The resolution seeks to establish the Joint Rules for the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Ninety-Fifth General Assembly of Arkansas, detailing the procedures for convening joint sessions, managing disorderly conduct, and the presentation of legislation between the two houses. It outlines the requirements for sponsorship, the contents of bills, and the processes for engrossment, enrollment, and signing of bills. Additionally, it sets deadlines for introducing various types of legislation and emphasizes the need for a supermajority for certain actions during fiscal or special sessions. The resolution also mandates the use of an automated bill preparation system to ensure consistency and security in legislative processes.
Moreover, the resolution specifies strict guidelines for the documentation of bills and resolutions, including the amendment process and the requirement for fiscal impact statements for legislation affecting lottery-funded scholarships and state costs. It ensures that any proposed bills must include a thorough financial analysis before consideration, particularly if they impose new costs or have negative fiscal implications. This comprehensive framework aims to maintain transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in the legislative operations of the Arkansas General Assembly, while also safeguarding state resources through careful financial scrutiny of proposed legislation.