McLane, House GOP seek to ban anonymous committee bills

Following the introduction of several controversial committee bills last week, including a tax on coffee and a tax on used cars, House Republicans are seeking a ban on the introduction of future anonymous committee bills.

Republicans introduced a formal amendment to the rules of the House on Monday that would prohibit the practice for the rest of the legislative session.

“The House took a positive first step in 2016 when we voted to ban anonymous committee amendments,” said House Republican Leader Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte, referring to a rules change adopted by the Legislature a year ago. “It is now clear that we need to finish the job by putting an end to the introduction of anonymous bills.”

Under the current rules of the House, any committee may introduce legislation with only the name of the committee listed as a sponsor — a practice that makes it difficult, if not impossible, for the public to find out which member of the Legislature actually requested the bill.

The Republican rules amendment would require any bill introduced by a legislative committee to include the name of the legislator who requested the bill.

The amendment was read by the House Reading Clerk on Tuesday and was immediately referred to the House Rules Committee. The chair of the Rules Committee, House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson, will ultimately decide whether or not the proposal receives a hearing and/or a vote.

NewsChannel 21’s Pedro Quintana was in Salem on Wednesday, talking with Central Oregon lawmakers and Gov. Kate Brown about the major issues facing lawmakers and state government. Join us for his special reports on NewsChannel 21 at Five, Six, Ten and Eleven.