Idaho House advances prayer resolution and passes a package of bills on midwifery, DMV records, mobile registration and water oversight

The Idaho House of Representatives on Feb. 19 adopted a concurrent resolution encouraging observance of a day of fasting and prayer and passed a slate of bills addressing health-care practice rules, motor-vehicle administration, conservation oversight and retirement-plan language.

House Concurrent Resolution 28, which the sponsor described as urging Idahoans to observe March 1 as a day of fasting and prayer and to seek guidance for public leaders, was placed at the top of the third-reading calendar by unanimous-consent request and carried by voice vote. The sponsor said the resolution also asks for “abundant moisture to replenish our water supplies.” The House approved the title and will transmit the concurrent resolution to the Senate.

On policy measures, the House passed House Bill 6-39, which backers described as an update to Idaho’s midwifery statute first enacted in 2009. Lawmaker Harryann Jelen said the bill “would allow midwives to safely administer medications within their scope of practice, education, and training, and is consistent with best practice and community standards.” The sponsor reported the bill came out of committee unanimously; the clerk recorded the vote as 67 ayes, 3 absent, and the bill will be sent to the Senate.

The chamber also approved House Bill 5-32, a measure the sponsor said would consolidate separate DMV systems so one proof-of-identification record could serve both vehicle registration and driver licensing. During floor debate a member raised concerns about language requiring written documentation for applicants who do not possess Social Security numbers and cited specific lines in the draft. The sponsor pointed members to existing verification language in section 49-306 of Idaho code and said the bill accommodates individuals who lack Social Security numbers; the clerk reported the bill passed (roll-call tally reported as 66 ayes, 1 recorded as indicated in the clerk’s announcement, 3 absent).

House Bill 6-29, which would allow drivers to display vehicle registration on a phone, drew a contested debate about officer safety. An opponent said, “Officer safety to me is a first obligation,” citing a local deputy’s murder during a traffic stop and expressing concern about drivers reaching into pockets for phones during stops. Supporters replied that digital proof is already used for insurance and stressed increasing in-vehicle technology such as plate readers and cruiser cameras. The bill passed by roll call, reported at 43 ayes and 26 nays.

Lawmakers approved House Bill 5-03 to transfer the Soil and Water Conservation Commission from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Water Resources, a change the sponsor said will preserve the commission’s voluntary, nonregulatory mission while gaining administrative efficiencies. The sponsor told members the move would cost roughly $107,000 in state general fund personnel costs but produce other operational savings; the clerk reported the bill passed with 67 ayes and 3 absent.

The House also passed House Bill 5-43, updating PERSI Choice 401(k) language to comply with federal Secure Act 2 and to allow Roth contributions and associated investment-earnings language; the clerk reported the vote as 67 ayes, 3 absent.

Several other bills and concurrent measures were introduced or referred to committees, committee meeting dates were announced and the House adjourned to reconvene at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23.

What happens next: Each passed bill will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration; the concurrent resolution will also be sent to the Senate.