Committee sends HB 32 to the floor, a bill limiting government mask mandates; 13-2 roll call

The Idaho House State Affairs Committee voted to send House Bill 32 to the full House with a due-pass recommendation after a contentious public hearing that drew dozens of in-person and virtual witnesses.

Representative Rob Bieswanger, who presented the bill, told the committee that HB 32 “prohibits any government official from requiring people to wear a mask for the purpose of preventing virus transmission.” He said the bill does not prevent individuals from choosing to wear a mask and includes exemptions for people in roles where masks are an “integral and compulsory safety component of required job duties.”

The committee heard extended testimony from people on both sides. Kelly Packer, executive director of the Association of Idaho Cities, opposed the bill and said a statewide ban would remove local elected officials’ ability to respond to unknown public-health emergencies. “We stand here in opposition of House Bill 32,” Packer told the committee. “The reason why is because you are blocking elected officials' authority to make decisions, informed decisions down the road on things we may not have any idea about.”

Supporters described personal harm they said resulted from mask mandates during the COVID period and urged the legislature to limit officials’ authority. Fred Birnbaum of the Idaho Freedom Foundation supported the bill and noted the statutory exemptions language; Dr. Brandon Couchman, a paramedic and health-care worker, and other witnesses testified that masks can be misused or harmful when improperly fitted. Yvonne Saint Cyr said she was arrested for refusing a mask at a Central District Health hearing and that she was recently pardoned; she described her protests as a stand for bodily autonomy.

Opponents focused on public-health authority and vulnerable populations. Heather Stout, who testified virtually for her family, said her household depends on masking protections because a family member has an autoimmune disorder and later developed long COVID; she asked the committee to preserve local officials’ ability to act. “This is not a question of personal freedoms. This is about our humanity,” Stout said.

Committee members pressed the sponsor on scope and exemptions. Representative Mickelson asked whether the bill addresses situations where state workers inspect food-packing and processing facilities; Bieswanger pointed to the bill’s wording that exempts vocationally required mask use. Representatives also discussed previous legislation affecting public-health orders; Kelly Packer referenced a 2021 measure that—by her account—required public-health district actions to be reviewed by county commissioners, and she said cities need flexibility to protect residents.

After public testimony and committee questions, Representative Scott moved that House Bill 32 be sent to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. The committee conducted a roll-call vote; the clerk recorded the following votes: Chairman Crane (yes), Representative Scott (yes), Representative Palmer (yes), Representative Barbieri (yes), Representative Holtzclaw (yes), Representative Skog (yes), Representative Alfieri (yes), Representative Crane 12 (yes), Representative Boyle (yes), Representative Deigert (yes), Representative Hostetler (yes), Representative Mickelson (yes), Representative Pohanka (yes), Representative Achilles (no), Representative Daugherty (no). The motion passed 13–2.

The committee’s recommendation moves HB 32 to the House floor for further consideration. The bill text as presented would bar government officials from imposing mask requirements to prevent virus transmission while preserving narrowly drawn exemptions for job-specific safety and medical needs.