Ms. Chopsky — She was identified as being present and was deferred to for testimony.
Nicky Chopski — She identified herself and her roles within DOPL and the boards.
Mark Harris — He moved to send House Bill 777 to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation.
Mark Harris — The gavel is turned over to the senior member, Senator Harris.
Mark Harris — Voted aye during roll call.
Melissa Wintrow — The chair returns to the agenda item on approving the February 11 minutes and addresses Senator Wintrow, who then moves to approve the minutes.
Melissa Wintrow — Asked how much has been spent on House Bill 345 and the managed care transition.
Melissa Wintrow — Raised a question about spending related to House Bill 345 and the managed care transition.
Melissa Wintrow — Commented that the consultant candidate seems bright and well qualified and asked whether another bid is required.
Melissa Wintrow — Asked whether the panel could simply interview and select a consultant without another bid.
Melissa Wintrow — Asked whether the design pillar decisions are made by the committee or the department.
Melissa Wintrow — Expressed concern that the proposed consultant may duplicate work already being done by Health and Welfare's consultant.
Melissa Wintrow — Voted aye on the motion.
Julie VanOrden — She is identified as the presenter for HCR 30 and states her district.
Julie VanOrden — Senator Van Orden explained that the Department of Health and Welfare hired a consultant for about $1.3 million, while the panel is seeking $200,000 to hire its own consultant. He confirmed that no additional bid is needed because the consultant is being hired for the panel itself, and clarified that both the committee and the department are involved in the decision and oversight.
unnamed consultant candidate from Utah — Described as a former Utah Medicaid director with managed care experience and familiarity with Health and Welfare.
Christy Zito — Senator Blaylock moved HCR 30 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and spoke in support of the motion, emphasizing the size of the $5.5 billion contract and the need for independent oversight. He also referenced the task force’s difficult work and comments from Senator Van Orden before later voting aye on the motion.
Kevin Cook — Senator Kaiser participated in the consideration of HCR 30 by seconding the motion to send it to the floor with a due pass and later voting aye on the motion.
Shawn Dygert — Senator Shippey stated that he would not support the motion. He explained that his opposition stems from concerns about the issue itself, particularly Medicaid expansion and broader socialized health care questions, and said the legislature needs tougher conversations about these policies, especially as they relate to able-bodied working adults. He concluded by respectfully reiterating that he could not support the motion, while acknowledging the intent behind it.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — Senator Ziderfield said she did not intend to comment but explained that the proposal was making things more complicated, describing it as overly complicated and indicating she would vote no. Her name was then called during roll call as part of the same voting sequence.