Resolution Concerning The Joint Rules Of The November Special Session, 2022.
Impact
The implications of HJ00201 are significant as it influences the legislative procedures that will be in place for special sessions. By reaffirming the existing rules with slight amendments, it ensures that the legislative process is streamlined and follows a familiar structure for lawmakers. Such continuity can increase the efficiency of passing urgent legislation or addressing fiscal matters that arise unexpectedly in special sessions, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic or other state emergencies.
Summary
House Joint Resolution No. 201, introduced during the November Special Session of 2022, aims to establish the joint rules that will govern the legislative proceedings for the session. The resolution maintains that the joint rules in force at the 2022 regular session will continue, except where amendments are made through this resolution. This includes provisions concerning how bills and resolutions should be read, co-sponsored, and transmitted between houses, along with the process for fiscal note preparation when amendments are proposed. It is designed to create continuity and clarity in the legislative process that allows for efficient operation during special sessions.
Contention
While HJ00201 is largely procedural, it may face scrutiny regarding the implications of maintaining the existing joint rules without substantial changes. Critics may argue that a lack of flexibility in the rules could hinder the legislature's ability to adapt to new types of legislation or urgent needs that arise, especially in rapidly evolving circumstances. The importance of co-sponsoring and fiscal transparency through the mandated fiscal note for relevant bills may also be points of contention, as legislators debate over the transparency and accountability this resolution encapsulates.