Senator Parnell MOVED that Representative Mulder serve as presiding chair of the 1999 operating budget conference committee. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Representative Mulder MOVED that Senator Parnell serve as vice-chair of the 1999 operating budget conference committee. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Co-Chair Mulder observed that committee would attempt to meet between 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the Senate Finance Committee, room 532. Co-Chair Mulder noted that the Conference Committee will operate under Uniform Rule 42. A majority of members and at least two affirmative votes from each body is need to adopt any motion or take any action. It takes two votes from each body to reopen any closed budget components. A copy of Uniform Rule 42 and related legal opinions were give to each member. Co-Chair Mulder observed that only members of the Conference Committee may make motions, take part in discussion, or sit at the table, with the exception of the Legislative Finance Division. The Legislative Finance Division was invited to the table in order to provide information. He added that the Conference Committee may call members of the Legislature or other witnesses to answer questions raised by members of the Conference Committee. Testimony will only be taken upon request of a Committee member and with approval of the Chair. Co-Chair Mulder noted that the Legislative Finance would prepare motion sheets for the Committee's use. These sheets summarize the differences between the House and Senate versions. They are being prepared and proofed and will be available by Monday. Co-Chair Mulder pointed out that both the House and the Senate process allowed for public testimony. That portion of the process has concluded and the Conference Committee will not accept public testimony. Senator Parnell MOVED to ADOPT a letter by the Conference Committee requesting limited powers of free conference for : CS HB 50 (FIN) (brf sup maj fld) and SCS CSHB 50 (FIN) am S; and CSHB 51 (FIN) and SCS CSHB 51 (FIN) am S. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Co-Chair Mulder noted that under limited powers the Conference Committee can go no higher than the highest number. It can go as low as zero or anywhere in between. Co- Chair Mulder described the categories before the Conference Committee: Category I is items where House and Senate are the same in both appropriations and intent. Category II is items where House and Senate are the same in appropriation amount but different in language or Intent (the Conference Committee is free to adopt either version of intent or insert new intent). Category III is items where House and Senate are different in appropriation amount, language and/or intent. Co-Chair Mulder noted that the Legislative Finance Division has redesigned the motion sheets. He described the new motion sheets. He noted that the motion sheets would be similar to sheets used during the conference committee on HB 100. DAVID TEAL, DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE FINANCE DIVISION further reviewed the new motion sheets. Senator Parnell suggested that a column be added for recommendations by conference committee members. Mr. Teal noted that the motion sheets contain the additional columns, but that they were hidden. He added that the entire spreadsheet could be sent to members in electronic form. Co-Chair Mulder stated that he would try to give 24-hour notice to the departments, directly or through the Division and Office of Management and Budget. Senator Adams requested that members receive intent language in the morning of the afternoon meeting. Co-Chair Mulder stated that his intent would be to provide information as early as possible. Senator Parnell MOVED to adjourn the organizational meeting.