Senate Agriculture committee organizes for session, authorizes proxy voting and witness rules

The Montana Senate Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Committee convened an organizational meeting that opened with staff introductions, agency briefings and two procedural decisions that set how the panel will run much of its business this session.

Becca Brown, the committee staffer with the Legislative Services Division, directed members to briefing packets and summarized staff functions, including the process for drafting bills and committee amendments. ‘‘I will be the committee staffer,’’ Brown said as she outlined drafting, amendment and interim responsibilities and asked members to provide 24 hours’ notice for committee amendments when possible.

After agency presenters finished, Senator Dunwell moved that the committee authorize the use of proxy voting going forward. Senator McCamey proposed that proxies be handled by the party vice chairs; the committee adopted that approach by voice vote and Chair Gillespie announced, “Motion carries.”

The committee also set a standard for informational witnesses. Under the adopted approach, witnesses who come to the podium will state their name, affiliation and area of expertise so members can better target questions. Senator McCamey moved that procedure and the committee approved it by voice vote.

The meeting also included a practical orientation: staff explained how committee folders at the desk are used to retain documents, microphone sensitivity, and camera awareness for members appearing on screens. The meeting concluded after brief remarks from a former legislator and an announcement about session snacks, and Chair Gillespie adjourned the meeting.

Next steps: committees that heard agency presentations said they will return with targeted briefings where requested (for example, a grizzly-bear/livestock-loss update), and staff offered to circulate memos and additional materials requested during today’s session.