The Senate was only partway through reading the bill, when Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, stood and asked to waive further reading of the bill. Sen. Elliot Werk, D-Boise, rose to object, but before he could speak, Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, declared that there was no objection and further reading would be waived. Senate Assistant Minority Leader Les Bock, D-Boise, was off the floor at the time, as were several other senators. Werk was visibly angry after his objection was ignored.

Sen. John Goedde, R-Coeur d'Alene, then began the opening debate.