Audrey Holst | Support HB1114

I support this bill because it strengthens transparency, accountability, and public trust in the legislative process. I've seen votes that don't support what the public is asking for and it's important to understand how lawmakers are taking their constituents' asks into consideration. Members of the public take time to submit written testimony, attend hearings, and participate through the state’s remote sign-in system. Preserving these comments as part of the permanent record ensures that public input is treated as a meaningful component of lawmaking, not a temporary or disposable one. Requiring committees to summarize public comments and explain how they did or did not influence recommendations improves clarity around legislative decision-making. It helps constituents understand how their voices are weighed and provides future lawmakers, researchers, and the public with valuable context for how bills were considered. By organizing and preserving committee records in a consistent and transparent manner, this bill reinforces the integrity of the legislative process while maintaining appropriate safeguards against duplicate, irrelevant, or improper submissions. Overall, this is a reasonable and important step toward a more open and accountable government.