The bill establishes the operational rules for the House of Representatives for the years 2025-2026, detailing the roles and responsibilities of the Speaker, committees, and members. It grants the Speaker authority to manage House proceedings, including calling the House to order and maintaining decorum, while setting specific hours for convening and adjourning sessions. A new standing committee on Steering, Policy, and Scheduling is created to assist in legislative management, and a Floor Division Committee is introduced to enhance communication among committee members. The bill also emphasizes the importance of professionalism, including guidelines for attire and the use of electronic devices, aiming to improve the efficiency and decorum of the legislative process.
Additionally, the bill introduces significant amendments related to ethics, transparency, and the handling of complaints within the House. It establishes an Ethics Committee to investigate violations of ethical rules and mandates that all committee meetings be open to the public, with provisions for remote participation. New regulations are introduced for addressing harassment and retaliation claims, including the appointment of a Director of Human Resources and a Director of Employee Engagement to oversee training and complaint processes. The bill also outlines procedures for remote participation in formal sessions, ensuring that members can engage in legislative activities regardless of their physical location, while maintaining the integrity of House operations. Overall, the proposed changes aim to enhance accountability, ethical behavior, and transparency within the legislative framework.