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House adopts amendment to HB107 to clarify ombudsman role and coordination with attorney general
Summary
Floor amendment to HB107 narrows/clarifies duties for an obscenity/"omnibus" ombudsman, requiring coordination with the attorney general's office and restoring language that the ombudsman draft model ordinances for cities and counties; bill passed the House 63-2.
The House debated and amended House Bill 107, a measure to coordinate investigations and provide an obscenity/obudmsan resource for local governments. Representative Wayne Harper moved Amendment No. 2 to clarify that the ombudsman will coordinate with the attorney general's office rather than duplicate functions across departments and to restore language that the ombudsman would craft model legislation and guidance for localities.
Supporters, including Representative Harper, said the amendments respond to requests from city and county attorneys and local officials who have faced inconsistent approaches to obscenity-related enforcement and would benefit from model ordinances and coordination. Members asked whether the change could inadvertently limit prosecutions; Harper and colleagues said the intent was coordination and clarity, not restriction. Sponsors also said the fiscal impact could be absorbed within existing budgets.
After floor questions and a brief summation by the sponsor, voting closed: HB107 received 63 yes votes and 2 no votes and was transmitted to the Senate.
