Bill > H2017

This bill establishes the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives for the 2015-2016 legislative sessions, outlining the procedures and guidelines for how the two branches of the Massachusetts General Court will operate together. Key provisions include the appointment and composition of joint standing committees, which are responsible for reviewing legislation on specific topics like Children, Families and Persons With Disabilities, Education, and Health Care Financing, with some committees having larger memberships than others. The rules also detail how matters are referred to committees, the requirement for committees to adopt and publicize their own rules of procedure, and the oversight responsibilities of joint committees to study and evaluate existing laws and programs. Furthermore, the bill mandates that committee meetings, with limited exceptions for executive sessions, must be open to the public, with advance notice of hearings and executive sessions to be published. It also addresses the process for reporting legislation, including the requirement for fiscal notes on bills estimated to cost over $100,000, and sets deadlines for committee reports. Other important aspects covered include rules for joint petitions, notice requirements for legislation affecting individuals or corporations, procedures for amending the Constitution, and guidelines for executive reorganization plans. The bill also clarifies rules regarding travel expenses for committees, the handling of unfinished business from one session to the next, and the procurement of goods and services for joint legislative accounts, emphasizing the use of statewide procurement lists and competitive bidding for larger purchases.