Committee votes 'ought not to pass' on making OCP director an appointive position subject to confirmation

The Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs took up LD 5 84, a measure to make the director of the Office of Cannabis Policy and related director positions appointive and subject to legislative confirmation.

Representative Mark Mallon moved that the committee report the bill "ought not to pass;" Representative Topeka seconded. Representative Boyer argued the change would inject bipartisanship into confirmations and help the legislature exercise oversight over a rapidly growing industry. "If we have a divided government... they will have to appoint somebody that can get through a confirmation process," he said, urging the committee to consider applying confirmation to the OCP director while narrowing scope for other positions.

Opponents cautioned that adding confirmation requirements to individual agency directors raises questions about consistency across agencies. Representative Chapman argued the committee should consider whether other directors (for example at state distribution agencies) should be added as well.

After debate the committee proceeded to a roll call. The clerk recorded the vote totals as 7 in favor of the motion and 3 opposed, with 3 members absent. Members recorded as voting in favor included Senator Hickman and Representatives Graham, Terry, Frost, Soupeka, Hines and Fairclough; those recorded as opposed included Representatives Chapman, Boyer and Frederick. The chair said members absent would have until Friday at noon to cast absent votes in writing.

Members discussed an amendment offered on the floor to apply confirmation to the next appointment, set an effective date, and possibly remove some positions from the scope. The committee approved language in concept and agreed to return with finalized amendment text.