Committee recommends 'do not pass' on Senate Bill 21-99, then places bill on consent calendar

The House Energy and Natural Resources Committee recorded a do-not-pass recommendation on Senate Bill 21-99 after members expressed concerns that its provisions for 100 percent disabled veterans were overly broad. Representative Ruby moved the do-not-pass recommendation; Representative Olson seconded. The clerk called the roll and the committee recorded affirmative votes for the motion.

During discussion, Representative Ruby said he was “got a little concerned” about how quickly benefits could accumulate and that the proposal “might just be one that's a little too far” for his preference. Representative Olson, who identified himself in the discussion as a disabled veteran, said he agreed with Ruby and said similar supportive programs for veterans exist but cautioned that bills expanding benefits should be used sparingly.

After the do-not-pass vote, Representative Novak moved — and Representative Haggart seconded — to place Senate Bill 21-99 on the committee’s consent calendar. The committee voted in favor and the motion carried; committee minutes record that Senate Bill 21-99 was placed on the consent calendar.

The transcript does not include additional bill text or funding details for Senate Bill 21-99, and committee members asked for restraint in expanding benefits without fuller consideration. The committee did not adopt substantive amendments on the record during this session.