Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs opens session, adopts proxy voting rule

Chair Noland opened the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee, called the roll and led member introductions before moving to housekeeping and procedural rules.

The committee adopted a proxy‑voting procedure after Senator Logie moved to accept proxy votes and the chair called a voice vote. The transcript records one senator saying "nay," and the chair recorded the motion as passed on a voice vote; a formal roll‑call tally was not read into the record.

Nolan set expectations for committee conduct toward presenters and staff, telling lobbyists and witnesses that honesty is required: "If you do something that is deceptive or... misleading, you only got one shot because then I'm not gonna let you speak," he said, warning that deceptive testimony could result in being barred from future appearances. The chair also explained proxy forms and floor proxy requirements and encouraged members to coordinate with sponsors and staff before offering amendments to avoid overburdening drafters.

Committee staff introduced themselves and summarized duties. Matthew Weaver (committee research analyst) said he will draft committee bills and amendments, advise on rules and review bills assigned to the committee. Secretary Lisca Bessonier asked members to contribute to a small snack fund and described sign‑in logistics.

The chair closed procedural business by confirming logistics for remote participation, noting the committee's start times and Friday scheduling for executive actions when possible, and adjourning to the informational presentations on the agenda.