The amended substitute motion, to send HB 2 to the full House with no recommendation, has failed on a straight party-line vote, with the committee’s four Democrats voting in favor, and the 13 Republicans against. As the committee moved on to the substitute motion – to both approve the bill and recommend that the full House pass it – sobs were heard in the audience. The vote on that one was identical.

The original motion, to hold the bill in committee – killing it – passed on a similar party-line vote, 13-4.

Afterward, a subdued House State Affairs Chairman Tom Loertscher, R-Iona, said, "My thanks to all of you for your diligence in seeing this process through. We do appreciate all of those who have participated in this process." You can read my full story here at spokesman.com.