Idaho Capitol Watch
Senate Health & Welfare Committee - Feb 19, 2026 - February 19, 2026
Senate Health & Welfare Committee honored pages, approved minutes, and advanced SB 1316 (newborn screening exemptions), SB 1294 (newborn hearing screening,
Senate Health & Welfare Committee honored pages, approved minutes, and advanced SB 1316 (newborn screening exemptions), SB 1294 (newborn hearing screening, passed 4-3), and SB 1314 (repeal Health & Welfare boards) amid debate on oversight and mandates.
Key topics
- Honoring Pages
- Newborn Screenings Exemptions (SB 1316)
- Newborn Hearing Screening (SB 1294)
- Repeal Health & Welfare Boards (SB 1314)
Session highlights
- Honored pages Finn Mecham and Cooper Smith.
- SB 1316 introduced: codifies open exemptions for newborn screenings; do pass.
- SB 1294 introduced: mandates newborn hearing screenings; testimony supports early detection.
- Sen. Shippy opposes SB 1294 as redundant mandate; vote passes 4-3.
- SB 1314 introduced: repeals Health & Welfare boards for modernization.
Bills discussed
Duration: 1h 8m ยท 9 participants
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