Water Policy Committee votes to request Legislative Services review of rule limiting remote testimony at field meetings

Representative Joan Konar moved that the Water Policy Interim Committee send a letter to Legislative Services Director Howe and Legislative Council asking them to reconsider a rule that in this interim prevents remote public testimony at off-site committee meetings. Konar framed the request as seeking clarity and staff consideration rather than an immediate rule change.

Committee members debated whether the interim should prioritize staying in Helena to maximize stakeholder access or pursue off-site visits to see on-the-ground projects. Several members said exempt-well stakeholders need ready access to hearings, arguing that remote testimony has improved public participation since COVID. Others argued field visits provide useful context and suggested informal, off-the-books tours for interested members.

The committee adopted Konar's motion on a voice vote; the chair announced the motion passed. The letter will request Legislative Services examine staff capacity and consider options for remote testimony when committees hold off-site meetings in future interims.

No formal roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript; the chair recorded the voice vote as passed.