Senate committee postpones consideration of SB 87 after two competing substitutes on midwifery

A Senate committee on Tuesday carried over Senate Bill 87, a midwifery measure, after members said two different substitute versions created confusion.

Senator Coleman Madison described her substitute as a negotiated agreement provided by the bill sponsor, Senator Orr, and said it was prepared with input from the Board of Midwifery and the Medical Association. "They have met with the Board of Midwifery and the Medical Association, and they have agreed upon these terms," Coleman Madison said.

Senator Stutz offered a different substitute that shared some phrasing but limited the change to allow midwives to perform the newborn heel stick for testing without expanding other aspects of newborn clinical examination.

Committee members said they were unsure which substitute to consider. Senator Weaver asked for more time, calling the presence of two substitutes "very confusing." Senator Coleman Madison and Senator Stutz both explained differences: Coleman Madison emphasized a provision allowing midwives to administer newborn screenings and refer results to a licensed physician or certified registered nurse practitioner for follow-up; Stutz said his substitute permits only the heel stick and does not expand examination scope.

Senator Coleman Madison moved to proceed with the substitute she described as negotiated; Senator Stewart said he received text messages claiming the agreement was not final. The chair then carried the bill over to allow additional work and clarity.

The transcript records no committee vote on final passage; the item was deferred for further negotiation and clarity about which substitute will be advanced.