State Affairs
[Source]
Committee
State Affairs
Location
N/A
Date & Time
Feb 19, 2026 • 12:00 AM
Duration
44m 47s
The committee discussed several pieces of legislation during the meeting.
Representative Monica Church presented RS33231, which requires signature gatherers and canvassers to be qualified electors and wear name tags indicating they are paid. Exceptions are made for volunteers and campaign workers. The committee voted unanimously to introduce this legislation.
Representative Annie Haas introduced RS33375, amending ballot rotation requirements for political entities with over 25,000 voters, down from 100,000, to ensure fairer name placement on ballots. The committee moved to introduce this bill without opposition.
Representative Judy Boyle presented RS33429, proposing the merger of the Office of Species Conservation with another agency related to energy and minerals to streamline operations while maintaining their missions. The committee voted to introduce this legislation.
Representative Sean Dygert introduced RS33438, allowing individuals forming LLCs to use a commercial registered agent's address for privacy instead of their home address. The committee agreed to print this bill, confirming it would go to the business committee.
Representative Bruce Skag introduced RS33449, addressing social transitioning of minors without parental knowledge, allowing for private lawsuits and intervention by the Attorney General, with a civil cause of action set at $100,000. The committee discussed the implications, particularly regarding definitions of social transition and responsibilities of educators and healthcare providers, raising concerns about conflicts with confidentiality laws. The committee voted to introduce this bill.
There was a discussion on legislation related to pediatric sex transitions and the responsibilities of educational institutions in notifying parents. Concerns were raised about broad definitions and potential liabilities for schools. Representative Mickelson questioned the implications of the legislation, while Representative Skog clarified that the Attorney General could pursue damages against schools that do not inform parents of significant changes regarding a child's gender identity. Representative Hawes emphasized the need for clearer definitions to avoid misinterpretation and excessive liability.
The committee then considered House Bill 548, introduced by Representative Harris, which aims to reinforce Fourth Amendment rights regarding searches and seizures on boats, requiring reasonable suspicion for law enforcement to stop and board vessels. Representative Harris argued for the necessity of this legislation to protect constitutional rights. Questions arose about enforcing safety inspections on boats, but Representative Harris maintained that inspections could still occur at boat launches. The committee voted to send House Bill 548 to the floor with a do pass recommendation and agreed to return RS 33408 to the sponsor as requested.
Before concluding, the chair acknowledged the last day for page Kyler, expressing gratitude for his contributions and presenting him with a small gift. The chair announced that the committee would take the following day off to celebrate reaching the halfway point of the session, marking the end of week six, and the meeting was adjourned.
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