House File 18-37: technical Department of Administration bill laid over after brief discussion

Representative Cleburne presented House File 18-37 on March 20, 2025 as a technical Department of Administration bill containing several non-policy updates: citation updates to the federal Assistive Technology Act, adding the Board on Aging to the state council for assistive technology, adjusting a reporting date from July 1 to September 15 for rate-change reports, permitting the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care to use unmarked cars in certain circumstances, eliminating a duplicative report in favor of a dashboard, and repealing a requirement that the Department of Administration maintain a model local ordinance on outdoor light pollution.

Nut graf: Committee members asked clarifying questions about the lighting-ordinance repealer and the unmarked-car provision; the department said it lacks resources to maintain the model lighting ordinance and that the unmarked-car provision permits existing fleet cars to be used when safety dictates. The bill was amended (A2) on the floor for a technical correction and the amended bill was laid over for possible inclusion.

Details: Director Julie Bridal (Department of Administration legislative director) testified briefly and said the department does not have the expertise or funding to maintain a model lighting ordinance and that other entities provide such model language. Representative Jones asked about capacity for cities lacking technical expertise; Bridal said other model ordinances exist externally. Chair Nash asked whether permitting unmarked cars would create a fiscal risk; Representative Cleburne and staff said the provision permits use of unmarked cars already in the fleet and does not mandate new purchases. The A2 amendment (technical correction) was adopted by voice vote and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion.

Outcome: House File 18-37, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion.