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House Health and Human Services committee adopts proxy rule, sets hearing procedures and staff contacts
Summary
At its organizational meeting the House Health and Human Services Committee adopted a rule allowing proxy voting, reviewed committee rules on hearings and amendments, and heard staff and sergeant-at-arms introductions and safety procedures.
The Montana House Health and Human Services Committee voted to permit proxy voting during the 2025 session and established standard hearing and amendment procedures for the committee.
The committee approved a motion to authorize proxy voting by a majority voice vote after Representative Jodi Etchart moved to allow proxies. The recorded vote tally was not specified on the record; the chair announced "motion carries." Committee members discussed practice and logistics and agreed vice chairs would hold proxy folders, but members may designate other members as their proxy at their discretion.
Nut graf: The committee also set standard procedures for bill hearings and executive action: sponsors open bills; proponents, opponents and informational witnesses testify in that order (in-person followed by remote testimony); only committee members may ask witnesses questions; and staff should receive requests for drafted amendments at least 24 hours before executive action to allow for drafting and proofreading.
Clerk and staff introductions: Committee clerk Mia Moses explained she produces the official record and schedules hearings and gave her office hours. Millie Allen, the committee's research analyst from Legislative Services, outlined staff duties including drafting amendments (with a 24-hour notice request), preparing committee bills, and assisting with data requests. The committee was advised that members should keep materials in the provided folders, which staff will retain between meetings.
Safety and logistics: Sergeant at Arms Don Kruske reviewed emergency evacuation procedures, active-threat guidance and the location of an AED and first-aid kit. Members were reminded to keep personal devices away from microphones to avoid audio interference.
Ending: The committee scheduled executive action to occur on Fridays unless time pressures require otherwise, and members were told two bills (HB 76 and HB 77) will be heard at the next meeting. Members also arranged a voluntary snack fund and were asked to submit signed proxy forms to the vice chairs before leaving.
