Resources and Conservation Committee opens session, outlines OneDrive procedure and research support

The Resources and Conservation Committee convened for an organizational meeting at 1:30 p.m., where the committee chair opened the session, reviewed membership and expected workload for the coming legislative session, and staff described how committee materials will be posted and shared.

The meeting served as an orientation for returning and new members and outlined administrative procedures the committee will use during the session. The committee chair said, “we could be fairly busy this year,” and described the meeting as an organizational session for the committee.

Vice Chairman Charlie Shepherd, Representative from District 7, told members he will “be chairing the rules” work and that the committee will handle rules “as a complete committee.” Andrea Blades, the committee secretary, briefed members on the committee’s electronic file-sharing system, explaining: “The RS’s are gonna be posted in [OneDrive]. The bills are gonna be posted in there. The administrative rules are gonna be posted in there.” Blades said reports, testimony submitted before meetings, and other committee materials will also be posted to OneDrive and available 24 hours before meetings.

Caitlin Casey, a one-year Science Policy Fellow with the Legislative Services Office, introduced herself and described the research support she will provide to legislators. She said she recently completed a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and can assist with legislative histories, budget questions in collaboration with LSO budget staff, summaries of peer-reviewed literature, and scientific or technical review of agency material. Casey told members she adheres to LSO confidentiality and provided contact information in the committee folder.

Several members used the meeting to introduce themselves and give brief backgrounds related to natural resources. Speakers who identified themselves included Representative Soni Galaviz (District 16), Representative Monica Church (District 19), Representative James Petzke (District 21), Representative John Van Der Waddow (District 22), Representative Manwory (District 29), Representative Tanner (District 14), Representative Jack Nelson (District 26), Representative Doug Pickett (District 27), Representative Mark Sauter (District 1), Representative Maria Hatch (substituting for Stephanie Mickelson for the week), and others. Pages and staff present were introduced: Andrea Blades (secretary) and Bliss Miller, a page from Rigby High School.

Committee members were instructed to use OneDrive for access to RS drafts (request study drafts placed on the drive with sponsor approval), bills once introduced, administrative rules, and other reports. Blades asked members who prefer paper copies to notify her so the page and secretary can provide paper folders. The chair directed members who need technical help with OneDrive to LSO staff; one staff person named in the meeting was Jeff McFarland (LSO/IT), who was available to assist members outside the room.

The chair also invited members to request research assistance from Casey and emphasized confidentiality and limited staff resources. No motions or formal committee votes were recorded during the session; the meeting was adjourned after the orientation remarks.

Less critical procedural items noted during the meeting included selecting minute proofers (Representative Souder volunteered), reuse of committee folders, and a reminder that the committee is a hybrid committee with primary posting of materials to OneDrive.

The meeting adjourned after orientation and procedural remarks.