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Sponsor explains immunity language in House Bill 18 70 substitute; committee adopts substitute

Committee on Financial Institutions · February 18, 2026

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Summary

Representative Lane Roberts explained that language in the House Committee substitute for House Bill 18 70 aims to protect statements made at judgment-debtor examinations; members raised questions about whether the language could extend to corporations. The substitute was adopted and the bill advanced.

Chair Owen introduced the House Committee substitute for House Bill 18 70 and moved for adoption. Representative Clemens raised concern about language on page 2 that appears to grant criminal immunity for statements made during judgment-debtor examinations, asking whether that immunity could apply to corporations.

Lane Roberts, sponsor (District 161), addressed the committee and said he was confident in the substitute and explained that the provision is intended to protect individual judgment debtors invoking protections similar to the Fifth Amendment during debtor examinations. He acknowledged the committee had not received the other representative earlier and said he would 'do my very best to address your concern.' Roberts said the committee could define 'judgment debtor' on the floor so both sides would have clarity.

After brief discussion and the adoption of the substitute, the committee voted to pass the House Committee substitute for House Bill 18 70. Rep. Clemens later introduced an amendment but the chair indicated it was too late for same-day adoption; members agreed the bill could be amended on the floor.

The committee advanced the substitute with a 'do pass' recommendation.