Kolodin Explains Bill Assignments: ‘Appropriations, Expertise, or a Quiet Death’

During the 2025 legislative session, several high-profile bills received dual-committee assignments instead of the usual process of a single-committee approval ahead of a review by the rules committee. Critics claimed Speaker Montenegro intentionally sent these bills to multiple committees for questionable reasons, leaving both critics and supporters searching for understanding. The Arizona Globe attempted to clarify the intent behind the moves, reaching out to the Speaker for an explanation. Although the Globe received no response from Montenegro, several other high-profile legislators did speak to us on the record to explain why dual placement may have been warranted.

The Globe asked Freedom Caucus member, Rep. Alexander Kolodin (R-3), if there is ever a good reason to place a bill on two committees. His response was refreshingly candid. “Assigning an appropriations bill to the subject matter committee and appropriation. That’s the one I can think of.” He added it may occur “when the bill really requires the subject matter expertise of two technical committees.”

But in typical Kolodin flair, he continued, “Or if you want a bad bill to die. Those are the good reasons.”

Kolodin’s explanations align with Representative John Gillette’s assessment when the Globe posed that same question to him. He stated that “dual assignment is often necessary, especially when funding relies on appropriations.” Gillette (R-30) emphasized that bills are frequently released by one committee chair and then reassigned by the Speaker if another committee might provide a more favorable outlook.

Despite the rational reasoning articulated by Kolodin and Gillette, some claim it’s a tough sell to convince “the grassroots” that assigning a bill to two committees isn’t simply a strategic “death by committee.”

Grassroots activist Jodi Brackett told the Globe she saw that scenario play out firsthand with the House “geoengineering” bill she championed. Despite her relentless efforts—making signs, flooding social media, sending emails, and making calls—the bill was assigned to two committees and never even got a hearing from Representative Gail Griffin (R-19).

Brackett said she “pushed hard for a single committee assignment and a floor vote.” The bill received neither, and Brackett never received an explanation for why it was placed on two committees. The geoengineering bills passed the regulatory committee but stalled in the dual committee process.

Political insider Ross Trumble seemed to agree with Brackett’s conclusion, posting a sharp observation on X that slipped under the radar:

The House Speaker in AZ Steve Montenegro is killing a geo-engineering ban for the second time this year in our State House, after it passed the Senate

— ₿ased male™ 🇺🇸 (@GetMeRoss) March 14, 2025

The Arizona Globe would welcome the opportunity for the Speaker of the House to explain the reasoning behind the dual committee assignments officially. As Kolodin indicated, there are legitimate reasons. However, a direct statement from the Speaker would go a long way to quell suspicions.