Senate Chambers [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a roll call confirming the presence of 35 senators, establishing a quorum. Following the roll call, Chaplain Doug Armstrong led a prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The journal was read and approved as corrected. Senator Den Hartog outlined the day's agenda, indicating that the Senate would address items in the 10th Order of Business and possibly some bills in the third reading. Unanimous consent was granted to advance to the 6th Order of Business, where reports from standing committees were presented. The Judiciary and Rules Committee reported that several Senate Joint Memorials and Bills had been correctly printed and assigned to various committees. The Health and Welfare Committee recommended that House Bill 555 do pass, which was referred to the 12th Order of Business for a second reading. The Agricultural Affairs Committee reported on Senate Bills 1270 and 1271, which were referred to the 14th Order of Business for possible amendment. In the 8th Order of Business, a gubernatorial appointment for Jeff Selig to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho Board was announced and referred to the Commerce and Human Resources Committee. Messages from the House of Representatives were received, and several House Bills were referred to the 11th Order of Business for introduction. Senators introduced guests in the gallery, including students from Eagle High School and members of various school districts. The Senate then moved to the 10th Order of Business to consider Senate Resolution Number 114, which was adopted after a motion and debate regarding its significance for the Education Committee's rules. Senate Joint Memorial Number 109 was presented, urging Congress to restore faith and fairness in the electoral process by addressing out-of-state contributions and campaign finance laws, and was adopted after debate. Senate Resolution 115 confirmed the review of temporary and pending rules by various state agencies and was also adopted. House Joint Memorial No. 9, urging Congress to reaffirm the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) as the primary authority for federal land management, was adopted after a motion and debate. The meeting discussed the management of public land under FLPMA, highlighting a recent legal decision from Idaho that threatens this framework. A memorial was proposed to urge Congress to act quickly to preserve FLPMA's intent, which was adopted after a brief debate. House Joint Memorial No. 11 called on Congress to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) at the promised 40% level. Senator Burton-Shaw emphasized the importance of federal accountability, while Senator Zito opposed the memorial, arguing against federal overreach. Senator Harris defended the memorial, and it was ultimately adopted after a debate on federal funding and state sovereignty. The Senate considered the gubernatorial appointment of Ryan Lanham as the State Athletic Commissioner, which was confirmed without opposition. The appointment of Juliette Chiron as the Director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare was also confirmed after supportive comments regarding her qualifications. The meeting proceeded to the introduction and first reading of several bills, which were referred to appropriate committees. The Senate advanced to the second reading of bills, with a request to read them by number and author only, which was granted. Announcements were made regarding an energy caucus luncheon featuring discussions on nuclear energy legislation and renewable energy presentations, as well as a school board's lunch for legislators and an Idaho Food Bank event discussing food insecurity. Senator Den Hartog reminded the chairman that there would be no chairman's lunch on Thursday of that week. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, which was seconded and approved by a voice vote.