Legislative Initiative
Legislative Session 2023
We know the building industry is a diverse industry with many members spread across a large state and I choose to view this as an opportunity rather than a challenge or problem as has been the viewpoint in the past. Diversity is inherently resourceful, and I feel we have what it takes to bring the best solutions to the table in a time where we need solutions – not problems.
Every Legislative Session brings with it a plethora of information and activity and we need to establish a clear and effective communication channel that will provide the best information disbursement as well as a responsive audience that will keep our legislative team well informed and able to communicate effectively with our legislators.
I foresee a very busy legislative session this year with our key issues being Water, Attainable Housing & Development, Property Tax, Workforce Development, Supply Chain Challenges, Building Codes, and Growth Plans/Local Jurisdictional issues.
I believe that there are opportunities for big and positive changes in all areas we operate, and I feel we can make excellent change if we work together and communicate effectively.
The following guidelines are meant to help guide the Association’s activities during the 2023 Legislative Session.
Local Legislative Contacts / Committee
To ensure that each Local HBA has a direct role in the weekly bill review process, each Local HBA will designate two (2) “local legislative contacts” to serve as their specific representatives on the MBIA Legislative Committee. These individuals, if possible, should also be members of the MBIA Board of Directors so that there is a direct link and endorsement of all policy positions by a representative body of the MBIA Board of Directors. These individuals shall be appointed by the President of the Local HBA or Board of each Local HBA. These individuals have the ultimate responsibility of representing their Local HBA in the industry legislative process.
Duties of Local Legislative Contacts / Committee
The “Local Legislative Committee” shall have the direct responsibility to communicate policy decisions and policy questions from MBIA to their local membership in whatever fashion is deemed appropriate by the given Local HBA and must communicate talking points and positions back up to the MBIA / Executive Director. In some cases, this role may be given to the local E.O. at the discretion of the Local HBA Legislative Committee. The Executive Director needs to know whom to communicate with and the preferred channel of communication.
Unified MBIA
It is imperative that the industry speaks in one unified voice during the Legislative Session. Once an issue position is adopted by the statewide MBIA Legislative Committee, as detailed below, that position should not be reversed within MBIA or publicly contradicted by any Local HBA.
Legislative Committee Meetings
The MBIA Legislative Committee will meet periodically during the most active parts of the Session to review current issues and pending bill questions. While the meetings will be open to any MBIA member, all “local legislative contacts / committee” appointees are urged to attend.
Leading up to session starting in July - October the Govt Affairs Chair and EO will have monthly calls until the November elections are in, at which time there will be calls with the entire committee to discuss strategy, etc. These committee calls will take place on November 17th at 3pm and December 15th at 3pm. These calls will, be to identify our champions, strategy, and opportunities. As a NOTE - Bills will begin to drop in December.
Starting January 3, A weekly conference call will be held during legislative working group meetings to review any major developments and recommendations from the committee. At this time, we will plan on the Conference Calls taking place every Tuesday Morning at 7am during the legislative session.
Bill Status Reports
Prior to each meeting, the MBIA Executive Director will e-mail to designated local legislative contacts, each Local E.O., and MBIA Executive Committee a bill status report, a summary of key decisions made, and description of any major pending issues requiring input. It is the responsibility of the “local legislative contacts / committee” or Local E.O. to distribute this material to members as appropriate.
Association Authority for Legislative Negotiations
Due to the fast pace of the Legislature, the nature of negotiations in the legislative process, workload and the sheer number of decisions that must be made, the Executive Director and appointed Legislative Committee must be empowered with certain discretion to be effective. MBIA is dependent on the judgment of their Executive Director to know when further policy discussions are necessary with the Legislative Committee or the MBIA Executive Committee. There should also be discretion as to what bills rate in priority. At MBIA that discretion lies with the Executive Director and the Legislative Committee as time permits.
For many legislative decisions, previous Board policy will allow the Executive Director to make the necessary calls. This is necessary to keep the process moving at the pace set by the Legislature.
In the area of technical issues or mid-level policy questions, the Executive Director will exercise discretion to consult with representatives of the Legislative Committee as to the appropriate posture.
No member of the Association shall speak on behalf of the Association or represent themselves as presenting the views of the Association without prior knowledge and approval of the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall be the central coordinator of all Association testimony, positions, and strategy.
Communication with Legislators
At times during the Session, it is necessary to activate a grassroots telephone tree or e-mail alert and/or stacking of public hearings with members. Each Local HBA is responsible for establishing their own system for responding to such requests from MBIA. A single key contact is often more effective than a mass of letters or phone calls so if we have members with close legislative relationships, it is often better that they make the direct call, and this will be left to the local HBA’s to implement.
Bill Distribution
It is recommended that the local E.O., local legislative contacts, and any interested MBIA members learn how to use the State Computer Bulletin Board Service. If you have interest in a specific bill or the status of a particular bill or for up-to-date information about the legislative proceedings and legislative information, log onto the LAWS system for the 2023 session at: (Link to be provided when available. We will set up a member link separate from the working MBIA link and will update passwords as needed.)
Executive Director Communications
I have made a commitment to be available and reachable – My cell phone is 406.603.0613 and I welcome Text Messages or Calls. My phone will most likely be on silent, but I assure you that I will be communicating and responding as quickly as I am able.
Thank you,
Cory Lee Ann Shaw