Senate Rules Committee advances package of House bills to the floor by unanimous voice vote

The Senate Rules Committee on March 11 moved a package of seven House bills to the floor after brief presentations and limited questions, the committee chair said.

Senators approved a motion to advance House Bill 162 (first-offender sealing changes), HB 185 (modernizing dietitian and nutrition licensure), HB 219 (alternative discipline for nurses), HB 483 (penalties for code enforcement inspectors), HB 956 (solid waste trust fund flexibility), HB 1020 (district attorney retirement age change) and HB 1199 (revenue code updates). "So moved," one senator said; the motion was seconded and the chair called the vote. The chair announced, "Motion carries unanimous." The transcript does not record individual roll-call votes.

The motion to move the package was presented without amendments and carried by voice. Committee members signaled agreement that several items could proceed without extended debate; the chair asked members to help keep the committee’s second vote earlier on the calendar the next day to avoid long delays for House members attending committee.

The committee adjourned immediately after the unanimous motion.