Committee debate highlights worries over definitions and litigation costs

Committee members discussed whether the bill's limited edits fully address constitutional concerns without creating new ambiguities. Representative Bridal asked directly whether the bill fixes a perceived divergence from the Miller test and voiced concern that earlier language in HB 710 could categorize benign LGBT-themed children's books as "harmful to minors." Phil Skinner responded that the court did not identify that language as problematic and that the proposed edits are targeted to the specific items the court flagged.

Other members criticized the pattern of legislating in response to court rulings and the expense of late-session work. One member said convening the legislature costs "almost $50,000 a day," calling the practice an expensive way to legislate. Lawmakers expressed frustration that court-driven changes have come more often in the current session.

The committee proceeded to a vote after the discussion; members recorded both support and opposition, and a few asked to have their nay votes recorded for the record.