State Affairs
[Source]
Committee
State Affairs
Location
N/A
Date & Time
Feb 18, 2026 • 12:00 AM
Duration
38m 38s
The meeting began with a welcome from the chair and a silent roll call, noting the absence of Senator Anthon. Mayor Joan Hawkins of Millat City introduced herself, sharing her 14 years of experience as mayor and her enjoyment of the legislative process.
The committee approved the minutes from previous meetings on February 11, 13, and 16, 2026, with all motions passing without opposition.
Several Resolution Statements (RS) were discussed:
1. **RS 33441**: Presented by Senator Dave Lent, this resolution focuses on the expansion of the Research and Development Center for new nuclear projects at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, clarifying the state's relationship with the Department of Energy. It was approved to print.
2. **RS 32911**: Senator Camille Blaylock introduced a cleanup bill from the controller's office, following a previous initiative to clean up Idaho code. This resolution was also approved to print.
3. **RS 33141C1**: Another resolution by Senator Blaylock strengthens reporting requirements for agencies regarding contracts and agreements, which was approved to print.
4. **RS 33386**: Senator Brian Lenny introduced a resolution to strengthen voter affidavit requirements by adding identification verification steps, which was approved to print.
5. **RS 33136**: Senator Lenny also presented a resolution regarding refugee resettlement programs, requiring annual reports from involved organizations, which was approved to print.
6. **RS 33321**: Senator Phil Hart introduced a resolution to strengthen Idaho code regarding commerce in gold and silver, enhancing contract enforceability, which was approved to print.
7. **RS 33028**: Senator Hart presented a resolution allowing local political party committees to establish additional criteria for precinct committeemen, which was approved to print despite some concerns.
8. **RS 33338**: Senator Hart introduced a resolution addressing vacancies in judges' terms, proposing that appointed judges cannot run for election in the subsequent election. This faced opposition but ultimately passed to print.
9. **RS 33396**: Senator Lori Den Hartog proposed a resolution for a new specialty license plate to support Idaho State Police salaries, which was met with light-hearted comments.
The meeting continued with the introduction of additional resolutions:
- **RS 33420**: Senator Berndt presented a bill regulating billing and reimbursement practices for out-of-network freestanding emergency rooms, which passed unanimously.
- **RS 33379**: Senator Harris introduced a cleanup bill clarifying the relationship between the Department of Lands and the Attorney General's office regarding legal counsel, which passed.
- **RS 33382**: Senator Harris presented a resolution to protect private property rights, ensuring law enforcement cannot enter private property without a warrant, which passed.
- **House Bill 613**: Senator Harris discussed a bill addressing liability concerns for private entities hosting polling locations, particularly churches in rural areas. Representative Britt Raybould provided details, and the bill passed with a do-pass recommendation.
The meeting concluded with a segment where a page, Chase VanEbbs, shared her positive experience in the legislature and aspirations for the future. She asked Senator Den Hartog for advice, who emphasized being true to oneself and maintaining principles. The meeting was then adjourned.
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