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House HHS committee adopts proxy voting, affirms rules for hearings and scheduling
Summary
The House Health and Human Services Committee voted to allow proxy voting and confirmed procedural rules for bill hearings, amendment drafting, and executive action scheduling (Fridays); staff explained amendment deadlines and how informational witnesses will be handled.
The Montana House Health and Human Services Committee adopted proxy voting and reviewed committee procedures for bill hearings, amendments and executive action during its organizational meeting.
Research analyst Millie Allen (Legislative Services Division) reviewed quorum rules (House Rule thirty‑thirty: a majority of committee members—11 of 21—is required for quorum), the order of bill hearings (sponsor, proponents, opponents, informational witnesses), and the committee's amendment process, advising members to request amendment drafting at least 24 hours before they plan to propose it.
Committee members discussed practical concerns about proxies and who should hold proxy forms. After discussion about flexibility and standard practice, Vice Chair Jody Echart moved to allow proxy voting for the committee. Chair Ron Marshall called the voice vote and declared, "Motion carries," approving proxies for committee business. Members agreed vice chairs will hold proxy binders and were asked to deliver signed proxy forms to vice chairs before leaving the meeting; staff provided guidance on how to fill forms (sign and print name but do not predate entries).
Members also clarified how informational witnesses will be handled: informational witnesses will state name and affiliation and remain available for committee questions; the chair or a majority of the committee may reclassify an informational witness as a proponent or opponent if their testimony shifts in that direction.
Logistics announcements included a preview that House Bill 76 and House Bill 77 will be heard the next day and that executive action will typically be scheduled on Fridays for bills ready for committee action. The committee clerk also described internal recordkeeping (folders at members' seats) and a voluntary snack fund to support meetings.
The committee did not take executive action on bills at the organizational meeting; members were encouraged to consult staff and use the committee's packet and contact list in advance of hearings.
