House committee backs midwifery oversight bill framed as honoring mother who died in childbirth

Summary

HB2251, described by sponsor Representative Bliss as the 'Jordan and Mac Terry' bill, passed the Committee of the Whole with amendments to tighten training standards and oversight for licensed midwifery in Arizona. Sponsor and supporters said it clarifies standards after a maternal death; no final appropriations were discussed on the floor.

Representative Bliss introduced HB2251 in the Committee of the Whole and asked colleagues to support a due-pass recommendation. She said the bill — which she referred to as the "Jordan and Mac Terry bill" — aims to clarify training standards, oversight, and reporting within Arizona's licensed midwifery framework after a maternal death cited in committee work.

Bliss told colleagues the committee's amendment is 'robust' and reflects stakeholder input gathered in committee hearings. She said the bill strengthens clarity and standards that will support training and oversight. There was no extended floor debate recorded; the committee amendment was adopted and the Committee of the Whole recommended the bill do pass as amended.

The Committee of the Whole's recommendation advances HB2251 to engrossing; additional committee and possible appropriations reviews may follow as the bill moves toward a third-reading vote.