House Resolution No. _____ establishes the permanent rules for the House of Representatives for the Ninety-first General Assembly, focusing on operational efficiency and decorum. Key provisions include the scheduling of sessions, quorum requirements, and guidelines for member conduct, including the use of electronic devices. A significant addition is the rule that prohibits editing or censoring the House's internet video streaming system during debates. The resolution also updates terminology by replacing "secretaries" with "clerks" and outlines the responsibilities of the chief clerk and the legislative intern program, which allows legislators to arrange internships for college and law school students.
The bill further amends rules related to the distribution of materials and legislative processes, requiring that all distributed pamphlets and literature include the source of origin and be processed through the legislative post office. It changes the deadline for filing bills and resolutions from 4:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the day before their introduction and clarifies procedures for introducing and considering bills, including advance filing of amendments. Additionally, it enhances committee operations by allowing the chair of the appropriations committee to assign bills to joint subcommittee members and mandates that all committee meetings be open to the public. The bill also introduces new rules for the motion for the previous question and the division of questions, aiming to improve transparency and efficiency in legislative procedures.