Representative Tim Fairbairn told the committee he would submit a substitute to change the bill language from "live video conference" to "live video stream" and described House Bill 48 22 as a transparency and access measure for the Natural Resources Commission (NRC). "I have introduced this bill in the interest of governmental transparency and access to the public," Fairbairn said, noting the NRC's regulatory authority over hunting, trapping and sport fishing.

Fairbairn said the NRC's decisions affect a multibillion-dollar outdoor economy and hundreds of thousands of jobs; the bill would require livestreaming of NRC meetings, searchable meeting archives on the department website, and that meeting agendas and livestream links be posted not less than 24 hours in advance. He said the bill is modeled on current practice in legislative committees and local governments that already make meeting information available online.

Committee members asked whether the bill would require the NRC to accept public comment during livestreams or merely provide viewing access; Fairbairn said the measure is focused on watching meetings and that it would not mandate public-comment procedures. Members also asked about technology and resource implications; Fairbairn said he expected the NRC to have basic equipment and that the department would be available to coordinate implementation.

Cards read into the record included neutral/no-position from Department of Natural Resources staff and support from hunting and conservation organizations. The committee did not take a final vote on HB 48 22 during this session; testimony and support/neutral cards were entered into the record.

Provenance: First related remarks at 00:59:22 when the committee took up HB 48 22; last related remarks read cards and moved on at 01:05:03.