House Regulated Industries Committee adopts internal rules, amends quorum language

The Georgia House Regulated Industries Committee adopted its committee rules for the session and approved an amendment to change a numeric reference in the rules from “12” to “9.” Representative Jasper moved to accept the rules as written except for the change on line 2 from 12 to 9; the committee approved the amendment and then approved the full rules by voice vote.

Chair Alan Powell opened the meeting, reviewed the committee rules and reminded members that House rules govern any gaps. Powell introduced key staff members to help new members navigate committee business, including Jan Brown, county/committee administrative staff; Brian Hines, identified as an attorney analyst with House Research; and Nick Tate, the committee secretary. Powell also introduced the committee’s vice chair, Representative Dale Washburn.

During the discussion of rules, Powell noted quorum considerations and warned members that if the committee could not get a majority present, amendment business might be affected. Representative Jasper proposed the numeric change to reflect the committee's membership present; the committee adopted the amendment and then approved the full rules.

Powell reminded members that the Regulated Industries Committee oversees a wide range of policy areas, including professional licensing, lottery oversight, alcohol regulation, gaming and health care matters. He also cautioned against intimidation of members and urged respectful, logical discourse.

The chair recessed the full committee and convened the Lottery Oversight and Gaming Subcommittee, which later considered House Bill 74.

The rules and the numeric amendment were approved by voice vote; the transcript records only the voice vote and the chair's announcement that “the ayes have it.” No roll-call tally is recorded in the transcript.