Committee advances bill to restore state-focused federalism tools, creates education and commission framework

Representative Ken Ivory, sponsor of HB 488, told the Public Utilities and Energy Committee on the morning the measure was intended to restore a balance between state and federal authority and educate officials and citizens about ‘‘the structure of our government.’’ The committee advanced the bill, as amended, by a 9–1 vote; Representative Dominguez cast the lone dissent.

Supporters said the bill would establish three pillars: a continuing-education program for state and local officials, a convening/summit effort to bring state leaders together across party lines, and a mechanism to coordinate a multi-state federalism commission. ‘‘This is the culmination of about 15 years of work,’’ Ivory told the committee, adding that the bill seeks a ‘‘returning to that structure where we celebrate diversity in the states and that self governing ability.’’

The bill’s proponents framed the effort as educational and structural rather than partisan. Representative Thompson, citing the bill’s three pillars, said continuing education would ‘‘prepare us to wean…