Bill > H2016

This bill adopts the House Rules governing the 2015-2016 legislative sessions, outlining procedures for the Speaker, members, committees, and legislative processes. Key provisions include rules for maintaining order and decorum in the House Chamber, specifying when the House can be called to order and adjourn, and detailing the Speaker's authority to preserve order, decide questions of order, and declare votes. It also establishes a committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling to help prioritize legislative matters, outlines procedures for the committee on Rules to originate special orders for scheduling legislation, and mandates a committee scheduling system to minimize conflicts. The bill further details the duties of the Clerk, including keeping the Journal and serving as the official parliamentarian and record keeper, and establishes a Code of Ethics for members, officers, and employees, with an Ethics committee to investigate alleged violations. It also defines the composition and appointment of various standing committees, outlines procedures for committee meetings, including open sessions and executive conferences, and specifies rules for voting, debate, and the reconsideration of votes. Finally, it addresses the process for introducing and amending bills, the referral of matters to committees, and the procedures for handling messages from the Governor and Senate.