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Committee votes do pass on House Bill 929 after debate over optometry-ophthalmology language
Summary
After extended debate and expressions of dissatisfaction with the bill text and process, the committee reported "do pass" on House Bill 929 by a recorded vote of 14–5; several members urged the competing professions to negotiate revisions before subsequent stages.
The Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing voted to report "do pass" on House Bill 929 following extended debate about the bill's scope and the legislative process. The committee announced a final vote of 14 yes and 5 no.
Lawmakers debating the bill repeatedly urged stakeholders — notably ophthalmologists and optometrists — to negotiate acceptable language. Representative Phelps told the committee she had previously said she would vote yes but expressed concerns about the bill’s makeup and the process, calling the last three weeks "terrible" and saying she hoped moving the bill would lead to improvements. "I am still going to be a yes vote... I have trust in the bill sponsor," she said.
Other members expressed stronger objections. A former committee chair said she had repeatedly asked parties to present what they wanted rather than list objections; she said she would vote no until stakeholders negotiated changes. Another member called the bill "way, way, way too broad" and said public safety could be jeopardized, and announced a no vote. The committee chair echoed the need for both sides to meet and called for the sponsor to work toward a better bill.
After discussion the clerk called the roll and the committee chair announced, "Fair vote of 14 to 5. You have voted do pass House Bill 9 29." The committee did not record amendments in the transcript; members who supported the bill said they expected further negotiations between the professional groups during the legislative process.
No effective date or implementation details were set during the committee action recorded in the transcript.
