Legislative Management approves committee appointments, supplementary rules and continues employee assistance program

Legislative Management approved a set of interim committee appointments, reappointed co-chairs to the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, adopted supplementary rules of operation and procedure, and approved continued participation in an employee assistance program.

At the start of the meeting, staff summarized open appointment items and the committee approved motions to reappoint Representative Glenn Bosch and Senator Dale Patton as co-chairs of the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority for a two-year term. The committee also confirmed recommended university and practitioner members for the Veterinary Medical Education Program admissions committee, reappointed Senator Randy Lem as the legislative member on that committee, and accepted the Board of Higher Education’s recommendation to appoint Levi Bachmeier to the Higher Education Challenge Grant Fund committee.

Legislative Council staff reviewed the supplementary rules of operation and procedure that guide interim committees — reaffirming public voting, meeting recording and livestreaming expectations, remote attendance at the discretion of interim committee chairs, and the chairman of Legislative Management’s authority to direct additional studies or replace committee members. After discussion, the committee adopted the rules by voice vote.

Members also voted to continue the state’s participation in the CHI St. Alexius Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counseling services to legislators and Legislative Council staff at a nominal per-paycheck cost; staff said usage reports indicate legislators and staff make regular, anonymous use of the benefit. Representative Warrie moved the EAP continuation and the motion carried by voice vote.

Finally, Legislative Management voted by roll call to approve the full interim committee structure and leadership that staff had presented.