Relating To The Temporary Rules Of The House Of Representatives Of The 152nd General Assembly Of The State Of Delaware.
Impact
If enacted, this revision will significantly impact the legislative workflow by making it more difficult to bypass established procedures. It seeks to instill a sense of order and structure within legislative operations, promoting an atmosphere of careful consideration before deviating from set protocols. The proposal reflects a commitment to maintaining integrity in legislative procedures, ensuring that deviations from the norm are met with substantial support from the membership of the House. Additionally, requiring a roll call vote for suspensions increases accountability, as each member's position will be a matter of public record.
Summary
House Resolution No. 7, sponsored by Rep. Spiegelman and several co-sponsors, proposes an amendment to the existing House Rules of the Delaware General Assembly. Specifically, it aims to alter Rule 43, which governs the suspension of rules. The proposed amendment requires a three-fifths majority of the elected members of the House to agree to suspend any rule, enhancing the needed consensus for such actions. This change is based on the perspective that suspending rules should only occur under unusual circumstances and should be approached with caution and deliberation.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HR7 is largely supportive among those who emphasize the importance of procedural integrity and legislative discipline. Advocates for the bill suggest that this development will foster better governance by ensuring that any changes to established procedures are handled with due care. However, there may be dissent from those who feel that such requirements might lead to undue delays in legislative action, especially in urgent situations where flexibility may be necessary. This tension between the need for structured governance and the necessity for adaptability may lead to varied opinions among legislators.
Contention
One notable point of contention is how this amendment could be perceived as potentially hampering the legislative process by making suspensions more cumbersome to achieve. Critics may argue that the increased threshold could create barriers during critical moments that require swift action from the House. The debate may center around finding a balance between maintaining rigorous procedural standards and allowing for the effective functioning of the legislature when timely decisions are paramount.