The House Resolution introduced by McClinton on January 7, 2025, seeks to establish the Permanent Rules of the House of Representatives for the upcoming 2025-2026 session, incorporating specific amendments to enhance legislative operations. It defines key terms and outlines the daily order of business, detailing the sequence of activities from prayer to adjournment. The resolution emphasizes the importance of fiscal responsibility by mandating that bills requiring expenditures or revenue losses be reviewed by the Appropriations Committee and accompanied by fiscal notes that ensure transparency and accountability in the legislative process. Additionally, it streamlines the introduction of noncontroversial resolutions and sets guidelines for the scheduling and recording of these resolutions in the House journal.
Furthermore, the resolution delineates the structure and responsibilities of standing committees and subcommittees, including the appointment of chairs and rules for meeting notifications and attendance. It empowers committee members to request the inclusion of specific bills and grants the Committee on Appropriations the authority to issue subpoenas for necessary information. The resolution also outlines the procedures for conducting public hearings, ensuring they are open to the public and allow for testimony from interested parties. Overall, the resolution aims to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of the legislative process within the Pennsylvania General Assembly.