Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Committee Executive Actions And Votes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Health and Human Services committee advances several bills, approves continuous Medicaid eligibility
Summary
In executive action the committee amended and passed House Bill 386 (to seek continuous 12‑month Medicaid eligibility) 16‑5; it passed HB403 and concurred in SB82 and SB144, failed concurrence on SB112 (1‑20), and tabled SB112 and SB194.
After hearings the House Health and Human Services committee entered executive action and considered multiple bills and amendments.
House Bill 386 — continuous Medicaid eligibility: Vice Chair Ettrick moved HB386 do pass, and the committee considered amendment 386.1.0.1 (moved by Vice Chair Howell) to correct drafting language so the department would submit a new waiver to create continuous eligibility rather than improperly amending existing waivers. The amendment passed by voice vote. In discussion members highlighted program efficiency and reduced paperwork; Representative Close cited the fiscal note that estimated current churn at 11% and projected a reduction of 3,727 applications per year if continuous eligibility is enacted. The committee recorded a roll call: multiple individual votes and proxies produced a 16‑5 margin in favor. Chair Marshall announced HB386 will pass and move to the House floor.
House Bill 403 — Montana State Hospital access: The committee heard a summary that HB403 would require the Montana State Hospital to grant a legislator access; there were no amendments and the committee passed the bill by voice vote to move it to the House floor.
Concurrences and other motions: The committee voted to concur in Senate Bill 82 (adjustments to the blindness program and independent living services) and Senate Bill 144 (renaming the Mental Health Oversight Advisory Council to the Behavioral Health Advisory Council). Senate Bill 112 (prohibiting, under certain conditions, use of state funds to purchase opioid antagonists from certain entities) failed concurrence on a roll call (1 aye, 20 nay) and was then tabled and returned to the committee package. Senate Bill 194 (eliminating the Board of Public Assistance) was moved and then tabled after members requested additional procedural information.
Recorded votes and proxies: the transcript records roll calls, voice votes and several proxy votes for members not present. The committee adjourned after staff reviewed amendment deadlines and outstanding edit work for other bills.
