House reauthorizes interim natural resources committee; vote 43-25-2

BOISE — The Idaho House of Representatives voted Jan. 20, 2025, to pass House Concurrent Resolution 3, reauthorizing a standing interim legislative committee that focuses on natural resource issues.

The sponsor, identified in the transcript as the representative from District 34, said the interim committee provides a forum between sessions for agencies and stakeholders to present on complex issues involving fish and game, water resources and the Department of Environmental Quality. The sponsor said the committee does not take formal action but hears agency presentations and that public comment is allowed at the discretion of co-chairs.

The sponsor cited examples from the committee’s fall meetings, saying Fish and Game presented on steps to reduce grizzly bear conflicts and the Department of Water Resources discussed mitigation plans. A representative from District 2 asked whether public input is allowed; the sponsor replied that public comment is at the co-chairs’ discretion and that the committee has in the past solicited public input for specific feedback.

The House held a roll-call vote because the concurrent resolution did not expend money. Clerk announcements recorded 43 ayes, 25 nays and two absent/excused; the presiding officer declared HCR 3 passed the House. Representative Thompson (District 8) was specifically called during the vote sequence in the transcript but individual member votes were not printed in the transcript excerpt.

The sponsor asked for members’ support to reauthorize the interim committee, saying it provides an opportunity to hear from agencies between sessions. The motion passed and the resolution will be transmitted to the Senate.