Bill > S7

This bill updates the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives for the 2015-2016 legislative sessions, outlining the structure and procedures for joint committees, including their appointment, responsibilities, and meeting protocols. It specifies the composition of various joint standing committees, such as the committee on Children, Families and Persons With Disabilities, and mandates that committees adopt and publicly share their rules of procedure. The bill also details how matters are referred to committees, emphasizing that most issues are sent to only one joint committee for consideration, though a committee can discharge a matter to another with jurisdiction. It further establishes oversight responsibilities for joint committees to continuously review and study the implementation and effectiveness of laws and administrative regulations within their purview, and to research potential new legislation. The rules also cover the appointment and operation of subcommittees, the compensation of temporary employees, and the requirement for public access to committee meetings unless an executive session is voted. Additionally, the bill addresses the process for reporting legislation, including the use of fiscal notes for bills with significant financial impact, and outlines procedures for committees of conference, the filing of petitions, and the time limits for committee reports. It also includes provisions for joint conventions, special sessions, joint elections, and the management of legislative agents and reporters. Finally, the bill details rules for procurement of goods and services by the House and Senate, including procedures for emergency procurements.