signature. The Committee on Judiciary Rules and Administration reported on various bills and resolutions, including House Joint Memorial 14 and several House Bills, which were referred to appropriate committees. House Bill 620 was recommended for passage by the Local Government Committee, and other bills were reported for second reading. New bills were introduced, including House Bill 714 related to hazardous waste, with all referred to the Judiciary Rules Administration Committee for printing. During the second reading, several resolutions and bills were filed for the third reading calendar. House Bill 528, allowing self-directed blood donations, passed with 52 votes in favor and 17 against. House Bill 521, concerning fingerprinting for vulnerable populations, passed unanimously. House Bill 498 was introduced, allowing the legislature to hire private counsel for offensive lawsuits against federal actions, passing with 61 votes in favor, 8 against, and 1 absent. House Bill 539, establishing guidelines for temporary rules, passed with 67 votes in favor, 2 against, and 1 absent. House Bill 516, which removes a confusing line regarding gender identity and sexual orientation in K-12 education, passed with 59 votes in favor, 10 against, and 1 absent. House Bill 522, addressing drone regulations around prisons, passed with 62 votes in favor, 7 against, and 1 absent. House Bill 635, mandating reporting of criminal activity involving educators to law enforcement, passed with 66 votes in favor, 3 against, and 1 absent. House Bill 594, codifying a judicial decision on tax penalties distribution, passed with 69 votes in favor and 1 absent. The meeting included a request to cease further reading of House Bill 610, which aims to protect homeowner's exemptions for Idahoans on religious or community missions. The bill passed with 48 ayes, 20 nays, and 2 absent. House Joint Memorial 12 was ordered to be held on the third reading calendar for one legislative day. Announcements included the upcoming Simplot Games, the presence of the Idaho Food Bank addressing food insecurity, and various events and meetings. The Clerk read the schedule for upcoming committee meetings. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, which passed unanimously.