House Regulated Industries Committee adopts rules, introduces members and staff

The House Regulated Industries Committee adopted its committee rules and introduced three new members and staff at its first meeting of the legislative session, Chairman Alan Powell said.

The rules were amended after a motion to change a numerical threshold in the draft rules. Chairman Rick Jasper moved to change a reference from “12” to “9” in the rules; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. "If you will look at those committees, these are pretty well cut and dried," Chairman Alan Powell said while directing members to the printed rules. "Remember that the rules of the house prevail on any unanswered questions to this, such as the chairman's voting power and such."

The committee introduction included staff and member roll call and brief remarks. Powell introduced longtime staff member Jan Brown and House Research attorney-analyst Brian Hines, and announced Nick Tate as the committee secretary. Vice Chair Dale Washburn identified himself as representing District 144 and described his continuing role on the committee: "I've been honored to be on the regulated interest committee since I got here," Washburn said. Several representatives — including Jenny Erhart, David Jenkins, Jason Ridley, Matt Dubnick, Derek McCollum, Casey Carpenter and Al Williams — each introduced themselves and their districts.

Powell described the committee's jurisdiction and the rationale for thorough vetting of bills. "This committee handles a lot of issues. We deal with the regulatory framework of the state, whether it be professional business licensing, the lottery falls under the purview of this committee, lottery oversight, alcohol issues... Gaming, gambling, health care," he said, adding that bills sent to this panel will be fully vetted.

Chairman Powell also noted subcommittee assignments and said he may create special subcommittees at the call of the chair depending on subject matter. After the organizational business, the full committee recessed and the Lottery Oversight and Gaming Subcommittee convened to consider a bill.

The committee did not record roll-call vote counts for the rules amendment; all procedural approvals were by voice vote.

Less critical housekeeping items included presentation of a committee lapel pin and a reminder to members about attendance and decorum.

The committee adjourned its organizational session after establishing its rules and subcommittee plans.