Rules committee unanimously refers two bills and advances slate of bills to rules consideration calendar

The Senate Rules Committee met to review its rules consideration calendar and unanimously approved two procedural actions: referring HB 445 and HB 485 to the standing rules committee, and advancing a slate of bills to the rules consideration calendar.

The vice chairman moved to refer HB 445 and HB 485 to the standing rules committee; Senator Jackson seconded the motion. The chair called for the question and the motion “carried unanimous,” according to the committee transcript.

Later in the session, members selected a set of bills to place on the rules consideration calendar. Senator Albers moved to place the list on the calendar and Senator Williams seconded; the motion passed unanimously. The chair announced the slate as HB 165, HB 986, HB 1123, HB 1195, HB 1234, HB 1293, HB 1391, HB 1408, HR 251 and HR 1243.

The presentations before the procedural votes ranged from education proposals to public‑safety and regulatory items. Sponsors briefly described bills on math instruction and teacher training, dual‑enrollment programs at technical colleges, after‑school services for pre‑K students, a proposed next‑generation 911 constitutional amendment and several professional‑licensing measures. Committee members asked clarifying questions in several instances (for example, Senator Kirkpatrick confirmed that HB 1408 would require an on‑site supervising veterinarian when veterinary technicians administer anti‑rabies vaccines).

The committee took no final substantive votes on the bills themselves; the procedural referrals and the slate vote were intended to set which measures proceed to the rules consideration calendar for later action.