Resolution Concerning The Joint Rules For The September 29 Special Session, 2020.
Impact
This resolution solidifies a focused legislative agenda for the special session, restricting debate and proceedings solely to the confirmation of judicial nominations. This provides a structured approach to addressing pressing judicial appointments but may limit broader legislative opportunities that could arise during such sessions. Members of the General Assembly are required to adhere to these specific joint rules, which direct the procedural conduct for the session and impact how legislation or resolutions unrelated to judicial appointments will be handled.
Summary
HJ00201 is a resolution concerning the joint rules for the September 29 Special Session of the General Assembly. The resolution outlines that the rules governing the session shall remain consistent with those in place during the regular session of 2020, except where explicitly altered or repealed within this resolution. In particular, it specifies that only bills and substantive resolutions related to the appointment of judges, as per the Governor's proclamation, will be received and discussed during the special session.
Contention
Notably, there are procedural concerns associated with HJ00201 regarding the scope of bills that can be introduced during the special session. By confining the session specifically to judicial nominations, some legislators may express discontent over the lack of provisions for urgent matters that fall outside this narrow focus. Furthermore, in times of public health or civil preparedness emergencies, the adjustment of these rules allows the President Pro Tempore and Speaker to maintain order and preserve public health, which may also raise questions about the balance of power during crises.