Bill > HR834

This Resolution establishes temporary rules for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives that modify existing procedures, primarily to address circumstances where members may not be physically present. Key provisions include allowing members to designate either the Majority or Minority Whip to cast their vote on their behalf for questions where leaders have consulted, provided the member files an attestation and the designation has a start and end date, with the ability to revoke it. Importantly, members voting by proxy under these temporary rules are still counted for quorum purposes. Similar proxy voting is permitted in committee meetings, where a member not present can designate the committee chair or minority chair to vote for them. The resolution also introduces a three-hour waiting period after a bill and any amendments are made public before it can be acted upon for concurrence or final passage, unless it's a technical amendment or two-thirds of the House agrees to proceed sooner. Furthermore, conference committee reports must be made available to members at least three hours before they are considered. Finally, the resolution permits electronic mass communication during a restricted period, but only if the information pertains to COVID-19 and originates from specific public health or emergency management agencies. These temporary rules will remain in effect until the Governor's March 6, 2020, disaster emergency declaration is terminated.