House Judiciary

Several constituents have asked me to provide updates on this morning's proceedings on SB959 beginning at 10:00. I have to be in Education for a short presentation on another bill, but time permitting, I'll try and post an update or two here.

Update (10:00): Room full. Elsewhere in the capitol, HB2642 by Rep. Lewellen (takes 3% of the "80" portion of the Real Estate Transfer Tax for the homeless) failed in Joint Budget by roll call vote (only 20 votes for).

10:30: We're underway with a quorum.

10:55: Sen. Womack has made his presentation, and now we're hearing from Walt McKay, a licensed counselor who is speaking in favor of the bill.

11:30: We're hearing testimony on both sides. A motion was made to limit debate to 30 mins per side, which passed. We're doen to 11 mins on the for side and 13 mins against.

11:45: Sen. Womack is about to close for the bill. Only two or three members are out of the room running bills in other committees.

11:55: Sen. Womack is closed for his bill. An amendment is being offered to make an exception for the following relatives of a homosexual: siblings, step-parents, grandparents, and grandparents. The adoption of the amendment failed.

No Motion: The bill failed for lack of a motion. We're going on to other matters before the committee.