Rhode Island House Bill H5136

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/13/23

Caption

House Resolution Amending The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2021 And 2022 (require The House Clerk To Publish Certain Information Regarding Decisions Made By The Speaker And Appeals By Members To The Decisions.)

Impact

By enacting these rules, the bill aims to establish a more transparent legislative environment, allowing for members to better understand the rationale behind specific rulings made by the Speaker. The intended outcome is that the publication of this information will promote accountability and ensure that legislators are well-informed about the proceedings and decisions taken within the House. Moreover, it will facilitate a structured order of business during legislative sessions by detailing the process and timeline for introducing new bills and resolutions.

Summary

House Bill 5136 seeks to amend the rules governing the operations of the House of Representatives for the years 2021 and 2022. This resolution focuses on increasing transparency in the legislative process by mandating that the House Clerk publishes information regarding decisions made by the Speaker of the House. It specifies the publication of appeals related to the Speaker's rulings, member appeals, reasons for the Speaker's rulings, and the substance of related comments made by other members during discussions.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding H5136 may arise from the technical implementation of these changes, particularly related to the use of electronic signatures. While the bill allows for electronic signatures, it is crucial that procedures are strict enough to prevent unauthorized signings. Some legislators may express concerns regarding the feasibility of maintaining accurate records and upholding the integrity of the legislative process amid these changes. Further, discussions on the Speaker's discretion in convening the House and managing the legislative calendar could lead to debate on the balance of power within the House.

Last_action

The most recent action on H5136 was its introduction on January 13, 2023, where it was referred to the House Rules Committee for consideration.