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Bill to create state uterine‑fibroid commission meets resistance from Department of Health
Summary
A bill to create an 11‑member uterine fibroid commission drew support from the sponsor but concern from the Department of Health, which urged using existing resources and producing a departmental report instead of forming a new commission.
Representative Leah Camper told the committee House Bill (as introduced) would establish an 11‑member state uterine fibroid commission including health professionals, hospital representatives, people diagnosed with fibroids, and legislators, and requested a favorable vote.
Mike Critchfield of the Department of Health testified that while the department supports attention to uterine fibroids, it opposes creating a new commission and believes the department could produce a report using existing resources. "We think the issue is very important…I don't want to undermine that. We just think that we can utilize existing resources in our family health and wellness division rather than funding an entirely new commission," Critchfield said. Sponsor Camper responded that she had not been contacted by the department earlier and offered to work with officials; the committee agreed to roll the bill to the end of the calendar to allow coordination.
The exchange highlighted differing views about process and use of administrative resources: the sponsor argued the commission would bring public hearings and attention to an underprioritized issue, while the department emphasized fiscal responsibility and leveraging existing studies and staff. Committee members asked for follow‑up information on existing departmental reports and resources before any final action.
