Among the testimony at this morning's hearing on HB 404, the bill to evict Occupy Boise from state property across from the Capitol:

Fairy Hitchcock, who said she's a registered lobbyist on behalf of herself and her family, spoke in favor of the bill, the only person thus far to do so. She said she spoke for "people who are regular, normal, average and everyday," and said, "The things that are over there embarrass me."

Rachel Raue told lawmakers that both the state Department of Administration and the Idaho State Police have copies of the Occupy Boise encampment's 42-page operational plan, and the group has been operating under that plan. "Using a tent doesn't equal camping," she said. "Camping, you're out there for recreation. In a vigil protest, you're petitioning your government for redress of grievances."

John Howard said participants in Occupy Boise have been maintaining the site, raking leaves and removing trash. The protest has received favorably publicity nationwide and even internationally, he said. "We haven't had an Oakland, we haven't had a Wall Street. We've been looked up to as having a higher standard."

Anne Hausrath, a 35-year Boise resident and former Boise city councilwoman, told the committee, "I am very impressed by the consensus-based process of Occupy Boise. I have never been involved with a group which is more respectful. ... I respectfully ask that you not rush forward with this bill." She said, "The vigil across the street on an unused piece of land ... next to a vacant building ... poses no emergency."