Arkansas House Bill HR1020

Arkansas 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22
• Failed: 3/15/22

Caption

To Amend The Rules Of The House Of Representatives Of The Ninety-third General Assembly.

Impact

The amendments proposed in HR1020 signify a shift in the power dynamics within the House, particularly reinforcing the Speaker's role in committee appointments. By authorizing the Speaker to make appointments at their discretion, the bill aims to streamline the committee selection process, potentially improving operational efficiency and ensuring that committee leadership aligns closely with the agenda of the majority party. This could result in more cohesive legislative strategies within the House.

Summary

House Resolution 1020 aims to amend the rules governing the selection process for chairpersons and vice chairpersons of the standing and select committees within the House of Representatives of the Ninety-Third General Assembly. The resolution is introduced by Representative McKenzie and presents specific modifications to Section 54 of the existing rules. The proposed changes facilitate more direct appointments by the Speaker of the House, positioning the Speaker as a central authority in committee leadership selection.

Contention

Critics of the proposed resolution have raised concerns about the concentration of power in the Speaker's hands. Some legislators fear that such alterations could undermine the representation of minority party interests and reduce the collaborative nature essential for effective governance. The bill's provisions may also lead to a less transparent selection process for committee chairs, which could foster a perception of elitism or exclusion among House members not aligned with the majority party.