Ways and Means committee approves minutes and introduces four RS measures, all advanced by voice vote

BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho House Ways and Means Committee approved its minutes from Jan. 22, 2025, and voted to introduce four separate RS measures during a brief meeting that concluded with unanimous voice votes.

The committee approved the minutes on a motion from Representative Crane. Representative Brandon Mitchell (District 6) then introduced RS 32363, which he described as relating to rules for the Idaho Transportation Department; Representative Crane moved that the measure be introduced and sent to the second-reading calendar. The motion passed by voice vote.

Representative Joe (last name Manwaring) (District 29, Pocatello) introduced RS 32365, which he said addresses the idle mine license tax and its distribution to the Abandoned Mine Land Fund. Manwaring said the RS would allow voluntary contributions from new and expanded mine operations, clarify required reclamation spending and priorities for sites needing action, require an annual progress report from the Department of Lands, and establish a seven-member advisory committee to advise on eligible sites and reclamation activities. During discussion, Representative Akiles expressed concern that the advisory committee’s proposed composition (three representatives from mining organizations or companies) could underrepresent the public and asked whether county commissioners might be added. Manwaring said the draft already includes representation from the Department of Environmental Quality and a conservation interest and defended the proposed balance.

Representative Brandon Bruce (District 23) introduced RS 32378, which he described as a measure to allow people to address governing bodies and to create a process for written testimony in some local and governing-body hearings. Bruce said the provision was intended primarily for cities and counties and that language referencing the legislature was included at legal counsel’s suggestion; he said he would update the fiscal note as the bill is refined. Representative Birch asked Bruce to clarify how the written-testimony component would work; Bruce replied that the draft would not force speakers to file written testimony in advance and was intended to preserve access for those who come to speak in person.

Representative Jeff Ehlers (District 21, Meridian) introduced RS 32362 on behalf of the Secretary of State’s Office. Ehlers said the measure would remove embedded image-based forms from code for UCC filings and instead allow the Secretary of State to publish standard, editable forms that comply with the Uniform Commercial Code. Representative Tanner moved the introduction; the motion passed by voice vote.

Other procedural motions in the meeting included Representative Monks moving the introduction of RS 32365 and Representative Rubel moving the introduction of RS 32378; all motions carried by voice vote. The committee chair announced a follow-up meeting the next day at 7:45 a.m.; the Ways and Means Committee adjourned shortly thereafter.

Votes at a glance • Approval of minutes (Jan. 22, 2025) — Motion: move approval; Mover: Representative Crane; Outcome: carried by voice vote. • RS 32363 — Sponsor: Representative Brandon Mitchell (District 6); Motion to introduce and send to second reading: moved by Representative Crane; Outcome: carried by voice vote; action: send to second-reading calendar. • RS 32365 — Sponsor: Representative Manwaring (District 29, Pocatello); Motion to introduce: moved by Representative Monks; Outcome: carried by voice vote. Key points: addresses idle mine license tax distribution to the Abandoned Mine Land Fund; creates advisory committee; requires Department of Lands annual report. • RS 32378 — Sponsor: Representative Bruce (District 23); Motion to introduce: moved by Representative Rubel; Outcome: carried by voice vote. Key points: would permit governing bodies to accept in-person addresses and address written testimony processes for local bodies. • RS 32362 — Sponsor: Representative Jeff Ehlers (District 21, Meridian) on behalf of the Secretary of State’s Office; Motion to introduce: moved by Representative Tanner; Outcome: carried by voice vote. Key points: removes image-based UCC forms from code and allows the Secretary of State to publish compliant forms.

Committee members who spoke or moved motions in the meeting included Representatives Crane, Brandon Mitchell, Manwaring, Akiles, Monks, Birch, Bruce, Rubel, Ehlers and Tanner. The meeting lasted about 12 minutes and covered four agenda items. The chair said another Ways and Means meeting was scheduled for the following day at 7:45 a.m.