Committee reauthorizes interim Resources committee, sends resolution to second-reading

The Resources and Conservation Committee voted to introduce RS31842, a concurrent resolution to reauthorize the Interim Resources Committee and to send the measure to the second-reading calendar.

Representative Britt Raybould (R-34) introduced the resolution, saying, "RS31842 is a concurrent resolution that reauthorizes the Interim Resources committee." He described the interim committee as "a working group that can come together as legislators between the House and the Senate to address concerns, answer questions and be prepared for the next session."

Vice Chairman Shepherd asked who currently sits on the interim committee. Representative Raybould replied, "The committee expired on November 30th with the end of everyone's term. Should this committee reauthorization go forward, then the respective leaders in both the House and the Senate will handle the appointments to the committee." The vote was taken by voice; the chair announced, "The ayes have it," and the measure will proceed to second reading.

The reauthorization restores the interim panel that has previously met during the legislative interim to receive agency updates and discuss natural resource policy across chambers. The committee record notes the panel had expired on Nov. 30; appointments to any reauthorized panel will be made by House and Senate leaders rather than by this committee.

No roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript; the action was approved by voice vote and recorded in committee minutes as introduced and referred to the second-reading calendar.