House introduces first readings for multiple bills and refers measures to committees

The House of Representatives on the floor read first readings of several bills and referred each to the appropriate committee under House rules, the presiding officer announced. Among the measures read were House Bills 874 (education), 875 (state ethics commission and code of ethics), 876 (corrections amendments), 877 (agricultural subjects), 878 (judiciary procedures), 879 (emergency temporary shelter program) and 880 (increasing access to the judicial system). A Senate bill, S.189, relating to mental health response service guidelines and social service provider safety and introduced by Senator Lyons, was also read and referred to the Committee on Human Services.

The procedural announcements were read aloud by chamber staff and presiding remarks repeatedly noted the committee destinations required under House Rule 35(a) or placement on the calendar under House Rule 48. For example, bills described as affecting state revenue were referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, while bills carrying appropriations were sent to the Committee on Appropriations. The presiding officer also stated there are 11 bills on the notice calendar that will require referral to a money committee; the list included House Bills 585 (pension system for sheriffs and certain deputy sheriffs), 626 (animal welfare), 721 (expanding access to Medicaid) and others noted during the reading.

No floor debate or roll-call votes on the measures were recorded during the session excerpt; the actions taken on the floor were procedural first readings and referrals. Under the rules cited by the presiding officer, first reading and referral determine each bill's next committee assignment and schedule for hearings or further consideration.

What happens next: The referred bills will proceed to the committees named by the presiding officer for study, potential amendment, hearings and any subsequent committee votes. The House will return from recess at the time announced by leadership to continue floor business.