Management Council adopts interim priorities, reauthorizes gaming select committee and creates health‑insurance task force

The Management Council met April 1 to adopt interim committee priorities, consider several new interim assignments and vote on a series of motions affecting select committees, task forces and out‑of‑state travel.

The council voted to re‑authorize the Select Committee on Gaming for one year after members said the issue requires a focused body to oversee a multibillion‑dollar industry. Senator Kolb told the council the select committee’s work produced four bills enacted this session and asked for continued funding to maintain momentum. The motion to re‑up the select committee carried after a voice vote.

Representative Lloyd Larson won council approval to create a bipartisan 3‑and‑3 task force on private health‑insurance affordability. Larson cited constituent examples of family premiums of roughly $4,200–$4,300 per month and urged inclusion of executive‑branch agencies (Insurance Commission, Department of Health, ANI), insurers and hospital representatives. Council members expressed support and the…