The House convened this morning for a length debate on House Bill 4004, passing it and House Bill 2598. The House recessed until 4 p.m. this evening and is expected to resume its agenda for the day.
House Bill 4004 bans abortions beyond fifteen weeks gestation, unless there is a medical emergency. The current state limit for abortions is 20 weeks. The only abortion provider in the state has a self-imposed limit of 16 weeks.
An amendment was offered to House Bill 4004 to exclude victims of rape and/or incest from this limit. It was rejected.
Proponents of the bill stated the belief that life begins at conception, regardless of the circumstances of the conception. The limit of 15 weeks was chosen because it’s when fetuses begin to feel pain, hear, and see light.
Opponents of the bills stated concern for young girls being forced to carry to term after being the victim of rape. They also stated that some women may not even know they are pregnant until close to 15 weeks.
The bill passed the House 81-18 and advanced to the Senate.
The House also passed House Bill 2598, which eliminates the 3-year inspection by a registered engineer of above-ground storage tanks. It changes the inspection to a self-inspection every year by the operator of the storage facility.
The chairman stated that most of the storage tanks contain brine salt, but there is the possibility of other oil and gas residue being in them.
Opponents are concerned about the possibility of hydrocarbon benzine being in them. The opponents stated that compromises have been made to the Above Ground Storage Act and are afraid more compromises bust drinking water at risk. Proponents believe this bill will help modernize oil and gas. They also believe it will help small oil and gas companies.
The House is in recess until 4 p.m. this evening.
Committees – Today
The Committee on Energy and Manufacturing will meet at 2:30 p.m. in Room 410.
The Committee on Health and Human Resources will meet at 2:30 p.m. in Room 215E.
The Political Subdivision Committee will meet at 6 p.m. in Room 410.
Committees – Wednesday, February 16, 2022
The Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources will meet at 8 a.m. in Room 215E.
The Committee on Banking and Insurance will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 460.
The Committee on Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse will meet at 9:30 a.m. in Room 434.
The Workforce Development Committee will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 215E.
The Committee on Fire and EMS will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 434.
The Judiciary Committee will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 410.
The Committee on Government Organization will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 215E.
The Education Committee will meet at 3:30 p.m. in Room 434.
The Committee on Technology and Infrastructure will meet at 5 p.m. in Room 410.
Public Hearing – On Thursday, February 17, 2022, at 9 a.m. the Judiciary Committee will host a public hearing on House Bill 4394 – To reaffirm and enhance the workers’ compensation exclusive remedy rule or doctrine.
