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HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 27 FILED ON: 1/31/2023
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 2023
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
House of Representatives, January 31, 2023.
_______________
In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)
_______________
1 Ordered, That the rules of the House of Representatives for the years 2023-2024 be
2adopted, as follows:
3SPEAKER.
4 1. The Speaker shall take the Chair at the hour to which the House stands adjourned, call the
5members to order, and, on the appearance of a quorum, proceed to business. [1.]
6 1A. The House shall not be called to order before the hour of ten o'clock A.M. nor meet
7beyond the hour of midnight unless by unanimous consent of the Members present. If there is
8unanimous consent to continue meeting past midnight then, the House shall return to the
9business then pending; and if no business was pending, to the next order of business. However, if
10there is not unanimous consent of the members present to meet beyond the hour of midnight, the 2 of 142
11Speaker shall forthwith, and without further debate, adjourn or recess the House to a time not
12earlier than ten o'clock A.M. on the next succeeding calendar day.
13 [Adopted Jan. 12, 1983; Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 14, 1997; May 16,
142000.]
15 2. The Speaker shall preserve decorum and order in the House Chamber. While in the House
16Chamber, members, staff and guests shall be required to dress in proper and appropriate attire
17and be courteous and professional when using electronic devices.
18Members, staff and guests shall not take photographs or videos of, or in, the House Chamber
19during formal or informal sessions unless otherwise permitted by this Rule. Members may take
20photographs at their assigned seats in the chamber during formal or informal sessions; provided,
21however that any photographs or video taken by members during formal or informal sessions
22shall not include images of any other member, staff or guest without their express written
23consent.
24The Speaker may permit photographs or videos during special occasions, which shall include,
25but shall not be limited to, swearing-in ceremonies and addresses by constitutional officers or
26other dignitaries. The use of audio-visual aids including, without limitation, videos, computers,
27posters, displays or charts shall be permitted only upon approval of the Speaker.
28The Speaker also may speak to points of order in preference to other members; and shall decide
29all questions of order, subject to an appeal to the House. [2.] (2.) [With regard to appeals, see
30Rule 77.]
31 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 20, 2011; Jan. 29, 2015; Jan. 30, 2019.] 3 of 142
32 3. The Speaker shall declare all votes, subject to verification as hereinafter provided. [3.] (55.)
33[See Rules 49 to 53, inclusive.]
34 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985.]
35 4. In all cases the Speaker may vote. [4.] (3.)
36 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985.]
37 4A. The Speaker shall appoint a Speaker pro Tempore. The Speaker pro Tempore shall
38assist the Speaker in the coordination of policy development and the ceremonial functions of the
39House and shall perform such duties assigned to them by the Speaker. Upon a vacancy in the
40office of Speaker, the office of Speaker pro Tempore shall be considered vacant.
41 [Adopted Jan. 26, 2005, Amended, Jan. 23, 2007; Jan. 30, 2019.]
42 4B. (a) As used in this Rule, the following words shall have the following meanings:-
43"Earned income", income derived from salaries, wages, tips and commissions for performing
44services as an employee of an employer.
45"Unearned income", all other income that is not earned income.
46(b) The Speaker shall not receive earned income for:
47(1) affiliating with or being employed by a firm, partnership, association, corporation or other
48entity that provides professional services involving a fiduciary relationship;
49(2) permitting their name to be used by such a firm, partnership, association, corporation or
50other entity; 4 of 142
51(3) receiving compensation for practicing a profession that involves a fiduciary relationship; or
52(4) serving as an officer or member of the board of an association, corporation or other entity.
53(c) The provisions of this rule shall take effect on August 1, 2017.
54 [Added Feb. 2, 2017; Amended Jan 30, 2019.]
55 5. The Speaker may appoint a member to perform the duties of the Chair. In the event the
56Speaker fails to appoint a member to perform the duties of the Chair, the Speaker pro Tempore
57shall be the Acting Speaker until the Speaker otherwise provides or until a vacancy in the office
58of Speaker occurs. In the event that the Speaker pro Tempore is absent or is unable to perform
59the duties of Acting Speaker, the Majority Leader, the Assistant Majority Leader, the Second
60Assistant Majority Leader or other designee shall be the Acting Speaker. [7.] (4.)
61 [Amended April 18, 1979; Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 26, 2005.]
62 6. In case of a vacancy in the office of Speaker, or in case the Speaker or the member named
63by said Speaker in accordance with the preceding rule is absent at the hour to which the House
64stands adjourned, the senior member present shall call the House to order, and shall preside until
65a Speaker is elected, which shall be the first business in order. [8.] (5.)
66 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985, Amended, Jan. 23, 2007.]
67 7. At the beginning of the first year of the two-year General Court, the Speaker may, unless
68the House otherwise directs, appoint a Chaplain; and the Speaker may fill any vacancy in the
69office of Chaplain. [7A.] (4.)
70 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 29, 2015.] 5 of 142
71SCHEDULING.
72 7A. There shall be appointed a standing committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling
73consisting of eleven members. The committee shall not be subject to the provisions of Rule
7417A,but shall be authorized to meet from time to time at the call of the Chair for the purpose of
75assisting the members of the House of Representatives in identifying the major matters pending
76before the General Court, the relative urgency and priority for consideration of such matters, and
77alternative methods of responding to such matters by the General Court. Said committee shall
78schedule legislative matters in a manner that will provide for an even distribution and orderly
79consideration of reports of legislative committees on the daily Calendar.
80 The committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling shall not be authorized to recommend
81changes or amendments to legislation or recommend that a matter ought to pass or ought not to
82pass, but shall only report asking to be discharged from further consideration of a bill, and
83recommending that it be referred or recommitted to another committee; provided, however, that
84it shall not recommend that a matter be referred or recommitted to the committee on Rules or the
85committees on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently, or what date a matter shall be
86scheduled for consideration by the House and placed in the Orders of the Day. All reports by the
87committee on petitions filed or approved by the voters of a city or town, or by the mayor and city
88council, or other legislative body of a city or the town meeting of a town with respect to a law
89relating to that city or town shall be read and considered by the House at a formal or informal
90session before being accepted, rejected or otherwise acted upon. Any such petition and any
91attachment to the petition shall be filed in both paper and electronic format approved by the
92Clerk. 6 of 142
93 All matters received from the Senate or reported from standing committees of the House and
94joint standing committees of the General Court shall, unless subject to provisions of any other
95House or joint rules, be referred to the committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling. All
96matters reported by said committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommending that a
97matter shall be scheduled for consideration by the House shall be placed in the Orders of the Day
98for the next sitting. Said committee may report on a legislative matter within thirty days
99following the day the matter was referred. If the committee fails to report a matter within thirty
100days following the date of its reference, the Clerk shall place the matter on the Calendar of the
101House as if it had been scheduled for consideration by said committee on Steering, Policy and
102Scheduling.
103 [Adopted Jan. 14, 1997; Amended Jan. 26, 1999; Jan. 24, 2001; Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 26, 2005.]
104 7B. The committee on Rules shall be authorized to originate and report special orders for the
105scheduling and consideration of legislation on the floor of the House. Said committee shall not
106be subject to the notification provisions contained in Rule 17A but may hold public hearings and
107shall accept testimony only from the members of the House. A majority of the members
108appointed to the committee shall constitute a quorum. When reported, such orders may be
109amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting, and shall be subject to
110approval by a majority of the members of the House present and voting. Debate on the question
111on adoption of such orders shall be limited to one hour. No orders adopted pursuant to this
112paragraph shall limit the powers of the Speaker as provided in Rules 1 to 6, inclusive. Such
113orders shall not be subject to reconsideration. 7 of 142
114The committee on Rules shall not be subject to the provisions of Rule 17A, but may meet in
115private to discuss or consider the appointment, discipline or dismissal of any individual the
116committee is authorized by law or rule to appoint, discipline or dismiss.
117 [Adopted Jan. 14, 1997; Amended Jan. 24, 2001; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 30, 2019.]
118 7C. The committee on Rules may consider and make recommendations designed to improve
119and expedite the business and procedures of the House and its committees, and to recommend to
120the House any amendments to the Rules deemed necessary; provided that a majority of the
121members of the House present and voting shall be required to approve such recommendations.
122 The committee shall be privileged to report at any time.
123 [Adopted Jan. 14, 1997.]
124 7D. The Speaker shall, in consultation with the committee on Rules and the committee on
125Steering, Policy and Scheduling, establish a committee scheduling system that would minimize
126to the greatest extent possible scheduling conflicts for members of committees.
127 The Speaker shall determine a schedule for the House for each week relative to formal and
128informal sessions and shall make such schedule available to the members in writing or by
129electronic mail by 5pm on Friday of the preceding week; provided, however, that the Speaker
130may make, notwithstanding the provisions of Rule 7A, changes in the schedules to facilitate the
131business of the House in an efficient and timely fashion. The Speaker shall communicate notice
132of any such scheduling change to the members in writing or by electronic mail as soon as
133practicable, and whenever possible, the Speaker shall provide such notice not less than twenty-
134four hours before the event so rescheduled is set to commence. 8 of 142
135 [Adopted Jan. 14, 1997; January 9, 2003; Jan. 30, 2019.]
136MONITORS.
137 8. Two monitors shall be appointed by the Speaker for each division of the House, whose
138duty it shall be to see to the due observance of the rules, and, on request of the Speaker, to return
139the number of votes and members in their respective divisions. [9.]
140 9. If a member transgresses any of the rules after being notified thereof by a monitor, it shall
141be the duty of such monitor to report the case to the House.
142 It shall be the duty of a monitor to report their knowledge of the occurrence of a member
143voting for another member, in their division of the House, to the Speaker of the House and to the
144Minority Leader. [10.] [See Rules 16 and 16A.]
145 [Amended Jan. 9, 1991; May 5, 1993; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 30, 2019.]
146 9A. There shall be established a Floor Division Committee for each of the four divisions of
147the House. The Speaker shall appoint a Floor Division chairperson for each of the four divisions.
148Said committee shall consist of the members assigned to the respective divisions.
149 In order to create a continuous flow of debate, each chairperson shall be responsible for
150reviewing the daily Calendar and providing advance notice to committee members in the
151respective divisions of all matters scheduled for consideration in the Orders of the Day. Said
152committee chairpersons shall provide information to members of their committees on pending
153legislation and other matters of business before the House.
154 In addition to the legislative duties, chairpersons shall oversee the physical appearance of the
155Chamber and the various areas under the jurisdiction of the House of Representatives. Said 9 of 142
156chairpersons shall be authorized to act as a committee and may meet at any time at the request of
157at least two chairpersons. Said chairpersons, as a committee, shall be authorized to meet with the
158appropriate agencies and historical commissions of the Commonwealth for the purpose of
159requesting expeditious appraisals and necessary repairs and renovations to the interior and
160exterior of the State House. The committee of chairpersons shall report directly to the Speaker
161the results of all consultations.
162 [Adopted Jan. 14, 1997.]
163CLERK.
164 10. The Clerk shall keep the Journal of the House. The Clerk shall enter therein a record of
165each day's proceedings and, whenever practicable, submit it to the Speaker and the Minority
166Leader before the hour fixed for the next sitting, and shall cause the same to be available daily in
167a format to be determined by the Clerk; and provided further that a copy of said Journal shall
168also be made available to each member of the House. Any objection to the Journal shall be made
169before the House proceeds to the consideration of the Orders of the Day. [11.] (6.)
170 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Jan 11, 1985; Jan. 17, 1995; Jan. 9, 2003.]
171 10A. The Clerk shall be the official parliamentarian of the House of Representatives.
172 [Adopted Jan. 9, 1991.]
173 10B. The Clerk shall be the official keeper of records of the House of Representatives for
174legislative records that remain in the office of said Clerk at the end of each biennial session, and
175until such time as said records are transferred to the State Archives or destroyed in accordance
176with law. [Adopted Jan. 29, 2015.] 10 of 142
177 11. Every question of order with the decision thereof shall be entered at large in the Journal,
178and shall be noted in an appendix, which shall also contain the rules of the House and of the two
179branches. [12.] (6.)
180 12. The Clerk shall prepare and make available on each day of formal session a Calendar of
181matters in order for consideration and such other memoranda as the House or the Speaker may
182direct. The Clerk shall prepare a Calendar on which shall appear any question on passage of a
183bill or resolve notwithstanding the objections of Their Excellency the Governor which may be
184considered forthwith at the direction of the House or Speaker.
185 When, in the determination of the Clerk, a volume of matters exists for the next legislative
186day, the Clerk shall be authorized to prepare and cause to be made available an advance calendar
187of the matters in order of consideration for the next legislative day and such other memoranda as
188the House or Speaker may direct. The Clerk may indicate on the advance calendar that the
189matters contained therein are subject to change.
190 The Clerk shall be authorized to dispense with preparing and making available a Calendar for
191designated formal sessions of the House only after two-thirds of the members present and voting
192consent thereto on a recorded yea and nay vote. Debate on this question shall be limited to fifteen
193minutes, no member shall speak more than three minutes, and such question shall not be subject
194to reconsideration.
195 The Clerk shall dispense with preparing and making available a Calendar for designated
196Informal Sessions of the House.
197 As soon as practicable whenever the Clerk prepares a Calendar or advance Calendar under
198this rule, they shall also cause a true copy thereof to be posted on the website of the General 11 of 142
199Court that is generally available to all members and their staff, and reasonably promptly
200thereafter the Clerk shall cause the members and their staff to be notified of the same by way of
201electronic mail. [13.] (7.)
202 [Amended Jan. 12, 1983; Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 12, 1987; May 5, 1993; Jan. 17, 1995; Jan. 24,
2032001; Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 26, 2005, Jan. 23, 2007; Jan. 30, 2019.]
204 13. Any objection to the Calendar shall be made and disposed of before the House proceeds to
205the consideration of the Orders of the Day. [14.]
206 13A. The Clerk shall make available to all members electronically and, to the public via the
207website of the General Court, the text of all dockets and bills introduced and admitted for
208consideration in the House.
209[Adopted, Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 30, 2019.]
210COUNSEL
21113B. (a) The House shall employ a full-time Counsel pursuant to section 51 of chapter 3 of the
212General Laws. The committee on Rules shall appoint a qualified person to act as Counsel at such
213compensation as the committee on Rules shall approve.
214Counsel shall serve a term of two years from the date of appointment, unless the Counsel sooner
215resigns, retires or is removed; provided, however, that the Counsel may only be removed: (i) for
216misfeasance, malfeasance or nonfeasance, as determined by agreement of the Equal Employment
217Opportunity Officer appointed pursuant to Rule 89 and the Director of Human Resources
218appointed pursuant to Rule 90 and approved by a majority vote of the committee on Rules; or (ii)
219by a majority roll call vote of the House. 12 of 142
220Counsel may employ such legal and other assistants as may be necessary in the discharge of
221Counsel’s duties, subject to the approval of the committee on Rules, and may expend with like
222approval such sums as may be necessary for the discharge of their duties.
223(b) Counsel shall be the chief legal officer of the House and shall perform all duties generally
224required of a counsel to an organization and specifically those required pursuant to any general
225or special law, rule, regulation, or order of the House. Counsel shall provide legal and legislative
226drafting services to all members regardless of party or seniority.
227 [Added Jan. 30, 2019.]
228MEMBERS.
229 14. No member shall stand up, to the inconvenience of others, while a member is speaking; or
230be involved in disturbing conversation while another member is speaking in debate; or pass
231unnecessarily between the Speaker of the House and the member speaking; or stand in the
232passages, or in the area in front of the Chair; or stand at the Clerk's desk while a roll call is in
233progress. [16.] [Amended Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1989; Jan. 26, 1999.]
234 14A. [Adopted Feb. 11, 2009; Omitted Jan. 29, 2015.]
235 15. When it appears to the Chair that the presence of a quorum is endangered, the Chair shall
236order the doors closed. If a quorum is doubted the Chair shall order the doors closed and
237thereafter no member shall enter or leave the House until an initial determination has been made
238as to the presence of a quorum or lack thereof; and thereafter, provided that no quorum is
239present, no member shall leave the House unless by permission of the Chair, but members shall
240be admitted, at any time. 13 of 142
241 Upon the doubting of a quorum and after ascertaining that a quorum is not present, the
242Speaker may order a recorded attendance roll call to be taken by use of the electronic roll call
243system.
244 Said roll call, if ordered, shall be taken at a time determined by the Speaker.
245 Members answering a quorum call shall vote "YES" on the roll call system. [17.] (11.)
246 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Feb. 22, 1982; Jan. 12, 1983; Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1991.]
247ETHICS.
248 16. There shall be appointed a committee on Ethics as authorized by Rule 17. The committee
249shall consist of 11 members, 7 of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker, 4 of whom shall be
250appointed by the Minority Leader.
251 A member appointed to the committee shall not be considered to be a member of the committee
252subsequent to the declaration of candidacy for any other state or federal elective office.
253 The committee shall investigate and evaluate, at the direction of the Speaker, by a sworn written
254complaint filed and delivered by a member, officer or employee to the chair, or by a majority
255vote of the members appointed to the Ethics committee, any matters relative to alleged violations
256of Rule 16A by a member, officer or employee.
257 Upon the receipt of said sworn written complaint, at the direction of the Speaker or by a
258majority vote of the members appointed to the Ethics committee, the committee shall notify any
259person named of the nature of the alleged violation and a list of prospective witnesses, and also
260shall notify said person of the final disposition and the recommendations, if any, of the
261committee. 14 of 142
262 Any member, officer, or employee of the House named relative to an alleged violation shall
263be afforded the opportunity to appear before the committee on Ethics with counsel.
264 All proceedings including the filing of the initial complaint shall be considered confidential
265information.
266 If the alleged violation received in the manner described above is deemed to have merit by a
267majority vote of the members appointed to the committee, the committee shall file a report with
268the Clerk of the House. Said report shall be a public document. The committee shall not disclose
269any allegation deemed to be frivolous or without merit.
270 If a majority appointed finds that any member, officer, or employee of the House has violated
271any provision of Rule 16A, a majority appointed may, in the case of a member, recommend a
272reprimand, censure, removal from position of authority, including leadership, chair or vice chair,
273or expulsion; and in the case of an officer or employee, a majority appointed may recommend a
274reprimand, suspension, or removal from employment.
275 Should such an alleged violation be filed with the committee regarding a member or members
276of the House Ethics committee, said member or members shall not participate in the committee
277deliberations on said alleged violation.
278 Any member, officer, or employee of the House may request in writing from the House
279committee on Ethics or from the Counsel to the House appointed pursuant to Rule 13B a
280confidential written advisory opinion on the requirements of chapters 268A and 268B of the
281General Laws as well as an opinion on any other general or special law, rule or regulation
282applicable to their official position or concerning any contemplated personal action which may 15 of 142
283conflict with their official position. The committee on Ethics or the Counsel to the House shall
284issue confidential written advisory opinions and clarification in response to said written request.
285 No member, officer or employee of the House shall be penalized in any manner for having
286acted within the guidelines of a written advisory opinion from the House committee on Ethics or
287from the Counsel to the House appointed pursuant to Rule 13B, provided that all pertinent facts
288are stated in the request for an advisory opinion.
289A written advisory opinion from the House committee on Ethics or from the Counsel to the
290House appointed pursuant to Rule 13B shall be a defense in any proceeding arising from said
291opinion or advice unless material facts were omitted or misstated by the person in the request of
292the opinion.
293 The chair of the Ethics committee may convene the committee at any time.
294 The chair shall also convene the committee at the written request of at least 5 members of the
295committee.
296 The Committee may, upon the written and signed report of two-thirds of the members of the
297committee, file a special report containing legislation without said legislation being founded
298upon petition which shall be referred under the provisions of Rule 24 and consistent with the
299provisions of Joint Rule 13, to the appropriate joint standing committee. Any special report
300containing legislation filed pursuant to this paragraph shall be germane to subject matters
301regularly considered by the committee. The committee shall not include in any such special
302report a bill that would have a fiscal impact as described in Rule 33. 16 of 142
303 Upon convening of the first annual session of the General Court and after the adoption of
304rules, all members, officers and employees of the House shall be provided with a current copy of
305the Code of Ethics contained in Rule 16A. [19.] (12A.)
306 [Amended Jan. 12, 1987; May 5, 1993; Jan. 17, 1995; Mar. 6, 1995; Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 20,
3072011; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 29, 2015; Jan. 30, 2019.]
308CODE OF ETHICS.
309 16A. (1.) While members, officers and employees should not be denied those opportunities
310available to all other citizens to acquire and retain private, economic and other interests;
311members, officers, and employees should exercise prudence in any and all such endeavors and
312make every reasonable effort to avoid transactions, activities, or obligations, which are in
313substantial conflict with or will substantially impair their independence of judgment.
314 (2.) No member, officer or employee shall solicit or accept any compensation or political
315contribution other than that provided for by law for the performance of official legislative duties.
316 (3.) No member, officer or employee shall serve as a legislative agent as defined in Chapter 3
317of the General Laws regarding any legislation before the General Court.
318 (4.) No member, officer or employee shall receive any compensation or permit any
319compensation to accrue to their beneficial interest by virtue of influence improperly exerted from
320their official position in the House.
321 (5.) No member, officer or employee shall accept employment or engage in any business or
322professional activity, which will require the disclosure of confidential information gained in the
323course of, and by reason of, their official position. 17 of 142
324 (6.) No member, officer or employee shall willfully and knowingly disclose or use
325confidential information gained in the course of their official position to further their own
326economic interest or that of any other person.
327 (7.) Except as provided in Rule 49, no member shall cast a vote for any other member, nor
328shall any officer or employee vote for any member, except that the Clerk or an assistant Clerk
329may record a vote for a member who votes late under the provisions of Rule 52, or is prohibited
330from voting from his desk due to a malfunction of the electronic roll call voting system; provided
331the Clerk's action shall not be construed as voting for said member.
332 (8.) No member shall use profane, insulting, or abusive language in the course of public
333debate in the House Chamber or in testimony before any committee of the General Court.
334 (9.) No member, officer or employee shall employ anyone from public funds who does not
335perform tasks which contribute substantially to the work of the House and which are
336commensurate with the compensation received. Unless their personnel record indicates
337otherwise, no officer or full-time employee of the House shall engage in any outside business
338activity during regular business hours, whether the House is in session or not, and all employees
339of the House are assumed to be full-time.
340 (10.) No member, officer or employee shall accept or solicit compensation for non-legislative
341services which is in excess of the usual and customary value of such services.
342 (11.) No member, officer or employee shall accept or solicit an honorarium for a speech,
343writing for publication, or other activity from any person, organization or enterprise having a
344direct interest in legislation or matters before any agency, authority, board or commission of the
345Commonwealth which is in excess of the usual and customary value of such services. 18 of 142
346 (12.) No member, officer or employee shall knowingly accept any gifts from any legislative
347or executive agent as prohibited by law. No member, officer or employee shall knowingly
348accept any gift from any person or entity having a direct interest in legislation before the General
349Court as prohibited by law. (For the purposes of this paragraph, the terms "gift" and "person"
350shall be the same as their definitions in section 1 of chapter 268B of the General Laws).
351 (13.) No member shall convert campaign funds to personal use in excess of reimbursements
352for legitimate and verifiable campaign expenditures. Members shall consider all proceeds from
353testimonial dinners and other fundraising activities as campaign funds.
354 ((14.) No member shall serve on any committee or vote on any question in which their private
355right is immediately concerned, distinct from the public interest. [19.]
356 (15.) No member, officer or employee shall violate the confidentiality of any proceeding
357before the Ethics committee. [19A.]
358 (16.) Members, officers and employees may utilize public resources to support charitable
359and community service activities consistent with the Conflict of Interest Law, G.L. c. 268A,
360pursuant to policies established by Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement
361pursuant to Rule 90(h)(2).
362 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; May 5, 1993; Jan. 24, 2001; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 29, 2015; Jan. 30,
3632019.]
364 16B. The Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement shall develop and
365conduct an ethics law training program for every member, officer and employee of the House;
366provided further, that said training program shall include, without limitation, a review of the 19 of 142
367requirements and prohibitions of chapter 268A and chapter 268B of the General Laws, and the
368regulations of the State Ethics Commission, as they apply to legislators and legislative staff; and
369provided further, that said training program shall be offered virtually or in-person and shall be
370mandatory for all members, officers and employees.
371 [Adopted Jan. 9, 2003, Amended Feb. 11, 2009; Jan 20, 2011.]
37216C. Bills involving lobbyists' reporting laws, and laws pertaining to the ethical conduct of
373public officials shall, after their first reading, be referred to the committee on Ethics, for report
374on their relation to the ethics laws of the Commonwealth. No new provisions shall be added to
375such measures by the committee, unless directly pertaining to ethics. [Adopted Feb. 11, 2009.]
376COMMITTEES.
377 17. At the beginning of the first year of the two-year General Court, standing committees
378shall be appointed as follows:
379 A committee on Rules;
380 (to consist of 15 members).
381 A committee on Ways and Means;
382 (to consist of 35 members).
383 A committee on Bills in the Third Reading;
384 (to consist of 3 members).
385 A committee of each Floor Division; 20 of 142
386 (to consist of the members of each division).
387 A committee on Ethics;
388 (to consist of 11 members).
389 A committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement;
390 (to consist of 13 members).
391 A committee on Post Audit and Oversight;
392 (to consist of 11 members).
393 A committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling;
394 (to consist of 11 members).
395 A committee on Global Warming and Climate Change;
396 (to consist of 11 members).
397 A committee on Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight;
398(to consist of 11 members).
399 A committee on Operations, Facilities and Security;
400(to consist of 11 members).
401 A committee on Intergovernmental Affairs;
402(to consist of 11 members). 21 of 142
403 Committee meetings, insofar as practicable, shall not be scheduled in conflict with formal
404sessions of the House of Representatives. [20.] (12, 12A, 12B.)
405 [Amended March 6, 1979; Sept. 16, 1981; Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 12, 1987; May 5, 1993; Oct. 6,
4061993; May 23, 1996; Jan. 14, 1997; Jul. 17, 2003; Jan. 26, 2005, Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 29, 2015.]
407 17A. (a) For the purposes of this rule, the following terms shall, unless the context clearly
408requires otherwise, have the following meanings:
409 "Deliberation", a verbal exchange between a quorum of members of a committee attempting
410to arrive at a decision on any public business within its jurisdiction.
411 "Emergency", a sudden generally unexpected occurrence or set of circumstances demanding
412immediate action.
413 "Executive conference", any meeting or part of a meeting of a committee which is closed to
414certain persons for deliberation on certain matters.
415 "Executive session", any meeting or part of a meeting of a committee wherein the committee
416is voting on legislation and where public participation is limited to observance.
417 "Meeting", any corporal convening and deliberation of a committee for which a quorum is
418required in order to make a decision at which any public policy matter over which the committee
419has supervision, control, jurisdiction or advisory power is discussed or considered; provided,
420however, that "meeting" shall not include an on-site visitation or inspection of any project or
421program. 22 of 142
422 "Quorum", a simple majority of a committee unless otherwise defined by constitution, rule or
423law applicable to such committee; provided further, that a quorum shall be presumed to be
424present unless otherwise doubted.
425 (b) All meetings, except executive conferences, of House standing and special committees,
426shall be open to the public and any person shall be permitted to attend any meeting except as
427otherwise provided pursuant to this rule or Rule 7A. All meetings, except executive conferences,
428of House standing and special committees shall be conducted in-person with the option of remote
429participation available to both members of such committees and the public; provided, however,
430that the chair of such committees shall be physically present at the hearing location where in-
431person public testimony is offered. All House standing and special committees, in the conduct of
432their hearings, shall utilize, to the extent practicable, online platforms or systems that allow for
433synchronous, audio-visual communication between the chair of the committee and individuals
434offering testimony remotely. All hearings of House standing and special committees shall be
435publicly livestreamed on the website of the General Court and shall display and transmit, in real-
436time, the audio-visual attributes of public testimony offered remotely; provided further, that said
437livestream shall be archived on the website of the General Court for the duration of the
438legislative session. Members of House standing and special committees may participate
439remotely and shall have the same privileges, rights and responsibilities as if the member were
440physically present at the hearing location, and other members of the House may offer remote
441testimony before said committees of which they are not a member. The chair of any House
442standing or special committee conducting a hearing shall use best efforts to prioritize the
443testimony of those physically present at the hearing location and may, in their discretion, allow
444individuals participating in-person a greater amount of time to testify than those participating 23 of 142
445remotely. All notices of hearings shall include instructions on how to offer testimony both in-
446person and remotely.
447 No quorum of a committee shall meet in private for the purpose of deliberation except as
448provided pursuant to this rule.
449 No executive session shall be held until: (i) the committee has first convened in an open
450session for which notice has been given; (ii) the presiding officer has stated the authorized
451purpose of the executive session; (iii) a majority of the members of the committee present have
452voted to go into executive session and the vote of each member has been recorded on a roll call
453vote and entered into the minutes: and (iv) the presiding officer has stated before the executive
454session if the committee will reconvene after the executive session.
455 (c) Executive conferences shall be held only for the following purposes: (i) to discuss the
456reputation, character, physical condition or mental health rather than the professional
457competence of a member, officer or employee; (ii) to consider the discipline or dismissal of, or to
458hear complaints or charges brought against a member, officer or employee; (iii) to discuss
459strategy with respect to litigation if an executive session or other open meeting may have a
460detrimental effect on the legal position of the committee; or (iv) to consider the purchase,
461exchange, lease or value of real property, if such discussions may have a detrimental effect on
462the negotiating position of the Commonwealth or a person, firm or corporation.
463 A member, officer or employee subject to an executive conference pursuant to clause (i) or
464clause (ii) shall be notified in writing no less than 48 hours prior to the proposed executive
465conference; provided, however, that upon agreement of the parties involved, the notification
466requirements of clause (i) and clause (ii) may be waived. Upon request of the member, officer or 24 of 142
467employee subject to an executive conference pursuant to clause (i) or clause (ii) the executive
468conference shall be open to the public.
469 A member, officer or employee subject to an executive conference pursuant to clause (i) or
470clause (ii) shall have the right to: (a) be present at such executive conference during discussions
471or considerations which involve that member, officer or employee; (b) have counsel or a
472representative of their own choosing present and attending for the purpose of advising said
473member, officer or employee; provided, however, that said counsel or representative shall not
474actively participate in the executive conference; and (c) to speak on their own behalf to the
475committee assembled in executive conference.
476 (d) This rule shall not apply to any chance meeting or social meeting at which matters relating
477to official business are discussed so long as no final agreement is reached. No chance meeting or
478social meeting shall be used in circumvention of the spirit or requirements of this section to
479discuss or act upon a matter over which the committee has supervision, control, jurisdiction, or
480advisory power.
481 (e) Except pursuant to an emergency, a notice and agenda of every meeting of a committee
482subject to this rule shall be filed with the Clerk of the House, publicly posted by the Clerk on the
483bulletin board outside the Clerk's Office and in such other places as are designated in advance for
484such purpose by said Clerk, made available to all members electronically and made available to
485the public via the website of the General Court at least forty-eight hours, including Saturdays,
486but not Sundays and legal holidays, prior to the time of such meeting and a list of the bills,
487petitions, and resolutions to be considered for a vote or other action by the committee. The notice
488shall include the date, time and place of such meeting. Such filing and posting shall be the 25 of 142
489responsibility of the committee scheduling such meeting. If public testimony is being solicited,
490agendas may include an electronic mail address and physical mail address for the submission of
491testimony and the committee shall make reasonable efforts to ensure diversity among those from
492whom testimony is solicited. The notice and posting requirements shall not apply to executive
493conferences held pursuant to clause (i) or clause (ii) of part (c) of this rule unless the member,
494officer or employee subject to the executive conference requests that the executive conference be
495open to the public.
496 (f) A committee shall maintain accurate records of its meetings and hearings setting forth the
497date, time and place thereof, and recording any action taken at each meeting, hearing, executive
498conference or executive session. All votes requested to be taken in executive sessions shall be
499recorded roll call votes and shall become a part of the record of said executive sessions. The
500record of each meeting shall become a public record and be available to the public; provided,
501however, that the records of any executive conference shall remain confidential as long as
502publication may defeat the lawful purposes of the executive conference.
503 (g) Upon prior notification and approval of the chair, a meeting of a committee may be
504recorded by a person in attendance by means of a recorder or any other means of audio/visual
505reproduction; provided, however, that said recording shall not interfere with the conduct of the
506meeting. Executive conferences conducted pursuant to clause (i) or clause (11) of part (c) of this
507rule shall not be recorded unless upon the request of the member, officer or employee who is
508subject to said executive conference, and then only at such member's, officer's or employee's
509expense. Executive conferences conducted pursuant to clause (iii) or (iv) of part (c) of this rule
510may be recorded at the discretion of the chair. 26 of 142
511 (h) Copies of all redrafted bills that are to be voted on at an executive session by the House
512Ways and Means Committee shall be available to all members of the committee electronically in
513the form they will be considered no less than twenty-four hours prior to their consideration;
514provided, however, that said committee may vote on a bill that has not been available for said
515period of time by vote of a majority of the committee members present.
516 [Adopted Nov. 17, 1983; Amended Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1991; May 5, 1993; Jan. 17, 1995;
517Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 9, 2003, Jan. 23, 2007, Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 30, 2019.]
518 17B. Whenever any member of a House committee present at the committee meeting so
519requests, the vote to give any legislation a favorable or adverse report shall be a recorded vote of
520the full committee. Such votes shall be recorded on appropriate forms that show all votes for and
521against the particular committee action; provided, that votes may also be recorded in LAWS. The
522record of all such roll calls shall be kept in the offices of the committee and shall include the
523aggregate tally of members voting in the affirmative, members not voting or members reserving
524their rights, and the names of members voting in the negative on an individual bill, and shall be
525posted on the website of the General Court within 48 hours of the vote for public inspection.
526 No report of a House committee on any legislation shall be final until those members of the
527committee present and voting with the majority have been given the opportunity to sign such
528appropriate forms before the report is made to the House. No signature shall be valid unless the
529forms to which the signatures are affixed include the substantially complete text of the legislation
530being reported.
531 [Adopted Nov. 17, 1983; Amended Jan. 12, 1987, Amended Jan. 29, 2015.] 27 of 142
532 17C. There shall be a committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement on the part
533of the House consisting of thirteen members.
534 Said committee shall discharge its duties pursuant to the Rules, including Rule 16B and Rules
53588 through 100, and shall also be responsible for the allocation of office space as equitably as
536possible among the various members and joint and standing committees. The committee shall
537allocate space among the various committees on the part of the House taking into account the
538work load, duties and responsibilities and size of staff of each.
539 The Speaker may make temporary office assignments in accordance with the foregoing
540principles.
541 The committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement may from time to time make
542changes in the assignment of office space for committees and the various staffs in accordance
543with the established standards.
544 Said committee shall establish the staffing levels and positions for each joint and standing
545committee of the House together with a classification plan for all employees of the House of
546Representatives.
547 For each person who is employed or is to be employed by a joint or standing committee on
548the part of the House, each committee chair shall nominate each such person and the House
549members of the committee by a majority vote shall vote on whether to approve each said
550nominee. The House members of the committee shall approve such persons whose character and
551qualifications are acceptable to the majority of the House members of the committee and are in
552accordance with the qualifications established by the Human Resources and Employee
553Engagement committee. 28 of 142
554 The House staff members of each committee shall be appointed solely on the basis of fitness
555to perform the duties of their respective positions and consistent with section 4 of chapter 151B
556of the General Laws. The committee staff shall not:
557 (1) engage in any work other than legislative business during business hours unless pursuant
558to the pro-bono service policy or charitable and community service activity policy established by
559the committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement pursuant to Rule 90(h)(2); and
560 (2) be assigned any duties other than those pertaining to legislative business.
561 The committee shall meet on request of the chair or any 3 members of the committee. Any
562such meeting requested shall be convened on or within the fifth business day following such
563request. All such requests shall be in writing and forwarded to the chair and each member of the
564committee.
565 Funds shall be allocated from the budget to carry out the determination of the committee.
566 [Adopted Jan. 11, 1985; Amended Jan. 16, 1985; Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1991; Feb. 11, 2009;
567Jan. 29, 2015; Jan. 30, 2019.]
568 17D. [Omitted Jan. 26, 2005.]
569 17E. [Omitted Jan. 26, 2005.]
570 17F. [Omitted Jan. 26, 2005.]
571 18. The Speaker shall appoint, and may recommend the removal of, the Speaker pro
572Tempore, the Majority Floor Leader, Assistant Majority Floor Leader and two Second Assistant
573Majority Floor Leaders. The Minority Leader shall appoint, and may recommend the removal of, 29 of 142
574the Assistant Minority Floor Leader, Second Assistant Minority Floor Leader, and two Third
575Assistant Minority Floor Leaders, Ranking minority member of Ways and Means, Assistant
576Ranking minority member of the Ways and Means committee, Ranking minority member of the
577committee on Rules, Ranking minority member of the committee on Financial Services, Ranking
578minority member of the committee on Health Care Financing, Ranking minority member of the
579committee on the Judiciary, Ranking minority member of the committee on Bonding, Capital
580Expenditures, and State Assets, Ranking minority member of the committee on Public Safety
581and Homeland Security, Ranking minority member of the committee on Transportation and
582Ranking minority member of the committee on Economic Development and Emerging
583Technologies. The Minority Leader shall be that member of the minority party who is selected
584for that position by the members of their party.
585 Each of the foregoing appointments or removals shall be ratified by a majority vote of the
586respective party caucus. In the event that an appointment is rejected by such caucus another
587appointment shall be made by the person designated to make the initial appointment, which shall
588also be subject to ratification in the same manner.
589 The Speaker shall appoint, and may recommend the removal of, the chair of each standing
590committee. The Speaker shall appoint, and may recommend the removal of, the vice chair and
591assistant vice chair of the Ways and Means committee, the vice chair of the Post Audit and
592Oversight committee, the vice chair of the committee on Rules, the vice chair of the committee
593on Revenue, the vice chair of the committee on Financial Services, the vice chair of the
594committee on Health Care Financing, the vice chair of the committee on Bonding, Capital
595Expenditures, and State Assets, the vice chair of the committee on State Administration and 30 of 142
596Regulatory Oversight, and the vice chair of the committee on Economic Development and
597Emerging Technologies.
598 The majority party shall then vote to accept or reject each such appointment or
599recommendation for removal by a majority vote.
600 In the event that any such appointment is rejected by the caucus, the procedure of this rule
601shall be repeated until an appointment for the said position has been approved by the caucus. A
602vacancy in any position to which the provisions of this section apply shall be filled in the same
603manner as provided in this section for original appointment.
604No member shall receive more than one stipend pursuant to section 9B of chapter 3 of the
605General Laws.
606 The Speaker and the Minority Leader may, without a majority vote of their respective
607parties, remove a member appointed to a leadership position from said position pursuant to this
608rule if the member has been criminally indicted by a court of competent jurisdiction.
609 [Amended Jan. 16, 1979; Nov. 17, 1983; Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 23,
6102007; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan 23, 2013; Jan. 29, 2015; Feb. 19, 2015; Jan. 30, 2019.]
611 18A. There shall be 1 member of the minority party on all committees of conference and 1 on
612the committee on Bills in the Third Reading. On all other standing and joint committees, the
613percent of minority party membership shall be at least equal to the percent of minority party
614membership in the House of Representatives as of the first day of the session; provided, further,
615that where such percentage results in a fraction of a number, the fraction shall be rounded off to
616the nearest whole; provided, however, that the minority party shall under no circumstances have 31 of 142
617less than 4 members on the committee on Ethics, 4 on the committee on Human Resources and
618Employee Engagement , 3 on the committee on Rules and 7 on the committee on Ways and
619Means. In no case shall minority party representation be less than 2 members on all other
620standing and joint committees.
621 The Speaker and the Minority Leader shall appoint the members of their respective party
622caucuses to be assigned to each standing committee. The Speaker shall appoint the vice chair of
623each standing committee. The appointments, except those to which Rule 18 applies, shall be
624voted upon together and shall be subject to ratification by majority vote of the appropriate party
625caucus.
626No member shall be removed from a standing committee except upon the recommendation of the
627Speaker or Minority Leader, as the case may be, subject to the ratification by their respective
628caucuses; provided, however, that the Speaker and the Minority Leader may, without a majority
629vote of their respective parties, remove a member appointed to a standing committee pursuant to
630this rule if the member has been criminally indicted by a court of competent jurisdiction; and
631provided further, that if any vacancy occurs in a position to which Rule 18 does not apply,
632subsequent to the initial ratification, the Speaker or Minority Leader shall fill such vacancy.
633 The Speaker shall announce committee appointments of majority party members, and the
634member first named shall be chair, and the second named member shall be vice-chair. The
635Minority Leader shall announce committee appointments of minority party members. (13.)
636 [Adopted Jan. 11, 1985; Amended Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 14, 1997; Feb. 11, 2009;
637Jan. 30, 2019.] 32 of 142
638 18B. All votes on ratification by the caucus required by these rules shall be by written ballot
639and shall require a majority of those present and voting; provided, however, that if a motion to
640ratify the appointments by acclamation is made and seconded, no written ballot shall be required.
641[Adopted Jan. 11, 1985.]
642 18C. [Adopted, Jan. 11, 1985, Omitted Jan. 24, 2001.]
643 19. A majority and minority party caucus may be called by the Speaker or Minority Leader,
644respectively, or upon petition of 25 percent of the members of the respective party caucus. A
645caucus may entertain resolutions, motions, or other means of ascertaining the sense of the
646respective party members on any subject. (13B.)
647 [Adopted Nov. 17, 1983; Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 29, 2015.]
648 19A. The majority party and minority party shall establish caucus rules that shall dictate the
649procedures of each caucus.
65019B. Any member caucus or group of members organized around a common legislative agenda
651that utilizes House resources, including staff time, shall register with the House Committee on
652Rules as a Legislative Member Organization, unless it is a party caucus. The chair of the House
653Committee on Rules shall notify the Clerk of the House of any Legislative Member Organization
654registering with the Committee and shall maintain a list of all Legislative Member Organizations.
655Registration shall include the name of the Legislative Member Organization, its statement of
656purpose, identification of its members and officers, and a certification signed by its chair that any
657state resources used for the purposes of the Legislative Member Organization shall be not be
658used for any partisan political end. 33 of 142
659A Legislative Member Organization may not include a non-legislator. Senators may belong to
660the Legislative Member Organization, but in order to use House resources at least one House
661member shall be an officer of the Legislative Member Organization. A Legislative Member
662Organization may, without limitation, sponsor informational or educational events, may invite
663outside speakers and groups to make presentations to the members of the Legislative Member
664Organization and others, and may distribute any report, analysis, or other research material
665prepared by others provided that the identity of the person or organization authoring the work is
666fully disclosed.
667A member’s official stationery may list his or her membership in a Legislative Member
668Organization.
669 [Adopted Nov. 17, 1983; Amended Jan. 14, 1997.]
670 20. The committee on Ways and Means shall report in appropriation bills the total amount
671appropriated. The General Appropriation Bill shall be available to the members at least 7
672calendar days prior to consideration thereof by the House. [25.] (27A.)
673 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Mar. 24, 1986; Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 26, 2005; Jan. 29, 2015.]
674 20A. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Rule 33A, amendments to the General
675Appropriation Bill shall be properly filed with the Clerk in an electronic format to be determined
676by the Clerk as directed by the Speaker; provided that the Clerk shall notify by electronic
677communication the primary sponsor of each amendment of the receipt of such amendment and
678the number assigned by said Clerk to the amendment; provided further, that the Clerk shall print
679each amendment so filed electronically and such printed copy shall be considered to be the
680official amendment for that bill. Amendments to said General Appropriation Bill shall be filed 34 of 142
681with the Clerk by 5 o’clock P.M. on the third business day subsequent to the bill being made
682available in a format to be determined by the Clerk as directed by the Speaker pursuant to Rule
68320B and release of said bill by said Clerk; provided, that if the release of said bill by said Clerk
684occurs before the hour of 2 o’clock P.M., then the same day in which said bill was released shall
685be considered the first business day. Otherwise, the day following the release shall be considered
686the first business day.
687 (b)(1) The Clerk, with the assistance of the committee on Ways and Means, shall categorize
688the subject-matter of the amendments and arrange such amendments for consideration
689sequentially by subject as appearing in the published version of the General Appropriation Bill,
690or the Clerk, with the assistance of the committee on Ways and Means, shall categorize the
691subject-matter of the amendments and arrange such subject matters for consideration as
692determined by the committee on Ways and Means. Debate on the General Appropriation Bill
693shall not commence until a date and time to be determined by the House which is subsequent to
694the designated time established for filing of amendments pursuant to subsection (a) of this rule.
695 (2) Before the main question on the General Appropriation Bill is placed before the House, an
696amendment may be withdrawn at the request of the primary sponsor of the amendment or
697postponed by the committee on Ways and Means; provided, that further consideration of any
698amendment so postponed shall take place immediately subsequent to consideration of the
699amendments within the particular subject-matter to which the postponed amendment was
700assigned according to the provisions of this subparagraph; provided, that if more than one
701amendment is so postponed, subsequent consideration of said amendments shall be in the order
702determined by the committee on Ways and Means; provided further, an amendment so postponed
703shall not be subsequently considered outside of its assigned subject-matter; and provided further, 35 of 142
704that notwithstanding the provisions of Rule 33A; and provided further, that perfecting or
705substitute amendments, including, but not limited to an amendment consolidating more than one
706amendment, may be submitted by the committee on Ways and Means during consideration of the
707subject category to which the amendment or amendments were assigned. Any amendment may
708be removed from a consolidated amendment by the primary sponsor of the amendment. Any
709such amendment so removed from a consolidated amendment shall be offered as an amendment
710to the General Appropriation Bill, to be acted upon in the first degree before action is taken on
711the consolidated amendment, except that any amendment so removed from the consolidated
712amendment may be moved by the committee on Ways and Means from one subject category to
713another subject category not yet disposed of in the General Appropriation Bill.
714 (3) A consolidated amendment to the General Appropriation Bill, offered by the committee on
715Ways and Means, shall contain a fiscal note indicating its total expenditures.
716 (4) Notwithstanding Rule 74, a consolidated amendment offered by the committee on Ways
717and Means, may not be divided.
718(c) Except for consolidated amendments or perfecting amendments offered by the committee on
719Ways and Means, no proposition on a subject different from the amendment under consideration
720shall be admitted under color of a further amendment to the General Appropriation Bill. A
721consolidated amendment to the General Appropriation Bill, offered by the committee on Ways
722and Means, shall be a motion offering an amendment in the second degree.
723(d) Any amendment to the General Appropriation Bill not complying with this rule shall be
724considered withdrawn; provided that, any such amendments shall be published as part of the
725amendment list published by the committee on Ways and Means. 36 of 142
726 20B. When the General Appropriation Bill is reported by the committee on Ways and Means, it
727shall be made available to all members electronically and to the public via the website of the
728General Court in a format to be determined by the Speaker in consultation with the Clerk. The
729committee on Ways and Means shall provide the membership with an electronic copy of its
730proposed text of said General Appropriation Bill, and an executive summary which shall include
731a list of outside sections, and a short summary of each outside section prior to full House
732consideration of such bill. When the House considers said General Appropriation Bill, it shall be
733read a second time; provided further that amendments relative to enhancing or reducing revenue
734shall only be considered prior to the third reading of said bill to be in order, and that all other
735amendments to the General Appropriations Bill shall only be considered subsequent to the third
736reading of said bill.
737 21. Whenever the committee on Ways and Means reports an appropriation bill or capital
738outlay bill, it shall make available to the members a report which includes an explanation of any
739increase or decrease of five percent or more which results in an increase or decrease of one
740million dollars or more for any item for which the Governor has made a recommendation, and an
741explanation for the deletion of an item recommended by the Governor, and for the addition of an
742item for which the Governor has made no recommendation. [25A.] (27A.)
743 22. Bills and resolves when ordered to a third reading shall be referred forthwith to the
744committee on Bills in the Third Reading, which shall examine and correct them, for the purpose
745of avoiding repetitions and unconstitutional provisions, and insuring accuracy in the text and
746references, and consistency with the language of existing statutes; but any change in the sense or
747legal effect, or any material change in construction, shall be reported to the House as an
748amendment. 37 of 142
749 The committee on Bills in the Third Reading may consolidate into 1 bill any 2 or more related
750bills referred to it, whenever legislation may be simplified thereby.
751 Resolutions received from and adopted by the Senate or introduced or reported into the House,
752after they are read and before they are adopted, shall be referred to the committee on Bills in the
753Third Reading.
754 Amendments of bills, resolves and resolutions adopted by the Senate and sent to the House
755for concurrence, shall, subsequently to the procedure required by Rule 35 in respect to
756amendments, also be referred, in like manner, to the committee on Bills in the Third Reading.
757 When a bill, resolve or resolution has been so referred, no further action shall be taken until a
758report thereon has been made by the committee. Accompanying said report shall be a written
759explanation prepared by the committee defining any changes made in a bill, resolve or resolution
760so as to facilitate the proceedings of the House.
761 If a bill or resolve referred to the committee on Bills in the Third Reading requires a two-
762thirds vote because it contains an emergency preamble, or if it provides for the borrowing of
763money by the Commonwealth and comes within the provisions of Section 3 of Article LXII of
764the Amendments to the Constitution, or provides for the giving, loaning or pledging of the credit
765of the Commonwealth and comes within the provisions of Section 1 of Article LXII (as amended
766by Article LXXXIV) of the Amendments to the Constitution, or provides, upon recommendation
767of the Governor, for a special law relating to an individual city or town and comes within the
768provisions of clause (2) of Section 8 of Article LXXXIX of the Amendments to the Constitution
769or provides for environmental protection within the provisions of Article XLIX as amended by 38 of 142
770Article XCVII, the committee shall plainly indicate the fact on the outside of the bill or resolve,
771or on a wrapper or label attached thereto. [26.] (33.)
772 [Amended Jan. 12, 1983; Jan. 11, 1985; May 5, 1993; Jan. 29, 2015.]
773 23. Bills and resolves prepared for final passage shall be certified by the Clerk of the House,
774after comparison, to be the same as the bills or resolves passed to be engrossed; and if found to
775be properly prepared, the Clerk shall so endorse on the envelope thereof; and the question on
776enactment or final passage or adopting an emergency preamble shall be taken thereon, without
777further reading, unless specifically ordered.
778 When a bill prepared for final passage contains an emergency preamble or when it provides
779for the borrowing of money by the Commonwealth and comes within the provisions of Section 3
780of Article LXII of the Amendments to the Constitution, or provides for the giving, loaning or
781pledging of the credit of the Commonwealth and comes within the provisions of Section 1 of
782Article LXII (as amended by Article LXXXIV) of the Amendments to the Constitution, or
783provides, upon recommendation of the Governor, for a special law relating to an individual city
784or town and comes within the provisions of clause (2) of Section 8 of Article LXXXIX of the
785Amendments to the Constitution, or provides for environmental protection within the provisions
786of Article XLIX as amended by Article XCVII, the Clerk shall plainly indicate the fact on the
787envelope thereof. [27.] (34.) [See Rule 40.]
788 [Amended Jan. 12, 1983; Jan. 29, 2015.]
789 23A. No member of the House, except the Speaker, Speaker pro Tempore, Majority Leader,
790Assistant Majority Leader, Second Assistant Majority Leader, Minority Leader, Assistant
791Minority Leader, Second Assistant Minority Leader, Third Assistant Minority Leader, Vice- 39 of 142
792Chairperson of the Committee on Ways and Means, Assistant Vice-Chairperson of the
793Committee on Ways and Means and committee chairs with respect to committee business, shall
794receive privileges or compensation for postage which is greater than seventy-five percent of the
795amount allowed as standard practice during the 186th biennial session of the General Court, as
796determined by the House Business Manager.
797 [Adopted Jan. 11, 1985; Amended Jan. 24, 2001; Jan. 26, 2005; Jan. 20, 2011.]
798 24. (a) (1)Petitions, recommendations and reports of state officials, departments,
799commissions including legislative commissions, and boards, special reports including legislation
800initiated by the Committee on Ethics pursuant to rule 16, and reports of special committees and
801commissions including legislative commissions, shall be filed with the Clerk in a format to be
802determined by said Clerk, who shall, unless they are subject to other provisions of these rules or
803the rules of the two branches, refer them, with the approval of the Speaker, to the appropriate
804committees, subject to such change of reference as the House may make. The reading of all such
805documents may be dispensed with, but they shall be entered in the Journal of the same or the
806next legislative day after such reference except as provided in Joint Rule 13.
807 (2) All orders, including motions or orders proposed for joint adoption, resolutions and other
808papers intended for presentation, except those hereinbefore mentioned, shall be filed with the
809Clerk in a format to be determined by said Clerk, who shall, prior to the procedure required by
810other provisions of these rules or of the rules of the two branches, refer them to the committee on
811Rules. 40 of 142
812 (b) Resolutions for adoption by the House only or resolutions for joint adoption shall
813only be considered for adoption in the House if the resolution meets the criteria set forth in this
814rule.
815(c) Resolutions shall consist of: (i) no more than 5 clauses beginning with the word
816“WHEREAS”, which shall contain statements of facts or opinions; and (ii) no more than 2
817clauses beginning with the word “RESOLVED”.
818(d) Resolutions shall recognize, honor, commend, celebrate or commemorate a momentous
819achievement, special occasion or significant event or date; provided, however, that the following
820resolutions shall not be considered for adoption:
821(i) resolutions recognizing, honoring, commending, celebrating or commemorating the birthday
822of a person under the age of 80;
823(ii) resolutions recognizing, honoring, commending, celebrating or commemorating a wedding
824anniversary of a married couple of less than 50 years,
825(iii) resolutions recognizing, honoring, commending, celebrating or commemorating an
826anniversary of an organization of less than 20 years;
827(iv) resolutions recognizing, honoring, commending, celebrating or commemorating a class
828reunion;
829(v) resolutions recognizing, honoring, commending, celebrating or commemorating a for-profit
830organization;
831(iv) resolutions proclaiming certain days, weeks or months; 41 of 142
832(vii) resolutions that includes a statement of policy or ideology.
833(e) Suspension of clauses (b) through (d) of subsection (2) of this rule shall require unanimous
834consent of the members present.
835 (3) Petitions and other papers so filed which are subject to the provisions of Joint Rule 7A,
8367B, or 9 shall be referred by the Clerk to the committee on Rules. Petitions and other papers so
837filed, which are subject to the provisions of the second paragraph of Joint Rule 12, shall, prior to
838the procedure required by said rule, be referred by the Clerk to the committee on Rules. The
839reading of all such papers may be dispensed with, but they shall be entered in the Journal of the
840same or the next legislative day after such reference.
841 (4) Matters which have been placed on file during the preceding year may be taken from the
842files by the Clerk upon request of any member or member-elect; and matters so taken from the
843files shall be referred or otherwise disposed of as provided above.
844 (5) Recommendations and special reports of state officials, departments, commissions and
845boards, reports of special committees and commissions, bills and resolves accompanying
846petitions, recommendations and reports, and resolutions shall be made available under the
847direction of the Clerk, who may cause to be made available, with the approval of the Speaker,
848any other documents filed as herein provided.
849 (6) All such legislation and reports filed with the Clerk shall be submitted in a format
850prescribed by said Clerk. Said documents shall contain the name or names of the primary
851sponsors and a list of the names of all petitioners praying for the legislation. Additional names
852may be added to the list of the petitioners; provided, however, that, such additional names shall
853be submitted in a format to be determined by the Clerk. 42 of 142
854 (7) Any petition so submitted that is a refile of a measure submitted in a previous session shall
855include, in the appropriate space provided, the session year for which the measure was filed and
856the House or Senate bill number or docket number assigned to such measure in such previous
857session.
858 (8) Debate upon the suspension of this rule shall be limited to 10 minutes, 3 minutes for each
859member, and the Speaker shall recognize the member presenting the order, resolution or petition
860first; provided, however, that suspension of this rule shall require unanimous consent of the
861members present. Any order, except such order that would amend the Rules of the House,
862resolution or petition referred to the committee on Rules after the question of suspension of this
863rule has been negatived, or any order, resolution or petition filed after the beginning of the
864session and referred to the committee on Rules, shall not be discharged from said committee
865except by unanimous consent of the House. Motions to discharge the committee on Rules shall
866be subject to the provisions of paragraph 2 of Rule 28. [28.] (20.) [See Rules 36 and 85.]
867 [Amended April 27, 1981; Jan. 9, 1989; Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 26, 2005; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 29,
8682015; Jan. 30, 2019.]
869 25. Every petition for legislation shall be accompanied by a bill or resolve embodying the
870legislation prayed for. [29.] [See Joint Rule 12.]
871 26. When the object of an application can be secured without a special act under existing
872laws, or, without detriment to the public interests, by a general law, the committee to which the
873matter is referred shall report such general law or ought not to pass, as the case may be. The
874committee may report a special law on matters referred to it upon (1) a petition filed or approved
875by the voters of a city or town, or the mayor and city council, or other legislative body, of a city, 43 of 142
876or the town meeting of a town, with respect to a law relating to that city or town; (2) a
877recommendation by the Governor; or (3) matters relating to erecting and constituting
878metropolitan or regional entities, embracing any two or more cities and towns, or established
879with other than existing city or town boundaries, for any general or special public purpose or
880purposes. [30.] (16.) [See Joint Rule 7.]
881 [Amended Feb. 11, 2009.]
882 27. With the exception of matters referred to the committee on Rules under the provisions of
883paragraph (3) of Rule 24, committees shall report on all matters referred to them. The committee
884on Ways and Means shall report the General Appropriation Bill not later than the second
885Wednesday of May; and provided further that said committee shall make available to the
886members all data compiled for justification of budgetary recommendations in all appropriation
887bills. [33.]
888 [Amended April 18, 1979; Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 29, 2015.]
889 27A. [Omitted Jan. 23, 2007.]
890 28. (1) Motions directing the committee on Ways and Means to report certain matters to the
891House, or motions discharging said committees from further consideration of certain matters,
892shall not be considered until the expiration of seven calendar days and shall require a majority
893vote of the members present and voting for adoption. Committees so directed to report shall file
894a report with the Clerk within 4 legislative days. The committee on Ways and Means may not be
895directed to report or be discharged from further consideration of any appropriation or capital
896outlay measure. 44 of 142
897 (2) The committee on Rules, except as provided in Rule 24, and the committee on Bills in the
898Third Reading shall not be discharged from consideration of any measure or be directed to report
899on any measure within 10 calendar days of its reference without the unanimous consent of the
900House, or after such 10 day period except by a vote of a majority of the members present and
901voting thereon.
902 (3) Matters discharged under the provisions of this rule shall be placed in the Orders of the
903Day for the next sitting. Petitions discharged under the provisions of this rule shall be considered
904as favorably reported and the bill, resolve, resolution or order accompanying such petitions shall
905be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting.
906 (4) During the last week of the session, the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (3) of this rule
907shall be inoperative.
908 (5) A second motion to discharge a matter from a committee or a second motion to direct a
909committee to report a matter shall not be entertained until the first such motion has been disposed
910of.
911 (6) As an alternative procedure to that provided under the provisions of this rule, the members
912of the House may, by filing a petition signed by a majority of the members elected to the House,
913discharge the House committee on Ways and Means, the House committee on Bills in the Third
914Reading, and the House committee on Rules from further consideration of a legislative matter.
915Seven days following the filing of the petition with the House Clerk, the committee shall be
916discharged from further consideration of the legislative matter specified in the petition and the
917House Clerk shall place the matter in the Orders of the Day for the next calendar day that the
918House is meeting. 45 of 142
919 (7) For the purpose of this rule, matters not appearing on the Calendar which are not before
920any committee shall be deemed to be before the Rules committee. Notwithstanding the previous
921sentence, a bill which has been engrossed by the House and Senate shall be placed before the
922House for enactment. Any member may request to the House that a matter engrossed in the
923House and Senate, returned for final passage by the engrossing division, and reviewed and
924released by the Committee on Bills in Third Reading be placed before the House for enactment.
925The Speaker shall, in response to such a request of a member, put the matter before the House at
926the conclusion of the matter then pending.
927 (8) This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present.
928(27C, 32A.)
929 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; April 27, 1981; Jan. 12, 1983; Nov. 17, 1983; Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 9,
9301989; Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 24, 2001; Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 26, 2005, Jan. 23, 2007; Jan. 29, 2015.]
931 28A. The committee on Bills in the Third Reading shall report on a legislative matter not later
932than 45 days following the day the matter was referred to it. The Clerk shall indicate on the
933Calendar entry of every matter before the committee on Bills in the Third Reading the date that
934said matter was referred to said committee.
935 [Adopted Jan. 11, 1985; Amended Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 29, 2015.]
936REGULAR COURSE OF PROCEEDINGS.
937Petitions.
938 29. The member presenting a petition shall endorse their name thereon; and the reading
939thereof shall be dispensed with, unless specially ordered. [37.] (18.) 46 of 142
940 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 30, 2019.]
941Motions Contemplating Legislation, etc.
942 30. All motions contemplating legislation shall be founded upon petition, except as follows:
943 The committee on Ways and Means may originate and report appropriation bills as provided
944in Rule 20. Messages from the Governor shall, unless otherwise ordered, be referred to the
945appropriate committee, which may report by bill or otherwise thereon. A similar disposition
946shall, unless otherwise ordered, be made of reports by state officers and committees authorized to
947report to the Legislature, and similar action may be had thereon.
948 Messages from the Governor returning appropriation bills, or parts of appropriation bills, with
949objections or reductions of sections or items thereof, shall be reconsidered subsequent to a report
950of the committee on Ways and Means. Messages or recommendations from the Governor shall
951be filed with the Clerk in a format to be determined by the Clerk. [40.] (19.)
952 [Amended Jan. 24, 2001.]
953Bills and Resolves.
954 31. Bills shall be drafted in a format approved by the Counsel to the House and submitted in a
955format to be determined by the Clerk. Bills amending existing laws shall not provide for striking
956words from, or inserting words in, such laws, unless such course is best calculated to show
957clearly the subject and nature of the amendment. No repealed law, and no part of any repealed
958law, shall be re-enacted merely by reference. [42.] (17.)
959 [Amended Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 26, 2005; Jan. 29, 2015.] 47 of 142
960 32. If a committee to which a bill is referred reports that the same ought not to pass, the
961question shall be "Shall this bill be rejected?". If the question on rejection is negatived, the bill, if
962it has been read but once, shall be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting for a
963second reading without question; otherwise it shall be placed in the Orders of the Day for the
964next sitting, pending the question on ordering to a third reading, or to engrossment, as the case
965may be. [43.] (30.)
966 [Amended Jan. 30, 2019.]
967 32A. [Omitted Jan. 26, 2005.]
968 33. Bills involving an expenditure of public money or grant of public property, or otherwise
969affecting the state finances, unless the subject matter has been acted upon by the joint committee
970on Ways and Means, shall, after their first reading, be referred to the committee on Ways and
971Means, for report on their relation to the finances of the Commonwealth.
972 New provisions shall not be added to such bills by the committee on Ways and Means, unless
973directly connected with the financial features thereof.
974 Orders reported in the House or received from the Senate involving the expenditure of public
975money for special committees, shall, before the question is taken on the adoption thereof, be
976referred to the committee on Ways and Means, whose duty it shall be to report on their relation
977to the finances of the Commonwealth.
978 Every such bill involving a capital expenditure for new projects, or an appropriation for
979repairs, or any legislation, the cost of which, in the opinion of the committee, exceeds the sum of
980one hundred thousand dollars when reported into the House by the committee on Ways and 48 of 142
981Means, shall be accompanied by a fiscal note indicating the amount of public money which will
982be required to be expended to carry out the provisions of the proposed legislation, together with
983an estimate of the cost of operation and maintenance for the first year if a new project is
984involved. [44.] (27.)
985 [Amended April 18, 1979; Jan. 12, 1981; Jul. 17, 2003; Jan. 26, 2005.]
986 33A. Copies of all bills shall be available, in a format to be determined by the Speaker in
987consultation with the Clerk, to all members of the House and the public electronically via the
988website of the General Court; provided, however, that any bill or resolve to be considered by the
989House at a formal session shall be available to all members electronically and to the public via
990the website of the General Court no later than P.M. the day prior to consideration thereof by the
991House in a formal session; provided further that, to the extent practicable, a summary of any bill
992containing meaningful policy changes to be considered by the House in a formal session shall be
993made available by the chair of the committee reporting the bill, to all members of the House prior
994to the commencement of roll calls for the formal session in which the bill will be considered.
995 All amendments offered by members to any legislative matter in the House shall be submitted
996in a format to be determined by the Clerk in consultation with the Speaker; provided, however,
997that an amendment to any bill or resolve to be considered by the House at a formal session shall
998be filed by 5:00 P.M. on the day the bill or resolve is made available to the members pursuant to
999the first paragraph of this rule. Amendments shall be considered by the House chronologically as
1000submitted to the Clerk, except for an amendment in the second degree; provided that all
1001amendments shall be drafted in proper form acceptable to the clerk; and provided further that the
1002Clerk shall print each amendment so filed and such printed copy shall be considered to be the 49 of 142
1003official amendment for that bill and there shall be available to the members a duplicate copy of
1004each amendment. (33A.)
1005 When the House considers any bill or resolve, other than the General Appropriations Bill, it
1006shall be read a second time and, subsequent to the consideration of any amendments
1007recommended by a committee or committees, it shall forthwith be considered by the House, the
1008question being on ordering it to a third reading, without any other amendments. A bill or resolve
1009so ordered to a third reading shall be immediately referred to the committee on Bills in the Third
1010Reading and, upon being released by said committee, it shall be read a third time and shall then
1011be open to amendments, the main question being on passing the bill or resolve to be engrossed.
1012Except for consolidated amendments or perfecting amendments offered by the committee on
1013Ways and Means, no proposition on a subject different from the amendment under consideration
1014shall be admitted under color of a further amendment to any bill or resolve. A consolidated
1015amendment to any bill or resolve, offered by the committee on Ways and Means, shall be a
1016motion offering an amendment in the second degree.
1017 [Adopted Nov. 17, 1983; Amended Nov. 28, 1984; Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 17,
10181995l; Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 26, 2005, Jan. 23, 2007; Jan. 29, 2015.]
1019 33B. [Omitted Jan. 26, 2005.]
1020 33C. [Omitted Jan. 26, 2005.]
1021 33D. [Omitted Jan. 26, 2005.]
1022 33E. No consolidated amendment offered by the committee on Ways and Means shall be
1023considered by the House until the expiration of at least 30 minutes after the consolidated 50 of 142
1024amendment shall have been first filed with the Clerk and made available to the members. This
1025rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present.
1026 [Added Feb. 4, 2010; Amended Jan. 29, 2015.]
102733F. No consolidated amendment shall be adopted except by a roll call vote.
1028 [Added Feb. 2, 2017.]
1029 34. Bills from the Senate, after their first reading, shall be referred to a committee of the House.
1030[45.] (26.)
1031 [Amended Jan. 26, 1999.]
1032 35. Amendments proposed by the Senate, and sent back to the House for concurrence, shall
1033be referred to the committee on Bills in Third Reading, provided that the journal shall reflect the
1034referral; and provided further that subsequent to a report from said committee, the amendments
1035shall be considered forthwith. [46.] (36.)
1036 [Amended April 18, 1979; Jan. 12, 1981; Jan. 26, 2005, Jan. 23, 2007; Jan. 23, 2013.]
1037 36. No bill shall be proposed or introduced unless received from the Senate, reported by a
1038committee, or moved as an amendment to the report of a committee. [47.] (36.)
1039 37. Bills, resolves and other papers that have been, or, under the rules or usage of the House,
1040are to be made available in a format to be determined by the Speaker in consultation with the
1041Clerk, shall be read by their titles only, unless the full reading is requested by vote of a majority
1042of those members present and voting.
1043 [Amended Jan. 9, 2003, Amended, Jan. 23, 2007.] [48.] (29.) 51 of 142
1044 38. When a bill, resolve, order, petition or memorial has been finally rejected or disposed of
1045by the House, no measure substantially the same shall be introduced by any committee or
1046member during the same session. This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent
1047of the members present. [49.] (54.)
1048 39. No bill shall be passed to be engrossed without having been read on three separate
1049legislative days. [51.] (28.)
1050 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985.]
1051 40. No engrossed bill shall be amended, except by striking out the enacting clause. A motion
1052to strike out the enacting clause of a bill shall be received when the bill is before the House for
1053enactment. If the bill contains an emergency preamble, a motion to suspend this rule may be
1054received before the adoption of the emergency preamble and, if suspended, the amendment may
1055contain a new emergency preamble. This rule shall not apply to a bill or resolve returned by the
1056Governor with a recommendation of amendment in accordance with the provisions of Article
1057LVI of the Amendments to the Constitution; nor shall it apply to amendments of engrossed bills
1058proposed by the Senate and sent to the House for concurrence, which amendments shall be
1059subject to the provisions of Rule 35, provided, however, that an affirmative vote on a motion to
1060suspend this rule shall be required in order to offer an amendment to such an engrossed bill when
1061the question before the House is on adoption of an emergency preamble, re-enactment or
1062enactment, as the case may be. [53.] (49.)
1063 [Amended, Jan. 23, 2007; Jan. 20, 2011; Jan. 23, 2013; Jan. 29, 2015.]
1064 41. Bills received from the Senate and bills reported favorably by committees, when not
1065referred to another standing committee of the House, shall, prior to being placed in the Orders of 52 of 142
1066the Day, be referred to the committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling. Resolutions received
1067from and adopted by the Senate, or reported in the House by committees, shall, if proposed for
1068joint adoption, be referred to said committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling. [56.] (26.)
1069 [Amended Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 26, 1999.]
1070 42. Reports of committees, not by bill or resolve, including orders if proposed for joint
1071adoption, after they are received from the Senate, or made in the House, as the case may be,
1072shall, unless subject to the provisions of any other House or joint rules, be referred to the
1073committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling; provided that the report of a committee asking to
1074be discharged from further consideration of a subject, and recommending that it be referred or
1075recommitted to another committee, or a report of a committee recommending that a matter be
1076placed on file, shall be immediately considered. Reports of committees on proposals for
1077amendments to the Constitution shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Joint
1078Rule 23. [57.] (36.)
1079 [Amended Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 29, 2015.]
1080 42A. The Clerk shall, prior to 3 o'clock P.M., on the day preceding a session, make available
1081by electronic communication or other means, a list of all reports of the committee on Steering,
1082Policy and Scheduling, asking to be discharged from further consideration of subjects, and
1083recommending that the subjects be referred to other committees.
1084 [Adopted Jan. 26, 2005; Amended Jan. 29, 2015.]
1085 43. Bills ordered to a third reading shall be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next day
1086for such reading. [58.] (32.) 53 of 142
1087Special Rules Affecting the Course of Proceedings.
1088 44. The Speaker may designate when an informal session of the House shall be held provided
1089said Speaker gives notice of such informal session at a prior session of the House. The Speaker
1090may, in cases of emergency, cancel a session or declare any session of the House to be an
1091informal session. At an informal session the House shall only consider reports of committees,
1092papers from the Senate, bills for enactment or resolves for final passage, bills containing
1093emergency preambles and the matters in the Orders of the Day. Motions to reconsider moved at
1094such informal session shall be placed in the Orders of the Day for the succeeding day, and no
1095new business shall be entertained, except by unanimous consent.
1096 Formal debate, or the taking of the sense of the House by yeas and nays shall not be
1097conducted during such informal session.
1098 Upon the receipt of a petition signed by at least a majority of the members elected to the
1099House, so requesting, the Speaker shall, when the House is meeting in informal session under the
1100provisions of Joint Rule 12A, designate a formal session, to be held within seven days of said
1101receipt, for the purpose of considering the question of passage of a bill, notwithstanding the
1102objections of the Governor, returned pursuant to Article 2, Section 1, Chapter1, Part 2 of the
1103Massachusetts Constitution. This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the
1104members present. [59.] (5A.)
1105 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 17, 1995; Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 24, 2001; Jan. 9,
11062003; Feb. 11, 2009.]
1107 45. After entering upon the consideration of the Orders of the Day, the House shall proceed
1108with them in regular course as follows: Matters not giving rise to a motion or debate shall first be 54 of 142
1109disposed of in the order in which they stand in the Calendar; after which the matters that were
1110passed over shall be considered in like order and disposed. The provisions of this paragraph shall
1111not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present.
1112 Notwithstanding the provisions of this rule, during consideration of the Orders of the Day, the
1113committee on Ways and Means and the committee on Bills in the Third Reading may present
1114matters for consideration of the House after approval of two-thirds of the members present and
1115voting, without debate. [59.] (37.) [See Rule 47.]
1116 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Jan. 12, 1983; Feb. 11, 2009.]
1117 46. When the House does not finish the consideration of the Orders of the Day, those which
1118had not been acted upon shall be the Orders of the Day for the next and each succeeding day
1119until disposed of, and shall be entered in the Calendar, without change in their order, to precede
1120matters added under Rule 7A; provided, however, that all other matters shall be listed in
1121numerical order by Calendar item.
1122 The unfinished business in which the House was engaged at the time of adjournment shall
1123have the preference in the Orders of the Day for the next day. [60.] (35.)
1124 [Amended Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 26, 1999.]
1125 47. No matter which has been duly placed in the Orders of the Day shall be discharged
1126therefrom, or considered out of the regular course. [61.] (38.) [See Rule 45.]
1127Voting.
1128 48. Members desiring to be excused from voting shall make application to that effect before
1129the division of the House or the taking of the yeas and nays is begun. Such application may be 55 of 142
1130accompanied by a brief statement of reasons by the member. The Clerk shall, prior to the first
1131roll call of the sitting, announce the name of any member who has informed the Clerk to not call
1132their name or lock their voting station. The Clerk shall also announce prior to any subsequent
1133roll call of the sitting the name of any member who had informed said Clerk not to call their
1134name or lock their voting station since the taking of the immediately preceding roll call.
1135A member absent from the House for a formal session period of a day or longer shall notify the
1136Clerk in writing of the intended absence. A member absent during a formal session for an
1137extended period or for the remainder of the session shall notify the Clerk in person. The Clerk
1138shall provide a written notice to any such absent member.
1139The Clerk shall disable the voting station of any such member notifying the Clerk of an absence
1140pursuant to this Rule. The Clerk shall also disable the voting station of any member failing to
1141answer the first non-quorum roll call of a legislative sitting; provided, however, that the Clerk
1142shall reactivate the voting station upon receiving notification of the member's return to the House
1143Chamber. ([64.] (57.)
1144 [Amended Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1145 49. If the presence of a quorum is doubted, a count of the House shall be made. When a yea
1146and nay vote is taken, the members, with the exception of the Speaker, shall vote only from their
1147seats. A member who has been appointed by the Speaker to perform the duties of the Chair, or a
1148person who has been elected Speaker pro Tempore, may designate some member or a court
1149officer to cast a vote for said member on any vote taken on the electronic voting system while
1150such member is presiding. Said designated member performing the duties of the Chair, or 56 of 142
1151Speaker pro Tempore, may, if the Speaker is in the State House, cast a vote for the Speaker. The
1152Speaker shall state the pending question before opening the system for voting.
1153 The Speaker may direct the Clerk to cast a vote for a member who is in the House Chamber,
1154but who is unable to vote due to a malfunction of their voting station or inability to open their
1155voting station.
1156 Except in the case of a vote to ascertain the presence of a quorum, if a member is prevented
1157from voting personally using the electronic voting system because of physical disability, said
1158member shall, if present in the State House, be excused from so voting and the Speaker shall
1159assign a court officer to cast said member's vote so long as said physical disability continues;
1160provided that the Speaker shall announce the action of the Chair to the membership prior to
1161assigning a court officer to cast the member's vote and provided further that the Speaker shall
1162announce the action to the membership the first time a vote is cast for that member on each
1163successive day.
1164A member serving on active reserve military duty may participate remotely in a formal session,
1165subject to the requirements and limitations of federal law and regulation, including, but not
1166limited to, United States Department of Defense Directive 1344.10. A member serving on active
1167reserve military shall notify the Clerk of such service as soon as practicable.
1168A member diagnosed with a serious medical condition may, upon submission of a request for an
1169accommodation to participate remotely to Counsel appointed pursuant to Rule 13B, accompanied
1170by documentation from said member’s medical provider that an accommodation is necessary,
1171may participate remotely in a formal session. Upon receipt and approval of a request for
1172accommodation to participate remotely Counsel shall notify the Clerk that the member filing the 57 of 142
1173request has been authorized to participate remotely. Other than the notification provided to the
1174Clerk, Counsel shall maintain any request for accommodation pursuant to this rule as
1175confidential.
1176A member authorized to participate remotely in a formal session pursuant to this Rule shall have
1177the same privileges, rights and responsibilities as if the member were physically present in the
1178House Chamber, including without limitation, the right, privilege and responsibility to cast votes
1179on all questions or other matters brought to a vote and the ability to take the oath required
1180pursuant to Part the Second, Chapter VI, Article I of the Constitution of the Commonwealth.
1181The Journal of the House for any formal session of the House where a member is participating
1182remotely in a formal session pursuant to this Rule shall not specify which members participated
1183remotely. [65.]
1184 [Amended April 18, 1979; Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 20, 2011; Feb. 11,
11852009; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1186 50. When a question is put, the sense of the House shall be taken by the voices of the
1187members, and the Speaker shall first announce the vote as it appears to the Speaker by the sound.
1188If the Speaker is unable to decide by the sound of the voices, or if the announcement made
1189thereupon is doubted by a member rising in their place for that purpose, the Speaker shall order a
1190division of the number voting in the affirmative and in the negative, without further debate upon
1191the question. [66.] (55.)
1192 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 30, 2019.] 58 of 142
1193 51. When a return by division of the members voting in the affirmative and in the negative is
1194ordered, the members for or against the question, when called on by the Speaker, shall rise in
1195their places, and stand until they are counted. If, upon the taking of such a vote, the presence of a
1196quorum is doubted, a count of the House shall be had, and if a quorum is present the vote shall
1197stand. [67.]
1198 52. The sense of the House shall be taken by yeas and nays whenever required by ten percent
1199of the members elected. The Speaker shall, after waiting up to an interval of twelve minutes,
1200state the pending question and, after opening the electronic voting system, instruct the members
1201to vote for not less than two minutes and no more than twenty-two minutes, the Speaker shall
1202close said system and cause totals to be displayed and a record made of how each member
1203present voted; provided, that if at any time during said voting period any standing, joint or
1204conference committee is meeting in public or executive sessions, the Speaker shall leave the
1205electronic voting machine open for not less than 5 minutes.
1206 Any member desiring to be recorded as being "present" when a yea and nay vote is taken on
1207the electronic roll call system shall so notify the Clerk in person after said vote is ordered and
1208before the vote is announced.
1209 In the event the electronic voting system is not in operating order, the roll of the House shall
1210be called in alphabetical order; provided, however, that no member shall be allowed to vote or to
1211answer "present" who was not on the floor before the vote is declared; provided, however, that a
1212member, who was in the State House on a previous roll call, may be recorded by reporting to the
1213Clerk within five minutes after such vote is closed, unless objection is made thereto and it is
1214seconded; and provided further that the presiding officer shall not, for said purpose, interrupt the 59 of 142
1215member who is speaking on the floor; provided, however, that such request may be announced to
1216the House subsequent to the five minutes. The Speaker shall not entertain any requests beyond
1217said five-minute period. Once the voting has begun it shall not be interrupted except for the
1218purpose of questioning the validity of a member's vote before the result is announced. Except as
1219heretofore provided, any member who shall vote or attempt to vote for another member or any
1220person not a member who votes or attempts to vote for a member, or any member or other person
1221who willfully tampers with or attempts to impair or destroy in any manner whatsoever the voting
1222equipment used by the House, or change the records thereon shall be punished in such manner as
1223the House determines; and provided further, that such a violation shall be reported to the Ethics
1224Committee. [68.] (56, 57.)
1225Upon completion of the tally by the Clerk and the announcement of the vote by the Speaker, the
1226results of all roll calls conducted shall be conspicuously posted on the website of the General
1227Court.
1228 [Amended Jan. 12, 1983; Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 24, 2001; Jan. 9,
12292003; Jan. 26, 2005; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan 20, 2011.]
1230 53. The call for yeas and nays shall be decided without debate. If the yeas and nays have been
1231ordered before the question is put, the proceedings under Rules 50 and 51 relative to verification
1232of the vote by the voices of the members or by a return of divisions shall be omitted; if not, they
1233may be called for in lieu of a return by divisions when the Speaker's announcement is doubted by
1234a member rising in their place, and, if then ordered, the proceedings under Rules 50 and 51 shall
1235be omitted. [69.] (52.)
1236 [Amended Jan. 26, 1999; Jan. 30, 2019.] 60 of 142
1237Reconsideration.
1238 54. No motion to reconsider a vote shall be entertained unless it is made on the same day on
1239which the vote was taken, or before the Orders of the Day have been taken up on the next day
1240thereafter on which a quorum is present. If reconsideration is moved on the same day, the motion
1241shall be placed first in the Orders of the Day for the succeeding day; but, if it is moved on the
1242succeeding day, the motion shall be considered forthwith except that if said motion is moved on
1243a day on which an informal session has been designated, it shall be placed in the Orders of the
1244Day for the succeeding day. If reconsideration is moved after July first of the second annual
1245session and thereafter, on any main question, it shall be considered forthwith. This rule shall not
1246prevent the reconsideration of a vote on a subsidiary, incidental or dependent question at any
1247time when the main question to which it relates is under consideration; and provided, further,
1248that a motion to reconsider a vote on any subsidiary, incidental or dependent question shall not
1249remove the main subject under consideration from before the House, but shall be considered at
1250the time when it is made. This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the
1251members present. [70.] (53.)
1252 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981, Jan. 23, 2007.]
1253 55. When a motion for reconsideration is decided, that decision shall not be reconsidered, and
1254no question shall be twice reconsidered; nor shall any vote be reconsidered upon any of the
1255following motions:
1256 to recess,
1257 to adjourn, 61 of 142
1258 on sustaining a ruling of the Chair,
1259 to close debate at a specified time,
1260 to postpone if voted in the negative,
1261 to discharge or direct a committee to report,
1262 to commit or recommit,
1263 for second or subsequent legislative days,
1264 for the previous question, or
1265 for suspension of rules.
1266 This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present. [71.]
1267(53.)
1268 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Jan. 12, 1983; Jan. 9, 1991.]
1269 56. Debate on motions to reconsider shall be limited to fifteen minutes, and no member shall
1270occupy more than three minutes, but on a motion to reconsider a vote upon any subsidiary or
1271incidental question, debate shall be limited to ten minutes, and no member shall occupy more
1272than three minutes.
1273 If the House has voted to close debate on any question, a motion to reconsider said question
1274shall be decided without debate. [72.] (52.)
1275 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Jan. 12, 1987.]
1276RULES OF DEBATE. 62 of 142
1277 57. Every member, when about to speak, shall rise and respectfully address the Speaker and
1278shall confine themselves to the question under debate. [73.] (39.)
1279 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985.]
1280 58. Every member while speaking shall avoid personalities; and shall sit down when finished.
1281No member shall speak out of their place without leave of the Speaker. [73.] (39.)
1282 When two or more members rise at the same time, the Speaker shall name the member
1283entitled to the floor, preferring one who rises in their place to one who does not. [74.] (40.)
1284 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1285 59. If a member repeatedly violates any of the rules of the House, or disrupts the orderly
1286procedure of the House, the Speaker, after warning the member of such violations, shall call the
1287member to order, and order that member to take their seat. A member so called to order shall lose
1288the right to speak on the pending subject-matter but shall not be debarred from voting. A member
1289so called to order shall remain seated until the House begins consideration of another subject-
1290matter or unless the Speaker earlier returns to the member their rights to the floor.
1291 If a member so called to order refuses to immediately take their seat, the Speaker shall
1292immediately name that member, who shall be escorted from the Chamber under escort of the
1293Sergeant-at-Arms. The matter shall thereupon, on motion, be referred to a special committee of
1294three to be appointed by the Speaker. Said special committee shall make a report to the House of
1295its recommendations, which report shall be read and accepted.
1296 Having been named, a member shall not be allowed to resume their seat until said member
1297has complied with the recommendations of the committee as accepted by the House. 63 of 142
1298 If, after a member is seated or named, the action of the Speaker is appealed, the House shall
1299decide the case by a majority vote of the members present and voting, but if there is no
1300immediate appeal, the decision of the Speaker shall be conclusive.
1301 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Jan. 11, 1985; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1302 60. No member shall interrupt another while speaking except by rising to a point of order, to a
1303question of personal privilege, to doubt the presence of a quorum, or to ask the person speaking
1304to yield.
1305 Members may rise to explain matters personal to them by leave of the presiding officer, but
1306shall not discuss pending questions in such explanations.
1307 Questions of personal privilege shall be limited to questions affecting the rights, reputation, and
1308conduct of the member in their representative capacities.
1309 Members may rise to ask questions of parliamentary inquiry concerning the pending matter by
1310leave of the presiding officer, but shall not debate the pending questions. [75.] (42.)
1311 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1312 61. No member shall speak more than once to the prevention of those who have not spoken
1313and desire to speak on the same question.
1314 This prohibition shall not apply to those members designated by the committee or committees
1315reporting the bill.
1316 No member shall occupy more than thirty minutes at a time while speaking on any question
1317where debate is unlimited. 64 of 142
1318 Unless the operation of another rule provides to the contrary (such as previous question,
1319limitation of debate, etc.), no member shall be prohibited from speaking more than once on any
1320question when no other member who has not spoken is seeking recognition by the Chair. [76.]
1321(41.)
1322Motions.
1323 62. Every motion shall be reduced to writing, if the Speaker so directs. [77.] (44.)
1324 63. A motion need not be seconded, except an appeal from the decision of the Chair, and may
1325be withdrawn by the mover if no objection is made. [78.] (44.)
1326 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981.]
1327Limit of Debate.
1328 64. A motion to recess or adjourn shall always be first in order, and shall be decided without
1329debate; and on the motions to close debate at a specified time, to postpone to a time certain, to
1330commit or recommit, not exceeding ten minutes shall be allowed for debate, and no member
1331shall speak more than three minutes. On the motion to discharge any committee, or on a motion
1332directing any committee to report matters before it, not exceeding fifteen minutes shall be
1333allowed for debate, and no member shall speak more than three minutes.
1334 If the main motion is undebatable, any subsidiary or incidental motion made relating to it
1335shall also be decided without debate. [79.] (52.) [See Rules 56 and 83.]
1336 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981.] 65 of 142
1337 64A. Debate on the question on adoption of orders for second and subsequent legislative days
1338shall be limited to ten minutes, and no member shall speak more than three minutes. After
1339entering into a second or subsequent legislative day, the House shall immediately proceed to
1340consideration of engrossed bills, reports of committees, papers from the Senate or the Orders of
1341the Day. This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present.
1342 [Adopted Jan. 12, 1983.]
1343 65. When a question is before the House, until it is disposed of, the Speaker shall receive no
1344motion that does not relate to the same, except the motion to recess or adjourn or some other
1345motion that has precedence either by express rule of the House, or because it is privileged in its
1346nature; and the Speaker shall receive no motion relating to the same, except,—
1347 for the previous question, . . . . .
1348 to close debate at a specified time, . . . . .
1349 to postpone to a time certain, . . . . .
1350 to commit (or recommit), . . . . .
1351 to amend, . . . . . . . See Rules 66, 67 and 68
1352 See Rules 64, 69 and 70
1353 See Rules 64 and 70
1354 See Rules 64 and 71
1355 See Rules 72, 73, 74 and 75 66 of 142
1356 — which several motions shall have precedence in the order in which they are arranged in
1357this rule. [80.] (46.)
1358 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985.]
1359Previous Question.
1360 66. Any member may call for the previous question on the main question.
1361 The previous question shall be put in the following form: "Shall the main question be now
1362put?" and all debate on the main question shall be suspended until the previous question is
1363decided.
1364 The adoption of the previous question shall require the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
1365members present and voting and shall put an end to all debate, and bring the House to direct vote
1366upon pending amendments, if any, in their regular order, and then upon the main question.
1367 A motion to reconsider the vote on any of the pending amendments shall be decided without
1368debate. [81.]
1369 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981.]
1370 67. Any member may call for the previous question on any pending amendment.
1371 The previous question shall be put in the following form: "Shall the question on adoption of
1372the amendment be now put?" and all debate shall be suspended until the previous question is
1373decided. 67 of 142
1374 The adoption of the previous question on a pending amendment shall require the affirmative
1375vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting and shall put an end to all debate and bring
1376the House to a direct vote upon the pending amendment.
1377 A motion to reconsider the vote on the pending amendment shall be decided without debate.
1378 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981.]
1379 68. The previous question shall be decided without debate.
1380Motion to Close Debate at a Specified Time.
1381 69. Debate may be closed at any time not less than thirty minutes from the adoption of a
1382motion to that effect. This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the
1383members present. [85.] (47.)
1384Motion to Postpone to a Time Certain.
1385 70. When a motion is made to postpone to a time certain, and different times are proposed,
1386the question shall first be taken on the most remote time; and the time shall be determined before
1387the question is put on postponement, which may then be rejected if the House sees fit. [87.] (51.)
1388Motion to Commit.
1389 71. When a motion is made to commit, and different committees are proposed, the question
1390shall be taken in the following order:
1391 a standing committee of the House,
1392 a select committee of the House, 68 of 142
1393 a joint standing committee,
1394 a joint selected committee;
1395 and a subject may be recommitted to the same committee or to another committee at the
1396pleasure of the House. [88.] (48.)
1397Motion to Amend.
1398 72. A motion to amend an amendment is a motion offering an amendment in the second
1399degree and may be received; a motion to amend an amendment in the second degree is a motion
1400offering an amendment in the third degree and shall not be allowed. This rule shall not be
1401suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present. [89.]
1402 [Amended Jan. 12, 1983.]
1403 73. No motion or proposition on a subject different from that under consideration shall be
1404admitted under color of amendment. This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous
1405consent of the members present. [90.] (50.)
1406 [Amended Jan. 12, 1987.]
1407 73A. No motion to amend a report from the committee on Ways and Means or a report from
1408the committee on Bills in the Third Reading, when such an amendment contains an expenditure
1409of public money or an increase or decrease in taxes, shall be considered unless a brief
1410explanation of the amendment is stated.
1411 [Adopted Jan. 17, 1995; Amended Jan. 26, 1999.] 69 of 142
1412 74. A question containing two or more propositions capable of division shall be divided
1413whenever desired by any member, if the question includes points so distinct and separate that,
1414one of them being taken away, the other will stand as a complete proposition. The motion to
1415strike out and insert shall be considered as one proposition and therefore indivisible. The
1416question on ordering a bill or resolve to a third reading, or to be engrossed, or to be enacted, or
1417similar main motions shall be considered as indivisible under this rule. This rule shall not be
1418suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present. [91.] (45.)
1419 [Amended Jan. 12, 1983.]
1420 75. In filling blanks, the largest sum and longest time shall be put first. [92.] (51.) [See Rule
142170.]
1422Declaration of Recess.
1423 76. The Speaker may declare a recess of 15 minutes duration, or less.
1424 [Amended Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 29, 2015.]
1425Appeal.
1426 77. No appeal from the decision of the Speaker shall be entertained unless it is seconded; and
1427no other business shall be in order until the question on the appeal has been disposed of. Debate
1428shall be limited to 15 minutes on the question of sustaining a ruling by the Chair, and no member
1429shall occupy more than three minutes. [94.] (43A.) [See Rule 2.]
1430 [Amended Jan. 9, 1989; Jan. 29, 2015.]
1431Resolves. 70 of 142
1432 78. Such of these rules as are applicable to bills, whether of the House or of the Senate, shall
1433apply likewise to such resolves as require the concurrence of the Senate and approval by the
1434Governor in order to become law and have force as such. [95.]
1435Seats.
1436 79. (1) The desk on the right of the Speaker shall be assigned to the use of the Clerk and such
1437persons as they may employ to assist said Clerk, and that on the left to the use of the chair and
1438vice-chair of the committee on Bills in the Third Reading.
1439 (2) The Speaker shall assign members to vacant seats. The seat assigned to any member, other
1440than seats assigned under paragraph (1) of this rule, shall be their seat for the year and for such
1441additional years as said member may elect so long as service in the House remains continuous.
1442An exchange of seats may be made with the approval of the Speaker. [98.]
1443 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; May 5, 1993; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1444Privilege of the Floor.
1445 80. The following persons shall be entitled to admission to the House of Representatives,
1446during the session thereof, to stand in an area designated by the Speaker in the rear of the
1447Chamber, unless otherwise invited by said Speaker to occupy seats not numbered:
1448 (1) The Governor and the Lieutenant-Governor, members of the Executive Council, Secretary
1449of the Commonwealth, Treasurer and Receiver-General, Auditor of the Commonwealth,
1450Attorney-General, Librarian and Assistant Librarian;
1451 (2) The members of the Senate; 71 of 142
1452 (3) Authorized employees of the House and persons in the exercise of an official duty directly
1453connected with the business of the House; or
1454 (4) Contestants for seats in the House, whose papers are in the hands of a special committee
1455of the House, may be admitted, while their cases are pending, to seats to be assigned by the
1456Speaker.
1457 No other person shall be admitted to the floor during the session, except upon the permission
1458of the Speaker.
1459 No legislative agent or counsel may be admitted to the floor of the House Chamber during a
1460session unless that part of the session is ceremonial in nature in which no other legislative
1461business is conducted.
1462 The legislative reporters shall be entitled to the privileges of the reporters' galleries.
1463 This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present. [99.] (60,
146461.)
1465 [Amended Jan. 9, 1991, Jan. 23, 2007; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1466Representatives' Chamber and Adjoining Rooms.
1467 81. (a) Use of the Representatives' Chamber members' corridor or adjoining rooms shall be
1468for official business or educational purposes only and shall be subject to the approval of the
1469Speaker or the committee on Rules. The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply if the
1470purpose of admittance is to attend a meeting in an adjoining room to which members of the
1471general public are allowed to attend. 72 of 142
1472 (b) No legislative agent or counsel shall be admitted to the members' corridor or adjoining
1473rooms. No other person shall be admitted to the members' corridor or adjoining rooms, except
1474persons entitled to the privileges of the floor of the House unless upon written invitation of a
1475member bearing the name of the member and the person the member invites. Upon entering, the
1476invitation shall be given to the court officer assigned to the area. The provisions of this paragraph
1477shall not apply if the purpose of admittance is to attend a meeting in an adjoining room to which
1478members of the general public are allowed to attend.
1479 (c) No person shall be admitted to the north gallery of the House except upon a card of the
1480Speaker.
1481 (d) Subject to the approval and direction of the committee on Rules during the session and of
1482the Speaker after prorogation, the use of the reporters' galleries of the House Chamber shall be
1483under the control of the organization of legislative reporters known as the Massachusetts State
1484House Press Association and the State House Broadcasters Association.
1485 (e) Every legislative reporter desiring admission to the reporters' galleries shall state in
1486writing that they are not the agent or representative of any person or corporation interested in
1487legislation before the General Court, and will not act as representative of any such person or
1488corporation while retaining a place in the galleries; but nothing herein contained shall prevent
1489such legislative reporter from engaging in other employment, provided such other employment is
1490specifically approved by the committee on Rules and reported to the House.
1491 (f) All formal and informal sessions of the House of Representatives shall be open to both
1492commercial and public radio and television, except designated times during such sessions, as
1493determined by the House, reserved for the consideration of non-controversial business which 73 of 142
1494does not give rise to debate. The manner and conditions of such broadcasts shall be established
1495by the Speaker. Television, radio or web-broadcasts may be prohibited on any given day by the
1496Speaker.
1497 All formal and informal sessions shall be broadcast live on House television and
1498livestreamed on the General Court website. Audio or video recordings of prior formal and
1499informal sessions for the current biennial session shall be made available to the public on the
1500General Court website.
1501 The Speaker may arrange for a limited number of remote connections at a location
1502outside of the Representatives' Chamber for commercial and public radio and television to obtain
1503audio and visual feeds of formal sessions being recorded or streamed by the House. Video or
1504audio obtained from such feed shall be used only for reporting purposes. Access to the
1505connections provided shall be on a first-come-first serve basis; provided, however, that
1506commercial and public radio and television acquiring access shall be required to share the audio
1507or video feeds with other any other commercial and public radio and television station seeking
1508access. The manner and conditions of access shall be established by the Speaker with the
1509approval of the House. Access may be prohibited by the Speaker with the approval of the House.
1510 Clauses (a) through (e) of this rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the
1511members present. [100.] (59.)
1512 [Amended April 18, 1979; Jan. 12, 1983; Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 26, 1999, Jan. 23,
15132007; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1514Quorum. 74 of 142
1515 82. Eighty-one members present shall constitute a quorum for the organization of the House
1516and the transaction of business. [See amendments to the Constitution, Art. XXXIII.]
1517 In the event that a quorum is not present, the presiding officer shall compel the attendance of
1518a quorum. During the absence of a quorum, no other business may be transacted or motions
1519entertained except a declaration of adjournment or a recess by the Speaker. [105.]
1520 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Jan. 14, 1997.]
1521Debate on Motions for Suspension of Rules.
1522 83. The question of suspension of House Rules 45, 47, 56, 61, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 77 and 83
1523shall be decided without debate. Debate upon the motion for the suspension of any other House
1524rule, unless otherwise indicated, or any joint rule shall be limited to fifteen minutes and no
1525member shall occupy more than three minutes. This rule shall not be suspended unless by
1526unanimous consent of the members present. [102.] (52.)
1527 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Jan. 9, 1989.]
1528 84. Unless otherwise indicated, nothing in the House rules or joint rules shall be suspended,
1529altered or repealed unless two-thirds of the members present and voting consent thereto. This
1530rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present. [103.] (63.)
1531 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981.]
1532 84A. The Clerk may, due to technical limitations or upon exigent circumstances, elect to
1533waive any requirement relative to the electronic availability and posting on the website of the
1534General Court of any bills, resolves, summaries or other documents contained herein; provided,
1535however, that if the Clerk so waives any such requirement he shall make paper copies of the 75 of 142
1536documents available to all members and the public within the limitation established for the
1537electronic availability and posting on the website of the General Court of any bills, resolves,
1538summaries or other documents contained herein.
1539 [Adopted Feb. 11, 2009.]
1540Reference to Committee on Rules.
1541 85. All motions or orders authorizing committees of the House to travel or to employ
1542stenographers, all propositions involving special investigations by committees of the House, all
1543resolutions presented for adoption by the House only, and all motions and orders except those
1544which relate to the procedure of the House or are privileged in their nature or are authorized by
1545Rule 65, shall be referred without debate to the committee on Rules, which shall report thereon,
1546recommending what action should be taken. The committee shall not recommend suspension of
1547Joint Rule 9, unless evidence satisfactory to the committee is produced that the petitioners have
1548previously given notice, by public advertisement or otherwise, equivalent to that required by
1549Chapter 3 of the General Laws. [104.] (13A.)
1550 [Amended Jan. 29, 2015.]
1551 85A. The House Business Manager, with the approval of the Counsel appointed pursuant to
1552Rule 13B, shall provide that outside, independent audits of House financial accounts be
1553conducted for each fiscal year upon receipt of the fiscal year end appropriation activity with
1554balance report from the comptroller of the Commonwealth. The audit shall be conducted in
1555accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and the
1556standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by
1557the Comptroller General of the United States. The House Business Manager shall provide the 76 of 142
1558independent auditor with requested documents for such audit. A copy of such audit shall be filed
1559with the Clerk of the House and said copies shall be made available to the members and the
1560general public upon request. The procurement of an independent auditor pursuant to this rule
1561shall not be subject to rule 87.
1562 [Adopted Jan. 11, 1985, Amended Jan. 20, 2011; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1563Parliamentary Practice.
1564 86. The rules of parliamentary practice shall govern the House in all cases to which they are
1565applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with these rules or the joint rules of the two
1566branches. (62.)
1567Procurement.
1568 87. (a) All procurements for goods or services shall be completed by the House Business
1569Manager.
1570(b) All procurements for goods or services shall, to the extent practicable, be made pursuant to a
1571statewide procurement contract established by the operational services division.
1572 (c) Upon certification by the House Business Manager that a necessary procurement cannot be
1573made using a statewide procurement contract established by the operational services division, the
1574House Business Manager may procure the required goods or services pursuant to the following:
1575 (i) for a procurement of a supply or service in an amount of less than $10,000, the House
1576Business Manager shall use sound business practices; 77 of 142
1577 (ii) for a procurement of a supply or service in an amount of $10,000, but less than $100,000,
1578the House Business Manager shall seek written or oral quotations from no fewer than 3 persons
1579customarily providing such supply or service. The House Business Manager shall record the
1580names and addresses of all persons from whom quotations were sought, the names and addresses
1581of all persons submitting quotations and the date and amount of each quotation. The House
1582Business Manager shall transmit all quotes to House Counsel with the House Business
1583Manager’s recommendation as to what quotation offers the needed quality of supply or service at
1584the best value for the House. House Counsel shall review the quotations to ensure compliance
1585with this rule. Upon completion of the review by the House Counsel, the House Business
1586Manager shall award the contract to the responsible person whose quotation offers the needed
1587quality of supply or service and which represents the best value for the House;
1588 (iii) for a procurement of a supply or service in an amount exceeding $100,000, the House
1589Business Manager shall seek proposals through a competitive bid process established by House
1590Counsel; provided, however, that House Counsel shall file the competitive bid process with the
1591Clerk of the House no later than March 31st of the first year of the session.
1592 (d) Notwithstanding subsections (a) through (c), all procurements for legal consulting services
1593and legal resources shall be handled exclusively by Counsel in compliance with the provisions of
1594this rule.
1595 (e) The House Business Manager shall maintain a file on each contract not executed using a
1596statewide procurement contract established by the operational services division and in excess of
1597$10,000 and shall include in such file a copy of all documents constituting the agreement for
1598goods and services and all documents evidencing compliance with this rule. The House Business 78 of 142
1599Manager shall make the file available for inspection within said office by members of the House
1600for at least 3 years from the date of final payment under the contract; provided, however, that the
1601Business Manager, in consultation with Counsel, shall redact from said file any information
1602which (i) is legally privileged; (ii) is proprietary; (iii) is related to individual members or House
1603personnel; or (iv) is otherwise protected by state or federal law.
1604 (f) Whenever the time required to comply with a requirement of this rule would endanger the
1605health, safety or convenience of the members, staff or visitors to the House of Representatives,
1606the House Business Manager may make an emergency procurement without satisfying the
1607requirements of this rule; provided, however, that both the House Business Manager and Counsel
1608certify in writing: (i) that an emergency exists and explain the nature thereof; (ii) that said
1609emergency procurement is limited to only supplies or services necessary to meet the emergency;
1610(iii) that said emergency procurement conforms to the requirements of this rule to the extent
1611practicable under the circumstances; and (iv) shall include each contractor's name, the amount
1612and the type of each contract, the supplies or services provided under each contract, and (vii) the
1613basis for determining the need for an emergency procurement. Such certification shall be filed
1614with the Clerk of the House prior to an emergency procurement. [Adopted Jan. 20, 2011,
1615Amended Jan. 23, 2013; Jan. 29, 2015; Feb. 19, 2015; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1616Professional Standards and Conduct
1617 88. (a) As used in Rules 88 to 100, inclusive, the following terms shall, unless the context
1618clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:-
1619"Authorized party", a party authorized to receive a complaint of harassment or retaliation
1620pursuant to Rule 93. 79 of 142
1621"Counsel", Legal Counsel to the House appointed pursuant to Rule 13B.
1622"Director", the Director of Human Resources appointed pursuant to Rule 90.
1623"Discriminatory harassment", verbal or physical conduct that:
1624 (1) demeans, stereotypes, or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group because
1625of the individual's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, age,
1626disability status, genetic information, gender identity, active military personnel status,
1627transgender status or membership in any other protected class and;
1628 (2) (i) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive
1629working environment;
1630 (ii) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a member, officer, intern or
1631employee's work performance or official duties; or
1632 (iii) otherwise adversely affects a member, officer, intern or employee's employment
1633opportunities or ability to fulfill their official duties or conduct business before the House.
1634"EEO Officer", the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer appointed pursuant to Rule 89.
1635"Harassment", discriminatory harassment or sexual harassment engaged in by a member, officer,
1636intern or employee of the House or by a third party.
1637 "Sexual harassment", sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and verbal or physical conduct
1638of a sexual nature when:
1639 (1) submission to or rejection of such advances, requests or conduct is made either explicitly or
1640implicitly a term or condition of employment or as a basis for employment decisions, or as a 80 of 142
1641term, condition or basis for the support of certain policy objectives, political aspirations or
1642business before the House; or
1643 (2) such advances, requests or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering
1644with a member, officer, intern or employee's work performance or official duties by creating an
1645intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive work environment.
1646Under this definition, direct or implied requests for sexual favors in exchange for actual or
1647promised (i) employment benefits such as favorable reviews, salary increases, promotions,
1648increased benefits or continued employment or (ii) support for certain policy objectives, political
1649aspirations or business before the House, shall constitute sexual harassment.
1650The definition of sexual harassment is broad and may include other sexually oriented conduct,
1651whether or not it is intended to violate this Rule, that is unwelcome and has the effect of creating
1652a workplace environment that is hostile, offensive, intimidating or humiliating to a member,
1653officer, intern or employee of the same or different gender, or those who do not identify as
1654gender binary.
1655"Supervisor", a member, officer or employee having direct authority or oversight over one or
1656more employees.
1657"Third party", any person visiting the House of Representatives, or conducting official business
1658or work with any member, officer or employee of the House.
1659(b) The House is committed to providing fair and equal opportunity for employment and
1660advancement to all employees and applicants. 81 of 142
1661It is our policy and practice to assign, promote and compensate employees on the basis of
1662qualifications, merit, and competence. Employment practices shall not be influenced nor
1663affected by virtue of an applicant's or employee's race, color, religion, national origin, sex,
1664ancestry, sexual orientation, age, disability status, genetic information, gender identity, active
1665military personnel status, transgender status or membership in any other protected class.
1666This policy governs all aspects of recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, promotion,
1667transfer, discharge and all other terms and conditions of employment.
1668Without limiting the applicability of the foregoing, the House is committed to creating and
1669maintaining a work environment in which all members, officers, interns and employees of the
1670House, and all third parties, are treated with respect and free from any form of harassment,
1671including harassment based on an individual's membership in any protected class. To that end,
1672the House will not tolerate harassment of any kind by any member, officer, intern, employee or
1673third party in the workplace or otherwise in connection with the official duties or employment
1674responsibilities of a member, officer, third party, intern or employee. Any individual who
1675believes that they may have been the object of harassment, or any individual who witnesses
1676something they think may be harassment, is strongly encouraged to report that information to an
1677authorized party.
1678The House shall promote the safety and respectful treatment of all members, officers, interns and
1679employees of the House, and all third parties, by establishing uniform procedures for making and
1680receiving complaints of harassment and initiating, conducting and concluding investigations into
1681complaints of harassment. 82 of 142
1682A violation of this policy will subject the member, officer, employee or intern to discipline
1683pursuant to Rule 95 and Rule 96.
1684(c) (1) Discriminatory harassment may include, but is not limited to, the following conduct:
1685(i) epithets, slurs, insults or negative stereotyping related to the protected classes;
1686(ii) acts or jokes that are hostile or demeaning with regard to the protected classes;
1687(iii) threatening, intimidating or hostile acts that relate to the protected classes;
1688(iv) displays of written or graphic material that demean, ridicule or show hostility toward an
1689individual or group because of membership in a protected class, including material circulated or
1690displayed in the workplace, including District Offices, such as on an employee's desk or
1691workspace, or on House equipment or bulletin boards, including but not limited to House-issued
1692computers, laptops and personal device assistants;
1693(v) verbal or non-verbal innuendo, and micro-aggressions; and
1694(vi) other conduct that falls within the definition of discriminatory harassment set forth above.
1695(2) Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, the following conduct:
1696(i) gender-based bullying, including bullying based on transgender or non-gender binary status;
1697(ii) attempts to coerce an unwilling person into a sexual relationship;
1698(iii) repeatedly subjecting a person to unwelcome sexual or romantic attention;
1699(iv) punishing a person's refusal to comply with a request for sexual conduct; and
1700(v) conditioning a benefit on submitting to sexual advances. 83 of 142
1701(3) Conduct that, if unwelcome, and depending upon the totality of the circumstances, including
1702the severity of the conduct and its pervasiveness, may constitute sexual harassment includes, but
1703is not limited to, the following:
1704(i) unwelcome sexual advances, flirtations or propositions, whether they involve physical
1705touching or not;
1706(ii) sexual "kidding," epithets, jokes, written or oral references to sexual conduct;
1707(iii) gossip regarding one's sex life;
1708(iv) comment on a person's body or an individual's sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess;
1709(v) displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, posters or cartoons;
1710(vi) unwelcome leering or staring at a person;
1711(vii) sexual gestures and suggestive or insulting sounds, such as whistling or comments with
1712sexual content or meaning;
1713(viii) uninvited physical contact, such as touching, hugging, purposely brushing against the body,
1714patting or pinching;
1715(ix) indecent exposure;
1716(x) inquiries into one's sexual experiences;
1717(xi) discussion of one's sexual activities;
1718(xii) sexual emails; and 84 of 142
1719(xiii) sexting, or sexual messages or images posted on social media, for example, texts, instant
1720messages, Facebook posts, tweets, Snapchat, Instagram or blog entries.
1721(d) No member, officer or employee of the House shall retaliate, including against a member,
1722officer, intern, or employee of the House who has complained about harassment or participated
1723in an investigation into an allegation of harassment or retaliation. Any person who believes that
1724they may have been the subject of retaliation for having complained of harassment or retaliation,
1725or for having participated in an investigation related to an allegation of harassment or retaliation,
1726is strongly encouraged to report that information to an authorized party.
1727 [Added Mar. 15, 2018; Jan. 30, 2019.]
172889. (a) The House shall employ a full-time Equal Employment Opportunity Officer. The
1729committee on Rules shall appoint a qualified person with expertise in harassment prevention,
1730conduct of investigations, and identifying barriers to equal employment opportunity to act as the
1731EEO Officer at such compensation as the committee on Rules shall approve.
1732The EEO Officer shall serve a term of two years from the date of appointment, unless the EEO
1733Officer sooner resigns, retires or is removed; provided, however, that the EEO Officer may only
1734be removed: (i) for misfeasance, malfeasance or nonfeasance, as determined by agreement of
1735Counsel and the Director, and approved by a majority vote of the committee on Rules; or (ii) by
1736a majority roll call vote of the House.
1737The EEO Officer may employ such assistants as may be necessary in the discharge of the EEO
1738Officer's duties, subject to the approval of the committee on Rules, and may expend with like
1739approval such sums as may be necessary for the discharge of their duties. 85 of 142
1740(b) The EEO Officer shall receive, review and investigate all complaints alleging a violation of
1741Rule 88, the House Anti-Harassment Policy, or the House Equal Employment Policy, including,
1742but not limited to complaints alleging harassment or retaliation. Complaints shall be received,
1743reviewed and investigated pursuant to Rules 93 to 96, inclusive.
1744The EEO Officer shall develop and implement written policies and procedures for receiving,
1745investigating, resolving and maintaining records of complaints against members, officers, interns
1746or employees of the House, or against third parties, made in accordance with Rules 93 to 98,
1747inclusive.
1748(c) (1) The EEO Officer, in conjunction with the committee on Human Resources and Employee
1749Engagement and the Director, shall provide for training of members. Training shall include,
1750without limitation, instruction on: (i) House equal employment policies, including the complaint
1751and investigation process; (ii) workplace harassment specifically, including techniques for
1752bystander intervention and other best practices; (iii) prohibition on retaliation; (iv) best
1753management practices; (v) professionalism and respect; and (vi) practices for monitoring the
1754workplace for issues and identifying risk factors. Each member shall make a signed, written
1755acknowledgement of the member's completion of the training, which shall be retained by the
1756EEO Officer.
1757 (2) The EEO Officer, in conjunction with the committee on Human Resources and Employee
1758Engagement and the Director, shall provide for annual training for all appointed officers and
1759employees. Training shall include, without limitation, instruction on (i) House equal employment
1760policies, including the complaint and investigation process; (ii) workplace harassment 86 of 142
1761specifically, including techniques for bystander intervention and other best practices; (iii)
1762prohibition on retaliation; and (iv) professionalism and respect.
1763Separate trainings shall be held for those appointed officers and employees who are supervisors
1764and those appointed officers and employees who are not supervisors. The content of the training
1765shall be tailored appropriately to the recipients. Supervisors shall be specifically trained on best
1766management practices.
1767Each appointed officer and employee shall make a signed, written acknowledgement of their
1768completion of the training, which shall be retained by the EEO Officer, who shall provide a copy
1769to the Director to be maintained in their personnel file.
1770 (3) The EEO Officer shall provide for appropriate additional training to members, officers or
1771employees at any time that the EEO Officer deems necessary or appropriate, including upon the
1772request of a member, officer or employee.
1773 (4) The EEO Officer, in conjunction with the Director, shall provide for training for interns
1774during the intern orientation process. The training shall include without limitation, instruction
1775on: (i) House equal employment policies, including the complaint and investigation process; (ii)
1776workplace harassment specifically, including techniques for bystander intervention and other
1777best practices; (iii) prohibition on retaliation; and (iv) professionalism and respect. Each intern
1778shall make a signed, written acknowledgement of the intern's completion of the training, which
1779shall be retained by the EEO Officer, who shall provide a copy to the Director to be maintained
1780in the Director's records.
1781(d) The EEO Officer shall develop practices and procedures for auditing House offices, including
1782random audits, to ensure the maintenance of best practices. Audits may include interviews and 87 of 142
1783in-office observation. All members, officers, interns and employees shall comply with a request
1784from the EEO Officer to conduct an audit. [Adopted Mar. 15, 2018.]
178590. (a) The House shall employ a full-time Director of Human Resources. The committee on
1786Rules shall appoint a qualified person to act as the Director at such compensation as the
1787committee on Rules shall approve.
1788The Director shall serve a term of two years from the date of appointment, unless the Director
1789sooner resigns, retires or is removed; provided, however, that the Director may only be removed:
1790(i) for misfeasance, malfeasance or nonfeasance, as determined by agreement of the EEO Officer
1791and Counsel and approved by a majority vote of the committee on Rules; or (ii) by a majority
1792roll call vote of the House.
1793 (b) The Director may employ such assistants as may be necessary in the discharge of the
1794Director's duties, subject to the approval of the committee on Rules, and may expend with like
1795approval such sums as may be necessary for the discharge of their duties.
1796 (c) The Director shall develop and oversee standardized practices and procedures, which shall
1797apply to all applications for employment. The practices and procedures shall include, but shall
1798not be limited to: (i) a standard application for employment; (ii) mandatory background and
1799reference checks, the results of which shall be reported by the Director to the applicant's
1800prospective appointing authority; and (iii) a standard offer letter for each position within the
1801House.
1802 (d) The Director shall develop and oversee standardized practices and procedures, which shall
1803apply to all employees and appointed officers of the House. These practices and procedures shall
1804include or address, without limitation: (i) regular meetings between the Director, the EEO 88 of 142
1805Officer and employees who are supervisors, including an initial meeting within 14 days of the
1806employee assuming such a role; (ii) guidelines for conducting employee performance reviews;
1807(iii) a program of progressive discipline; and (iv) separations from employment including exit
1808interviews for terminated employees.
1809 (e) The Director shall develop employee classifications, which shall include written job
1810descriptions, salary ranges and schedules. The classifications shall be published in the employee
1811and supervisor handbooks. The Director may develop a seniority system on which employee
1812salaries may be based. A seniority system shall be published in the employee handbook.
1813 (f) The Director shall develop practices and procedures for receiving, investigating and
1814resolving personnel complaints unrelated to Rule 88, the House Anti-Harassment Policy, or the
1815House Equal Employment Policy.
1816 (g) The Director shall annually publish: (i) an Employee Handbook; and (ii) an Intern
1817Handbook. Each handbook shall be developed with the advice and approval of the EEO Officer
1818and Counsel, and shall be submitted to the committee on Human Resources and Employee
1819Engagement for review and approval at least 14 days prior to publication.
1820The handbooks shall be available as follows:
1821(i) the Director shall post both handbooks on the human resources web portal;
1822(ii) the Director shall email an electronic copy of the Employee Handbook to each employee
1823within 10 days of its publication and require that each employee sign a written acknowledgement
1824of receipt and return such acknowledgement to the Director within 5 days; 89 of 142
1825(iii) the Director shall email an electronic copy of the Employee Handbook to each new
1826employee within 5 days of the employee's start date and require that the employee sign a written
1827acknowledgement of receipt and return such acknowledgement to the Director within 5 days;
1828 (iv) the committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement shall provide an Intern
1829Handbook to each intern on the first day of their internship. Upon receipt of the Intern
1830Handbook the intern shall sign a written acknowledgement of receipt that day, which shall be
1831maintained by the committee, with a copy sent to the Director;
1832(vi) hard copies of each handbook shall be available in the offices of the Director, the EEO
1833Officer, Counsel and the Clerk;
1834(vi) the Director shall cause electronic copies of each handbook to be downloaded onto the
1835desktop of each House computer; and
1836(vii) in formats accessible to all members, officers and employees.
1837(h) (1) The Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement, in consultation with
1838the Director, shall develop policies to address individuals who provide services to the House in a
1839volunteer capacity or otherwise without receiving compensation
1840(2) The Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement, in consultation with the
1841Director and subject to the approval of Counsel, shall develop policies pro-bono service and
1842charitable and community service activities by members, officers and employees of the House.
1843 [Added Mar. 15. 2018; Amended Jan. 30, 2019.]
184491. The Director shall, in consultation with the EEO Officer, create and maintain an internal web
1845portal for members, officers and employees. The web portal shall provide relevant information 90 of 142
1846on human resource policies and procedures, including, without limitation, the Rules of the
1847House, each handbook published by the Director, explanations of complaint and investigation
1848procedures, contact information for the Director, the EEO Officer and Counsel, training
1849opportunities and schedules and the directory of committee staff required pursuant to Rule 92.
1850 [Added Mar. 15, 2018.]
185192. (a) The House shall employ a full-time Director of Employee Engagement. The committee
1852on Human Resources and Employee Engagement shall appoint a qualified person to act as the
1853Director of Employee Engagement at such compensation as the committee on Human Resources
1854and Employee Engagement shall approve.
1855 (b) The Director of Employee Engagement shall, in consultation with the Director of Human
1856Resources: (i) develop methods for enhancing the skills and professional development of
1857employees including skills for providing constituent services and engaging with, and ensuring
1858the privacy of, members of the public who visit the State House; (ii) explore and develop
1859partnerships with national trade organizations to maximize the opportunities for professional
1860development available to employees; and (iv) engage employees in roundtable discussions on
1861issues of importance or concern.
1862 (c) The Director of Employee Engagement shall assist the committee on Human Resources
1863and Employee Engagement with duties as may be assigned by the committee or the Director of
1864Human Resources.
1865(d) The Director of Employee Engagement shall prepare and publish on the house intranet a
1866directory of committee staff. 91 of 142
1867 [Added Mar. 15, 2018.]
186893. (a) (1) A member who believes that they have been the object of harassment or retaliation,
1869who witnesses harassment or retaliation, or who becomes aware of harassment or retaliation
1870may make a complaint, either orally or in writing with the EEO Officer, Counsel, or the Director.
1871Upon receipt of a complaint pursuant to this subsection, a recipient other than the EEO Officer
1872shall forthwith provide a detailed account of the complaint to the EEO Officer for assessment
1873pursuant to Rule 94.
1874 (2) An appointed officer, employee or intern of the House who believes that they have been
1875the object of harassment or retaliation, who witnesses harassment or retaliation, or who becomes
1876aware of harassment or retaliation may make a complaint, either orally or in writing, to any of
1877the officer's, employee's or intern's supervisors, the Director, the EEO Officer or Counsel. Upon
1878receipt of a complaint pursuant to this subsection, a recipient other than the EEO Officer shall
1879forthwith provide a detailed account of the complaint to the EEO Officer for assessment pursuant
1880to Rule 94.
1881 (3) A third party who believes that they have been the object of harassment, or who witnesses
1882harassment or retaliation may make a complaint, either orally or in writing, with the EEO
1883Officer. Upon receipt of a complaint pursuant to this subsection, the EEO Officer shall assess
1884the complaint pursuant to Rule 94.
1885 (b) The EEO Officer shall provide guidance for authorized parties who may receive
1886complaints under subsection (a), both in the form of the training referenced in Rule 89 and
1887otherwise. The guidance shall instruct authorized parties on the proper way to receive
1888complaints and to advise complainants on issues including, but not limited to, confidentiality, 92 of 142
1889prohibition on retaliation and the availability of additional resources and avenues for action for
1890the complainant, including possible criminal action where appropriate.
1891 (c) If a complaint, made pursuant to subsection (a), is against the EEO Officer or an employee
1892appointed by the EEO Officer, the recipient of the complaint shall notify Counsel, who shall, in
1893consultation with the Director, investigate the complaint pursuant to Rules 94 to 96, inclusive.
1894 (d) If, based on the nature and circumstances of the complaint, the EEO Officer believes that
1895they cannot objectively assess or investigate a complaint made pursuant to subsection (a) the
1896EEO Officer shall refer the matter to Counsel who shall assume responsibility for the assessment
1897or investigation or refer the complaint to outside counsel for investigation. The EEO Officer
1898shall consult with Counsel to establish guidelines used to identify matters that should be referred
1899to Counsel or outside counsel pursuant to this subsection.
1900 [Added Mar. 15, 2018; Amended Jan. 30, 2019.]
190194. (a)(1) All complaints alleging harassment or retaliation by or against a member, officer,
1902intern or employee of the House, or by or against a third party, received by any member, officer
1903or employee of the House, shall be immediately referred to the EEO Officer for assessment.
1904(2) Upon receiving a complaint alleging harassment or retaliation by or against a member, officer
1905or employee of the House, or by or against a third party, the EEO Officer shall promptly
1906undertake an assessment to determine whether the complaint is plausible and requires
1907investigation. Such assessment shall be completed within two weeks from the date of receiving a
1908complaint. 93 of 142
1909Upon a determination by the EEO Officer that a complaint is plausible and requires
1910investigation, the EEO Officer shall commence an investigation of the complaint.
1911Upon a determination by the EEO Officer that a complaint is not plausible and does not require
1912investigation, the EEO Officer shall submit a report to Counsel and the Director describing the
1913complaint and the EEO Officer's basis for determining that the complaint lacked plausibility and
1914did not require investigation. If either Counsel or the Director objects to the EEO Officer's
1915determination, the EEO Officer shall commence an investigation of the complaint.
1916(b) The EEO Officer shall assess complaints and conduct investigations pursuant to written
1917policies and procedures, which shall be established by the EEO Officer pursuant to Rule 98 and
1918published on the human resources web portal. The policies and procedures shall ensure that all
1919assessments, investigations and reports are confidential to the fullest extent practicable under the
1920circumstances and shall include, without limitation, the following: trauma-informed techniques;
1921mechanisms for investigating complaints made by witnesses or third parties; standards for
1922collecting and maintaining evidence; consideration of interim measures; and methods to tailor
1923each investigation to the specific needs of the complainant and particular circumstances of the
1924complaint.
1925(c) The EEO Officer shall complete investigations within 90 days; provided, that the EEO
1926Officer may extend the investigation in extraordinary circumstances. The EEO Officer shall
1927regularly, but no less frequently than every 2 weeks, update the complainant on the status of the
1928investigation. If the EEO Officer believes that interim measures are warranted to protect
1929complainants during the investigation, then the EEO shall recommend such measures to the
1930appropriate supervisory individual or body. 94 of 142
1931(d) Upon the conclusion of an investigation, the EEO Officer shall prepare a report summarizing
1932the complaint, the EEO Officer's investigation, findings and recommendations, if any, for
1933disciplinary, remedial or preventative action, or any combination thereof.
1934 [Added Mar. 15, 2018.]
193595. (a) (1) If after completion of an investigation pursuant to Rule 94, the EEO Officer
1936determines that a member has violated Rule 88, the EEO Officer shall recommend disciplinary,
1937remedial or preventative action, or any combination thereof, as is appropriate and proportional
1938under the circumstances, subject to the limitations set forth in paragraphs (2) and (3).
1939(2) Where the EEO Officer's action recommended pursuant to paragraph (1) does not include
1940reprimand, censure, removal from position as a chair or other position of authority, or expulsion,
1941prior to imposing such action the EEO Officer shall notify the member of the action and provide
1942the member with a copy of the EEO Officer's report. The member may, within 10 days of
1943receiving notice, request in writing that the Speaker and Minority Leader appoint a special
1944committee pursuant to Rule 96 to review the findings and recommendations of the EEO Officer.
1945Upon receipt of said request, the Speaker and Minority Leader shall convene a special committee
1946pursuant to Rule 96.
1947If the member fails to request the appointment of a special committee pursuant to Rule 96 within
194810 days, the EEO Officer shall implement the recommended action.
1949(3) If the action recommended pursuant to subsection (a) includes reprimand, censure, removal
1950from position as a chair or other position of authority, or expulsion, the EEO Officer shall
1951request that the Speaker and Minority Leader convene a special committee pursuant to Rule 96
1952to review the findings and recommendations of the EEO Officer. Upon receipt of said request 95 of 142
1953from the EEO Officer, the Speaker and Minority Leader shall appoint a special committee
1954pursuant to Rule 96.
1955(4) Upon the request for a special committee made by the EEO Officer or a member pursuant to
1956this subsection, the EEO Officer shall provide the Speaker and Minority Leader with a copy of
1957the EEO Officer's report.
1958(b) (1) If after completion of an investigation pursuant to Rule 94 the EEO Officer concludes that
1959an appointed officer, intern or employee has violated Rule 88, the EEO Officer shall notify the
1960appointing authority for the appointed officer, intern or employee and recommend and
1961implement remedial, preventative or disciplinary action, or any combination thereof, as is
1962appropriate and proportional under the circumstances, subject to the limitations set forth in
1963paragraph (2). Notwithstanding Rule 97, the appointing authority may inform any other
1964supervisors of the appointed officer, intern or employee of the remedial, preventative or
1965disciplinary action if the appointing authority believes that sharing such information is necessary
1966for maintaining proper supervision of the appointed officer, intern or employee.
1967(2) If after completion of an investigation pursuant to Rule 94 the EEO Officer concludes that an
1968appointed officer, intern or employee has violated Rule 88 and the EEO Officer's action
1969recommended pursuant to paragraph (1) includes termination of employment or internship, the
1970EEO Officer shall forward the recommendation, with all supporting documentation, to Counsel
1971for review and approval. Counsel shall have two business days to review the EEO Officer's
1972recommendation. If Counsel approves the recommendation, Counsel shall notify the EEO
1973Officer and the Director and the Director shall immediately terminate the individual's 96 of 142
1974employment or internship. If Counsel rejects the EEO Officer's recommendation, he shall notify
1975the EEO Officer and the Speaker and the Speaker shall determine the action to be implemented.
1976 [Added Mar. 15, 2018.]
197796. (a) Upon receipt of a request pursuant to Rule 95, the Speaker and Minority Leader shall
1978confidentially convene a Special Committee on Professional Conduct, which shall consist of 7
1979members, 5 of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker and 2 of whom shall be appointed by the
1980Minority Leader. To the extent practicable, membership on the special committee shall be
1981apportioned in a way that takes into account the nature of the complaint and the commitment of
1982the House to providing fair and equal opportunity in employment. The Speaker shall appoint a
1983member to serve as chair. No member who has declared their candidacy for any other local,
1984state or federal office shall be appointed to a special committee. Upon appointment of members
1985to the committee, the Speaker and Minority Leader shall notify the EEO Officer and the member
1986who is the subject of the complaint of the identity of the members appointed. The existence of
1987the committee and the identity of the members appointed to the committee shall otherwise
1988remain confidential.
1989(b) The EEO Officer shall provide the members of the special committee with all records
1990relevant to the investigation. The special committee shall review all records and may further
1991investigate, to the extent that it is necessary to resolve the complaint. The special committee
1992may summon witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and compel the production of books,
1993papers, documents and other evidence in connection with its review.
1994(c) In the case of a special committee convened under this section upon the request for a review
1995by a member pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Rule 95, the committee shall 97 of 142
1996determine whether the EEO Officer's intended action is proportional and appropriate under the
1997circumstances. If a majority of the committee so finds, it shall order that the action
1998recommended by EEO Officer be implemented, along with any additional disciplinary, remedial
1999or preventative action, or any combination thereof, the committee determines to be proportional
2000and appropriate under the circumstances, subject to the limitations set forth in subsection (d). If
2001a majority of the committee finds that the intended action was not proportional or appropriate
2002under the circumstances, it may make a new recommendation for disciplinary, remedial or
2003preventative action, or any combination thereof, subject to the limitations set forth in said
2004subsection (d). All determinations of the committee pursuant to this subsection shall be final.
2005(d) (1) If a majority of the committee finds that a member has violated Rule 88, it may take any
2006disciplinary, remedial or preventative action, or any combination thereof, as it determines to be
2007proportional and appropriate under the circumstances; provided, however, that if the committee
2008determines that reprimand, censure, removal from position as a chair or other position of
2009authority, or expulsion is proportional and appropriate under the circumstances, it shall file a
2010report with the Clerk recommending that the House vote to implement the disciplinary action.
2011(2) Upon the filing of a report pursuant to paragraph (1), the Clerk shall promptly: (i) make the
2012report available to all members electronically; (ii) cause the report to be posted on the website of
2013the General Court; and (iii) place the matter in first position in the Orders of the Day for the next
2014calendar day that the House is meeting; provided, however, that no business shall be conducted
2015on that calendar day or any day thereafter until the question of acceptance or rejection of the
2016special committee's recommendation for discipline is decided by a majority of the members
2017voting and present by a recorded roll call vote. If a majority of the members vote to accept the 98 of 142
2018recommendation for discipline, the member shall be disciplined in the manner so recommended.
2019Unless a majority of the members vote to accept the report, the member shall not be disciplined.
2020(3) All findings and determinations of the committee, including instances where the special
2021committee does not file a report with the Clerk pursuant to paragraph (1), shall be reported to the
2022EEO Officer and shall be final. The EEO Officer shall maintain confidential records of such
2023findings and determinations, except that a report filed pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be public.
2024(e) The committee may consult with Counsel, the EEO Officer or the Director in discharging its
2025duties pursuant to Rules 88 to 97, inclusive.
2026 [Added Mar. 15, 2018; Amended Jan. 30, 2019.]
202797. (a) Any information obtained by a member or employee in their official capacity and relating
2028to a complaint or investigation of harassment pursuant to Rules 93 to 96, inclusive, and any
2029records of such information shall be confidential to the fullest extent possible. Confidentiality
2030shall be specifically subject to subsections (b), (c), (d) and (e).
2031(b) (1) The EEO Officer, in reviewing a complaint and conducting an investigation, shall keep
2032the complaint confidential and shall not disclose the identity of the complainant or the person
2033against whom the complaint is made or any other details of the complaint with any member or
2034employee; provided, however, that the EEO Officer may share information to the extent
2035necessary to interview witnesses or parties to the investigation or to consult with Counsel if the
2036EEO Officer determines that such consultation is required in connection with the investigation.
2037(2) In the case of a complaint against a staff person, the EEO Officer shall maintain
2038confidentiality throughout their investigation and implement all remedial actions and discipline
2039short of termination confidentially, without sharing the identity of the complainant or the person 99 of 142
2040against whom the complaint is made or any other details of the complaint with any member or
2041employee; provided, however, that the EEO Officer may share information to the extent
2042necessary to implement any remedial actions or discipline or to consult with Counsel if the EEO
2043Officer determines that such consultation is required in connection with the investigation. This
2044paragraph shall not limit the EEO Officer's ability to transmit the resolution of a complaint,
2045including any discipline resulting therefrom, to the Director for inclusion in the employee's
2046personnel file.
2047(3) In the case of a complaint against a staff person, where the EEO Officer recommends
2048termination, the EEO Officer shall share information with Counsel for review. If Counsel and
2049the EEO Officer disagree as to whether termination is the appropriate discipline, confidentiality
2050shall only be expanded to the extent needed to inform the Office of the Speaker and reach a
2051resolution.
2052(4) In the case of a complaint against a member, the EEO officer shall maintain confidentiality
2053throughout their investigation by: (i) not disclosing information to any member or employee who
2054is not a witness or party to the investigation, except to consult with Counsel if the EEO Officer
2055determines that such consultation is required in connection with the investigation; and (ii)
2056confidentially recommending all remedial actions short of reprimand, censure, removal from
2057position as a chair or other position of authority, or expulsion of a member. This paragraph shall
2058not limit the EEO Officer's ability to: (i) share their report with the Office of the Speaker and the
2059Minority Leader upon the request for a special committee pursuant to Rule 95; and (ii) share any
2060records relevant to the investigation with the special committee convened pursuant to Rule 96;
2061provided, that when sharing their report with the Office of the Speaker and the Minority Leader, 100 of 142
2062the EEO Officer may use pseudonyms, redaction and other methods the EEO Officer considers
2063appropriate to address the needs of a complainant or the circumstances of a complaint.
2064(c) (1) The establishment of a special committee pursuant to Rule 96 shall be completely
2065confidential, except that the Speaker and Minority Leader shall disclose the names of their
2066respective appointments to the EEO Officer. The EEO Officer shall maintain a confidential
2067record of the membership of each special committee that is convened.
2068(2) All proceedings of a special committee convened pursuant to Rule 96 shall be confidential
2069and members of the committee shall not share any information about the complaint and
2070investigation for which the committee was convened with any other member or employee,
2071including their own appointed staff; provided, however, that the committee may consult with
2072Counsel if the chair of the committee determines that such consultation is required in connection
2073with the investigation.
2074(3) A special committee convened pursuant to Rule 96 shall implement all actions short of
2075reprimand, censure, removal from position as a chair or other position of authority, or expulsion
2076of a member confidentially, except that the special committee shall submit a final report to the
2077EEO Officer and may consult with Counsel if the chair of the committee determines that such
2078consultation is required in connection with their recommended action. The committee's
2079recommendation, if any, for reprimand, censure, removal from position as a chair or other
2080position of authority, or expulsion of a member, shall be a public document; provided, however,
2081that the committee may use pseudonyms to conceal the identity of the complainant if the
2082circumstances of the complaint so warrant. 101 of 142
2083(d) All authorized parties shall keep complaints confidential, except to share the complaint with
2084the EEO Officer.
2085(e) Nothing in this Rule shall limit the ability of the EEO Officer to share information with a
2086complainant, to the extent appropriate, in order to properly conclude the complaint or
2087investigation process.
2088 [Added Mar. 15, 2018; Amended Jan. 30, 2019.]
208998. The EEO Officer and the Director shall establish all policies, procedures and guidelines
2090required by Rules 88 to 97, inclusive, and may develop supplemental policies, procedures and
2091guidelines necessary to implement or enforce Rules 88 to 97, inclusive; provided, that no policy,
2092procedure or guideline shall take effect without the prior review and written approval of Counsel
2093and the committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement. Where appropriate, these
2094policies, procedures and guidelines shall be included in the handbooks.
2095The EEO Officer and the Director may consult with each other, Counsel, and the committee on
2096Human Resources and Employee Engagement to carry out the requirements of Rules 88 to 97,
2097inclusive.
2098 [Added Mar. 15, 2018.]
209999. In the event of a vacancy in the office of EEO Officer appointed pursuant to Rule 89,
2100Counsel may, notwithstanding House Rule 87 and utilizing sound business practices, procure the
2101services of an Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, hereinafter the Contract EEO Officer, to
2102perform the duties of the EEO Officer established in Rules 88 to 100, inclusive, during said
2103vacancy as required. 102 of 142
2104Notwithstanding Rules 88 to 100, inclusive, all complaints alleging a violation of Rule 88, the
2105House Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation, or the House Equal
2106Employment Policy, including, but not limited to complaints alleging harassment or retaliation
2107shall be referred to the Contract EEO Officer for review and, if necessary, investigation pursuant
2108to Rules 88 through 100.
2109Counsel shall consult with the Chair of the House Committee on Rules prior to executing a
2110contract for services pursuant to this Rule.
2111 [Added March 15, 2018.]
2112100. (a) No member, officer or employee shall execute any agreement to settle any legal claim or
2113potential legal claim by any current or former member, officer or employee unless said
2114agreement is executed pursuant to this rule.
2115(b) No member, officer or employee shall execute any agreement to settle any legal claim or
2116potential legal claim brought by any current or former member, officer or employee without the
2117approval of Counsel, the Director and the EEO Officer. Counsel, the Director and the EEO
2118Officer shall each independently review the claim or potential legal claim brought by any current
2119or former member, officer or employee and confirm that the claim or potential claim does not
2120relate to sexual harassment or retaliation based on a claim of sexual harassment. Counsel, the
2121Director and the EEO Officer shall not approve any settlement of a legal claim or potential legal
2122claim brought by any current or former member, officer or employee pursuant to this subsection
2123if Counsel, the Director or the EEO Officer reasonably believes such legal claim or potential
2124legal claim relates to sexual harassment or retaliation based on a claim of sexual harassment. 103 of 142
2125(c) No member, officer or employee shall execute any agreement to settle any legal claim or
2126potential legal claim of sexual harassment, or retaliation based on a legal claim or potential legal
2127claim of sexual harassment, by any current or former member, officer or employee unless said
2128agreement is executed pursuant to this subsection.
2129No member, officer or employee shall execute any agreement to settle a legal claim or potential
2130legal claim of sexual harassment, or retaliation based on a legal claim or potential legal claim of
2131sexual harassment, by any current or former member, officer or employee unless:
21321. the request to negotiate said agreement was initiated, in writing, by the person filing or eligible
2133to file the legal claim or potential legal claim or a person legally authorized to represent that
2134person;
21352. the person filing the legal claim or eligible to file the legal claim is given 15 days to review
2136and consider the agreement;
21373. the duration of any non-disclosure or non-disparagement provision of the agreement to settle
2138the legal claim or potential legal claim is for a finite period of time as agreed to by the parties;
21394. the agreement to settle the legal claim or potential legal claim specifically provides that no
2140provision of the agreement, including any non-disclosure or non-disparagement provision of the
2141agreement, shall preclude any party from participating in an investigation by Counsel, the
2142Director, the EEO Officer, a Committee on Professional Conduct or any law enforcement
2143agency; and
21445. the agreement is approved in writing by Counsel, the Director and the EEO Officer. 104 of 142
2145(d) In the case of an agreement to settle any legal claim or potential legal claim of sexual
2146harassment pursuant to this Rule by a member, the Speaker and Minority Leader shall appoint a
2147Special Committee on Professional Conduct pursuant to Rule 96 to determine if the member
2148shall be required to personally reimburse the House for all or part of the settlement amount.
2149Upon a determination by the Special Committee that the member shall be required to personally
2150reimburse the House for all or part of the settlement amount, it shall determine the amount to be
2151reimbursed and immediately notify the member of that amount
2152(e) Upon request of the party described in paragraph numbered 1 above or the complainant,
2153Counsel shall waive any non-disclosure or non-disparagement provision of any agreement
2154executed prior to the effective date of this Rule by the House and any current or former member,
2155officer or employee, to allow said current or former member, officer or employee to report or
2156discuss a claim of sexual harassment or retaliation based on sexual harassment.
2157 [Added Mar. 15, 2018; Amended Jan. 30, 2019.]
2158101. Notwithstanding Rule 7C, the Speaker may, upon recommendation of a majority of the
2159committee on Rules, activate remote rules for the operation of the House of Representatives:
2160Remote Rules for the Operation of the House of Representatives
2161 Remote Rule 1. As used in Remote Rules 1 through 16, inclusive, the following terms shall have
2162the following meanings:-
2163“Clerk”, the Clerk of the House of Representatives.
2164“Formal session”, a formal session of the House.
2165“House”, the House of Representatives. 105 of 142
2166“House Chamber”, the House Chamber within the Massachusetts State House in Boston or the
2167location to which the House at its previous formal or informal session adjourned to meet.
2168“Member”, a member of the House of Representatives.
2169“Monitor”, one of the members appointed by the Speaker pursuant to Standing Rule 8.
2170“Participating remotely” or “remotely present”, participating by telephone, teleconference, video
2171conference or other means.
2172 “Present”, a member either physically present in the House Chamber for a formal session or
2173remotely present, and participating in a formal session.
2174“Quorum”, eighty-one members present for a formal session.
2175 “Speaker”, the Speaker of the House or the member presiding at the formal session of the House
2176after being appointed by the Speaker to perform the duties of the Chair pursuant to Standing Rule
21775.
2178 “Standing rules”, House Rules 1 through 100, inclusive.
2179Remote Rule 2. (a)(1) , The House may assemble in a formal session with members participating
2180remotely. Members participating remotely in a formal session may vote on any question or other
2181matter before the House. Members participating remotely in a formal session shall be considered
2182present and in attendance at the formal session for all purposes, including for purposes of
2183determining a quorum pursuant to Article XXXIII of the Amendments to the Constitution of the
2184Commonwealth or any standing rules and for purposes of appearing before the Governor and
2185council pursuant to Part the Second, Chapter VI, Article I of the Constitution of the
2186Commonwealth. 106 of 142
2187 (2) A member participating remotely in a formal session shall have the same privileges, rights
2188and responsibilities as if the member were physically present in the House Chamber, including
2189without limitation, the right, privilege and responsibility to cast votes on all questions or other
2190matters brought to a vote and the ability to the take the oath required pursuant to Part the Second,
2191Chapter VI, Article I of the Constitution of the Commonwealth
2192(3) At the commencement of a formal session, the Speaker shall take the Chair at the hour to
2193which the House stands adjourned, call the House to order and immediately order a quorum roll
2194call.
2195(3) (i) The House shall not be called to order before the hour of 10:00 A.M. nor meet beyond the
2196hour of midnight unless by unanimous consent of the members present.
2197 (ii) All votes taken on the enactment of any bill or resolve during any formal session where
2198members are participating remotely shall be by roll call vote.
2199(5) The Clerk shall prepare a Journal for the House for any formal session of the House held
2200remotely. The Journal for the House may reflect that the formal session was convened pursuant
2201to remote rules, but shall not deviate in any substantive manner from the Journal of the House
2202required to be prepared by the Clerk pursuant to Standing Rule 10. The Journal of the House for
2203any formal session of the House held during the state of emergency within the House shall not
2204specify which members participated remotely.
2205(b)(1) The Speaker shall preside from within the House Chamber over any formal session of the
2206House where any member is participating remotely. The Minority Leader, Chair of the
2207committee on Ways and Means, Ranking Minority Member of the committee on Ways and
2208Means, the House Chair and Ranking Minority Member of the joint committee from which any 107 of 142
2209bill being debated at the formal session has been reported, or their designees, and the division
2210monitors may also be physically present. All other members are strongly encouraged to
2211participate remotely in a formal session.
2212 (2) Officers and employees essential to the conduct of the formal session may be present in the
2213House Chamber during a formal session with the express authorization of the Speaker in
2214consultation with the Minority Leader. The Speaker and Minority Leader may have one
2215employee from their office present in the House Chamber during a formal session. No other
2216officer or employee shall be physically present in the House Chamber unless deemed essential to
2217the conduct of the formal session by the Speaker.
2218 (3) All members, officers and employees physically present in the House Chamber during a
2219formal session shall, at the direction of the Speaker, undertake any mitigation measures ordered
2220by the Speaker. Court Officers shall strictly enforce mitigation measures directed by the Speaker
2221by and between members, officers and employees in and around the House Chamber. Any
2222member, officer or employee in violation of the mitigation measures ordered by the Speaker
2223shall be removed from the House Chamber.
2224Remote Rule 3. (a) A member participating remotely may make any motion authorized pursuant
2225to the standing rules, raise a point of order, raise a point of personal privilege, or raise a point of
2226parliamentary inquiry. Members participating remotely shall notify their division monitor of their
2227desire to make a motion, raise a point of order, raise a point of personal privilege or raise a point
2228of parliamentary inquiry. The division monitor shall immediately notify the Speaker who shall
2229recognize the member seeking to make a motion, raise a point of order, raise a point of personal
2230privilege or raise a point of parliamentary inquiry. No member shall interrupt another member 108 of 142
2231while that member is speaking, including to request that the member speaking yield, except for
2232the reasons authorized herein.
2233 (b) A vote on any motion made pursuant to subsection (a) shall be conducted by voice vote as
2234prescribed by subsection (b) of Remote Rule 5, unless the Constitution or the standing rules
2235specifically require a roll call vote.
2236 (c) A motion made by a member participating remotely may be made and submitted by the
2237division monitor for the floor division of the House wherein the seat assigned to said member
2238pursuant to Standing Rule 79 is located.
2239Remote Rule 4. (a) A member participating remotely wishing to speak on any question before
2240the House shall notify the monitor for the floor division of the House wherein the seat assigned
2241to said member pursuant to Standing Rule 79 is located as follows:
2242(i) A member wishing to speak on a bill, resolve or the General Appropriation Bill, or an
2243amendment thereto, shall notify their floor division monitor no later than 10:00 A.M. on the day
2244that the bill, resolve, General Appropriation Bill, or amendment thereto, is scheduled to be
2245considered by the House. Said notification shall include: (1) the number of the bill, resolve
2246General Appropriation Bill, or amendment thereto, that the member wishes to speak to; and (2)
2247whether the member wishes to speak in favor of or in opposition to the bill, resolve, General
2248Appropriation Bill, or amendment thereto.
2249(ii) A member wishing to speak on a consolidated amendment shall notify their floor division
2250monitor no later than 45 minutes after the consolidated amendment shall have been first filed
2251with the Clerk and made available electronically to the members. Said notification shall include: 109 of 142
2252(1) the number or letter of the consolidated amendment the member wishes to speak to; and (2)
2253whether the member wishes to speak in favor of or in opposition to the consolidated amendment.
2254(iii) A member wishing to speak on a conference committee report filed pursuant to Joint Rule
225511B shall notify their floor division monitor no later than 10:00 A.M. on the day the conference
2256committee report is scheduled to be considered by the House. Said notification shall include: (1)
2257the bill number of the conference committee report; and (2) whether the member wishes to speak
2258in favor of, or in opposition to the report. The provisions of this paragraph shall be inoperative if
2259the conference committee report is filed later than 8:00 P.M. on the day preceding its
2260consideration by the House.
2261 (b) The monitor for each division shall prepare a list of members of their division notifying the
2262monitor of said member’s desire to speak in favor of a question before the House and a list of
2263members of their division notifying the monitor of said member’s desire to speak in opposition
2264to a question before the House. Each list shall be arranged in order of the time the monitor
2265received the notification with the notification received the earliest being first.
2266(c) Upon completion of the lists required pursuant to subsection (b), the monitors for each
2267division shall transmit the lists to the Speaker and the Minority Leader. The Speaker shall
2268combine the lists received from each of the division monitors and, in consultation with the
2269Minority Leader, shall prepare a consolidated list of members notifying their monitor of the
2270member’s desire to speak in favor of a question before the House and a consolidated list of
2271members of their division notifying the monitor of said member’s desire to speak in opposition
2272to a question before the House. 110 of 142
2273(d) The Speaker shall distribute the lists compiled pursuant to subsection (c) to all members
2274electronically prior to the commencement of the formal session. The Speaker shall distribute the
2275list compiled pursuant to subsection (a)(ii) as soon as practicable upon completion.
2276(e) The consolidated lists prepared by the Speaker pursuant to subsection (c) and distributed to
2277the membership pursuant to subsection (d) shall be the order in which members are recognized
2278during the debate of the respective question. In recognizing members from said lists, the Speaker
2279shall, to the extent practicable, alternate between members wishing to speak in favor of the
2280question and members wishing to speak in opposition to the question.
2281 (f) A member participating remotely may, in lieu of speaking on a bill, resolve, amendment,
2282consolidated amendment or a conference committee report, submit written remarks in favor of,
2283or in opposition to, any bill, resolve, amendment, consolidated amendment or conference
2284committee report to the Clerk before the adjournment of the formal session in which said bill,
2285resolve, amendment, consolidated amendment or conference committee report was considered by
2286the House. Said remarks shall be transmitted to the Clerk electronically in a format prescribed by
2287the Clerk. The Clerk shall include any remarks submitted by a member participating remotely
2288pursuant to this section in the Journal of the House required to be kept by the Clerk pursuant to
2289Standing Rule 10 and Remote Rule 2.
2290Remote Rule 5. (a) Notwithstanding Standing Rules 50 through 52, inclusive, during a formal
2291session where members are participating remotely a vote on any question shall be by either a
2292voice vote of the members present and voting pursuant to subsection (b) or a roll call vote of the
2293members present and voting pursuant to subsection (c). Any question that would require a 111 of 142
2294standing vote under the Standing Rules shall be decided by a voice vote of the members present
2295and voting pursuant to subsection (b).
2296 (b) When a question is put, the sense of the House shall be taken by the voices of the members,
2297and the Speaker shall first announce the vote as it appears to the Speaker by the sound. If the
2298Speaker is unable to decide by the sound of the voices, or if the announcement made thereupon is
2299doubted by a member, the Speaker shall order the division monitors to ascertain the number of
2300members within in their division voting in the affirmative and the number of members within in
2301their division voting in the negative, without further debate upon the question. The division
2302monitors shall report the total vote of their division count to the Speaker. After receiving the
2303reports of the total vote counts from each of the division monitors, the Speaker shall tally said
2304votes and then announce the vote.
2305(c) The sense of the House shall be taken by yeas and nays whenever required by 10 percent of
2306the members elected or when required pursuant to the Constitution of the Commonwealth. The
2307Speaker shall state the pending question and shall order the division monitors to commence the
2308roll call of the members. The division monitors shall call the roll of the members assigned to said
2309division in alphabetical order. The division monitors shall record the votes of each member on a
2310form prescribed by the Clerk. Upon completion of the roll call, the division monitors shall sign
2311the form upon which the roll call for their division was recorded and submit the completed form
2312to the Clerk. The Clerk shall tally the votes of the members of each division and shall enter the
2313votes into the electronic roll call machine. Upon completion of the tally and the entry of the votes
2314into the electronic roll call machine, the Clerk shall notify the Speaker that the vote has been
2315completed. Upon instruction from the Speaker, the Clerk shall display the tally of the vote on the
23162 monitors in the House Chamber. The Speaker shall then announce the vote. 112 of 142
2317 (d) If a member doubts the presence of a quorum, the Speaker shall order the division monitors
2318to ascertain the number of members within in their divisions who are present. Any member
2319confirmed by the division monitor to be participating remotely shall be considered present. The
2320division monitors shall report the total number of members present to the Speaker. After
2321receiving the reports of the total number of members present from each of the division monitors,
2322the Speaker shall tally the numbers and then announce the number of members present. If, after
2323tallying the numbers from each of the division monitors a quorum is not present, the Speaker
2324shall order a roll call vote pursuant to subsection (c).
2325 (e) The call for yeas and nays shall be decided without debate. If the yeas and nays have been
2326ordered before the question is put, the proceedings under subsection (b) shall be omitted.
2327(f) Except as heretofore provided, any member who shall vote or attempt to vote for another
2328member or any person not a member who votes or attempts to vote for a member, or any member
2329or other person who willfully tampers with or attempts to impair or destroy in any manner
2330whatsoever the voting equipment used by the House, or change the records thereon shall be
2331punished in such manner as the House determines; and provided further, that such a violation
2332shall be reported to the committee on Ethics.
2333Remote Rule 6. No consolidated amendment to any bill offered by the committee on Ways and
2334Means shall be considered by the House until the expiration of at least 30 minutes after the
2335consolidated amendment shall have been first filed with the Clerk and made available
2336electronically to the members. This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of
2337the members present. 113 of 142
2338Remote Rule 7. No consolidated amendment to any bill offered by the committee on Ways and
2339Means shall be adopted except by a roll call vote.
2340Remote Rule 8. Notwithstanding any standing rule to the contrary, with the approval of the
2341Speaker, a member, officer or employee may take photographs and videos of, and in, the House
2342Chamber provided said photographs or videos are to facilitate the remote participation in the
2343formal session by a member.
2344Remote Rule 9. (a) Notwithstanding any standing rule to the contrary, unless authorized pursuant
2345to subsection (b) or subsection (c), no member participating in a formal session shall be
2346recognized more than once on any question before the House without unanimous consent or on
2347any question before the House for more than 10 minutes without unanimous consent.
2348(b) The following members may, notwithstanding subsection (a), be recognized more than once
2349on any question before the House: (1) the Minority Leader; (2) the member carrying the report of
2350the committee; (3) and the Ranking Minority Member of the committee reporting the bill.
2351(c) Notwithstanding subsection (a), after all members have been recognized pursuant to Remote
2352Rule 4, a member who is the primary sponsor of a bill, resolve or an amendment, or a designee
2353of said member, may, in addition to being recognized pursuant to Remote Rule 4, be recognized
2354for purposes of providing rebuttal or further explanation. If a member who is the primary sponsor
2355of a bill, resolve or amendment or their designee is recognized pursuant to this subsection a
2356member from the opposite political party designated by the member carrying the report of the
2357committee or the Ranking Minority Member of the committee reporting the bill may also be
2358recognized in addition to being recognized pursuant to Remote Rule 4. No member shall be
2359recognized pursuant to this subsection for more than 5 minutes without unanimous consent. 114 of 142
2360Remote Rule 10. Notwithstanding any standing rule to the contrary, any formal session where
2361members are participating remotely shall be webcast live on the General Court website. Audio or
2362video recordings of all such sessions shall be made available to the public on the General Court
2363website. All House sessions conducted by electronic means shall be broadcast on House
2364television.
2365Remote 11. Notwithstanding any standing rule to the contrary, no technical failure that breaks
2366the remote connection of a member or members of the House of Representatives participating
2367remotely in a formal session shall invalidate any action taken by the House of Representatives.
2368Remote Rule 12. Notwithstanding Standing Rule 49, members participating remotely may vote
2369in a quorum roll call.
2370Remote Rule 13. Except as otherwise indicated, Remote Rules 1 through 16, inclusive, shall not
2371be suspended unless by a 2/3 vote of the members present and voting. Debate upon a motion for
2372the suspension of Remote Rules 1 through 16, inclusive, shall be limited to 15 minutes and no
2373member shall speak for more than 3 minutes.
2374Remote Rule 14. The provisions of any standing or remote rules pertaining to procedures of the
2375House may be suspended and alternative procedures may be used if said alternative methods are
2376approved by a 2/3 majority of the committee on Rules and approved, in writing, by the Speaker
2377and the Minority Leader. The Clerk shall enter any such approvals in the House Journal for the
2378formal session required to be kept by the Clerk pursuant to Standing Rule 10.
2379Remote Rule 15. Except to the extent that they conflict with Remote Rules 1 through 16,
2380inclusive, the standing rules shall remain in full force and effect. 115 of 142
2381Remote Rule 16. Remote Rules 1 through 16, inclusive, shall remain activated for no longer than
238230 days after being activated by the Speaker; provided, that the House of Representative shall not
2383operate under remote rules beyond 30 days without the adoption of an Order by a majority of the
2384House.
2385193nd GENERAL COURT (2023-2024 SESSION).
2386INDEX TO THE HOUSE RULES
2387
2388 [The figures refer to the numbers of the Rules.]
2389 Adjourn, motion to, 55, 64, 65, 82.
2390Adjournment at hour of midnight, unless by unanimous consent, 1A.
2391Admission to the floor, 80.
2392Advance Calendar, 12.
2393Advertising, Joint Rule 9, 85.
2394Advisory opinions of the Ethics Committee, 16.
2395AMENDMENTS:
2396 amendment to amendment, etc., 72.
2397 bill may be moved as, 36.
2398 committee changes, twenty-four hours, 33A. 116 of 142
2399 consolidated, 20A, 33E.
2400 engrossed bill not to be amended, except, 40.
2401 from Senate, sent back for concurrence, 22, 35, 40.
2402 in filling blanks, largest sum, etc., 75.
2403 motions to amend, 65, 72 to 75.
2404 not to be admitted of a different subject, 73.
2405 of rules, 84.
2406 striking out enacting clause, 40.
2407 submission to Clerk, 33A.
2408 to be reduced to writing, 62.
2409 to be referred to committee on Bills in the Third Reading, 22.
2410 to be reported by committee on Bills in the Third Reading, 22.
2411 to General Appropriation Bill, 20A.
2412 when previous question is in order, 66, 67.
2413 when question is divided, 74.
2414
2415Appeals from the decision of the Speaker, 2, 55, 59, 77. 117 of 142
2416Appropriation bill, general, available seven days prior to debate, 20.
2417Appropriation bill, general, procedures for consideration, 20A, 20B.
2418Appropriation bill, general, time for reporting, 27.
2419Appropriation bills, explanations, 20B, 21.
2420Appropriation bills returned by the Governor, 30.
2421Attire, dress in proper and appropriate for all sessions, 2.
2422Audio/visual reproduction of
2423 committee meetings, 17A.
2424 House Chamber, 2.
2425Auditing of House accounts, 85A.
2426
2427Ballot or acclamation ratification in caucus, 18B.
2428BILLS:
2429 1. Preliminary.
2430 accompanying petitions, 24.
2431 availability electronically and on Internet, of, 13A, 20B (GAB).
2432 for special legislation, not to be reported if object is attainable by 118 of 142
2433 general or existing laws, 26.
2434 how to be drafted, 31.
2435how to be introduced, 36.
2436 motions contemplating legislation, etc., to be founded upon petition
2437 or upon bill or resolve, 30.
2438 summaries of to be made available prior to roll call, 33A
2439 to be deposited with Clerk, 24.
2440 to be read by titles only, unless, etc., 37.
24412. As reported by committees.
2442 copies, twenty-four hour availability, 17A, 33A.
2443 general rather than special, 26.
2444 restriction or regulation of reports, 17, 17B, 26, 33A, 38.
24453. Before the second reading.
2446 from the Senate, or from committees, 7A, 41.
2447 if opposed, question on rejection, etc.; otherwise, second reading,
2448 32, 41.
2449 involving expenditures of public money, referred to committee on 119 of 142
2450 Ways and Means, 33.
2451 referred to committee, etc., 34.
24524. Before the third reading.
2453 duties and powers of committee on Bills in the Third Reading, 22,
2454 79(1).
2455 referred to said committee, 22.
2456 placed in Orders of the Day, 43.
24575. After the third reading.
2458 not to be engrossed unless read on three several days, 39.
24596. After engrossment.
2460 certified by Clerk for final passage, 23.
2461 not to be amended, except, 40.
2462 returned by Governor with recommendations of amendment, 40.
24637. Provisions applicable at several stages.
2464 arrangement of matters in Orders of the Day, 12, 46.
2465 consideration of matters in Orders of the Day, 45.
2466final disposition precludes renewal of subject, 38. 120 of 142
2467 matters not to be discharged from Orders of the Day, 47.
2468 motion to strike out enacting clause, when receivable, 40.
2469 provisions respecting bills also applicable to resolves, 78.
2470Bills in the Third Reading, committee on, 17, 18A, 22, 28, 28A, 35, 45, 79(1).
2471 floor amendments, 73A.
2472 motion to discharge or report, 28, 55, 64.
2473 time for reporting, 28A.
2474 written explanation of changes, 22.
2475
2476Blanks, filling of, 75.
2477Business Manager of the House
2478 financial account audits, 85A.
2479 procurement of goods and services, 87.
2480
2481Calendar, 12, 13, 28A, 45, 46, 47.
2482Calendar, dispense with printing of, 12.
2483Capital outlay bills, 20, 21. 121 of 142
2484Caucuses and caucus groups, 17C, 18, 18A, 18B, 19, 19A, 19B.
2485Chairpersons and ranking members, appointment, etc.
2486 nomination and caucus approval, 18, 18A.
2487 removal of if criminally indicted, 18., 18A.
2488Chaplain, may be appointed by Speaker, 7.
2489Charitable and community service, 16A, 17C, 90.
2490Charts, displays, posters and visual aids, regulate use, 2.
2491CLERK, 7A, 10, 10A, 11, 12, 13A, 14, 16A, 17A, 17C, 20, 23, 24, 28, 30, 33B, 42A, 48, 79(1),
249284, 85A, 87A.
2493 amendments, submission to, 33A.
2494 announce members not voting prior to roll calls, 48.
2495 availability of bills, etc., by the, 7D, 10, 12, 17A, 20, 20A, 20B, 21, 24(5), 33A, 37, 42A, 84A,
249685A.
2497 cast votes for members due to malfunction of voting station, 49.
2498 certifying bills for final passage, 23.
2499 disable voting station of certain absent members, 48.
2500 keeper of records, 10B.
2501 Legislative web page Internet posting, 13A, 17A, 20B. 122 of 142
2502Code of Ethics, 16A, 16B.
2503Commit, motion to, 64, 65, 71.
2504COMMITTEES:
2505 Audio/visual reproduction of meetings of, 17A.
2506 bill summaries to be made available prior to roll calls, 33A.
2507 chairpersons of, ratification, 18.
2508 conference, minority member, 18A.
2509 duty of committee on Ways and Means, 20, 20A, 21, 27, 28, 30, 33.
2510 hearings and House sessions, scheduling, 7B, 7D, 17.
2511 members of, ratification, 18A.
2512 motions to discharge, etc., 28, 55, 64.
2513 no member to serve where their private right, etc., 16A(14).
2514 office space, 17C.
2515 on Bills in the Third Reading, 17, 18A, 22, 28, 28A, 45, 79(1).
2516 on each Floor Division, 9A, 17.
2517 on Ethics, 16, 16A.
2518 on Rules, 7B, 7C, 7D, 17, 85. 123 of 142
2519 on Steering, Policy and Scheduling, 7A, 7D, 17, 41, 42, 42A.
2520 open meetings, 17A.
2521 ought not to pass reports on bills, question on rejection, 32.
2522 ranking members of, appointment, etc., 18.
2523 records of to be maintained, 17A.
2524 records of to be published in LAWS and on website, 17B.
2525 remote participation in, 17A.
2526 reports, 17B.
2527 reports on local matters, 7A.
2528 staff directory, 91, 92.
2529 staffing, 17C.
2530 standing, to be appointed, 17.
2531 Testimony solicitation, 17A
2532 time for reporting appropriation bill, 27.
2533 to be appointed by Speaker and Minority Leader, 18.
2534 to discharge or direct to report, 7A, 28, 42A, 55, 64.
2535 to make report on all matters, except, 27. 124 of 142
2536 to report adversely in certain cases, 26, 32, 85.
2537 Travel, propositions for, to committee on Rules, 85.
2538 voting, 16A, 17B.
2539 Voting in House Chamber, period of time if committees are meeting, 52.
2540Community and charitable service, 16A, 17C, 90.
2541Conduct, standards of, 88 to 100.
2542Consolidated amendments, 20A, 33E, 33F.
2543Constitution, proposals for amendment, 42.
2544COUNSEL TO THE HOUSE
2545 Appointment, duties, removal and service of, 13B.
2546 Audits of House financial accounts, 85A.
2547 Procurement of goods and services, 87.
2548 Standards of conduct responsibilities, 88 to 91, 93, 94 to 100.
2549Credit, pledging of, 22, 23, 17A.
2550
2551DEBATE, RULES OF, 57 to 61, 64.
2552 during informal sessions, prohibit, 44. 125 of 142
2553 matters to be disposed of without debate, 45, 47, 48, 50, 53, 56, 61,
2554 64, 66 to 69, 77, 83.
2555 motions for suspension of rules, 83.
2556 motions to be decided without debate, 64, 83.
2557 motions to close debate, 55, 64, 65, 69.
2558 motions to commit or recommit, 64.
2559 motions to discharge or direct committee to report, 64.
2560 motions to postpone to a time certain, 55, 64, 70.
2561 motions to reconsider, 56.
2562 second, etc., legislative days, 55, 64A.
2563 Speaker may speak to points of order, etc., 2.
2564 thirty minute limit, 61, 77.
2565 yielding, 60.
2566Disabled members, voting by, 49.
2567Discharge of a committee, 7A, 24(6), 28, 55, 64.
2568Discharge reports, 7A, 42, 42A.
2569Discharges from Orders of the Day, 47. 126 of 142
2570Discrimination complaints, 99.
2571Displays, charts, posters and visual aids, regulate use, 2.
2572Division of a question, 74.
2573
2574Elections, to fill vacancies, 6.
2575Electronic devices, 2.
2576Electronic mail and Legislative Web Page, 7D, 12, 17A, 42A.
2577Electronic voting system, 15, 49, 52.
2578Emergency preamble, 22, 23, 40.
2579Remote Rules, 101 (Historical note: see House document numbered 4690 of the 191st General
2580Court, and House documents numbered 59 and 3929 of the 192nd General Court).
2581Employee Engagement Officer, 92
2582Employees,
2583 committee staff directory, 91.
2584 charitable and community service, 16A.
2585 classification plan, 17C(b).
2586 partnerships with national trade organizations, 92.
2587 training opportunities and professional development, 91, 92. 127 of 142
2588Enacting clause, when motion to strike out, receivable, 40.
2589Engrossed bills, 23, 28(6), 40.
2590Equal employment complaints, 99.
2591Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer, 13B, 89 to 100.
2592Ethics,16, 16A
2593 advisory opinions, 16.
2594 training, 16B.
2595Ethics, code of, 16A.
2596Ethics committee, 16, 16C, 17, 52.
2597 bills pertaining to certain subjects referred to after first reading, 16C.
2598 candidacy for state or federal office, 16.
2599 create committee bills, 16, 24(1).
2600 voting violations, referred to, 52.
2601Excused from voting, time for application for, 48.
2602Executive conference, 17A.
2603Executive session, 17A.
2604 128 of 142
2605Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight committee, 17.
2606Files, taking of matters from, 24.
2607Final passage, to be certified by Clerk, 23.
2608Financial accounts, auditing, 85A.
2609Fiscal note on bills, 33.
2610Floor leaders, 18.
2611Formal session to consider veto, petition for, 44.
2612Formal sessions, dress code and cellular telephones, 2.
2613
2614General appropriation bill, 20, 20A, 27.
2615General bill rather than special, 26.
2616Global Warming and Climate Change, committee on, 17.
2617GOVERNOR:
2618 messages from, to be referred, unless, 30.
2619 messages setting terms of de-authorizing or authorizing bonds and notes, 17A.
2620 messages or recommendations from, to be filed in a format determined by the Clerk, 30.
2621 return of appropriation bills by, 30. 129 of 142
2622 return of bills and resolves by, 40.
2623 Session to consider vetoes of, 44.
2624Harassment policies, complaints, etc., 88-100
2625Home rule matters, reports on to be considered, 7A.
2626House Chamber, photography or video recording, 2.
2627Hours of meetings, 1A.
2628Human Resources and Employee Engagement, committee on, 16A, 16B, 17, 17C, 18A, 89, 90,
262992, 98.
2630Human Resources Director, 13B, 88, 90, 92, 94.
2631
2632Informal sessions, 12, 44, 54, 81.
2633Internet availability of bills and notices, 13A, 17A, 20B, 84A.
2634Investigations, propositions involving special, by committees, to be
2635 referred to committee on Rules, 85.
2636
2637Journal, 10, 11, 24.
2638
2639Leadership positions, removal upon indictment, 18. 130 of 142
2640Legal Counsel of the House, advisory opinions by, 16.
2641Legal counsel representation at executive conferences, 17A.
2642Legislative days, second or subsequent, 55, 64A.
2643Legislative or executive agents or counsels, 16A, 80, 81.
2644Legislative web page or Internet, 13A, 17A, 20B, 81, 84A.
2645Loan bills, 22, 23.
2646Local matters, reports on to be considered and to be filed in paper and electronic form, 7A.
2647
2648Majority Leader, etc., Acting Speaker, 5.
2649Majority leaders, 18.
2650Meetings
2651 definition of, 17A.
2652 regulating hours of, 1A.
2653MEMBERS, 14, 15.
2654 about to speak, to rise and address the Speaker, etc., 57.
2655 attire of, 2.
2656 desiring to be excused from voting, etc., 48. 131 of 142
2657 first named, to be chair of committee, etc., appointment, 18A.
2658 journal, 10.
2659 may request an enactment, 28(6).
2660 may request the taking of matters from the files, 24.
2661 medical concerns, remote voting, 49.
2662 military obligations, remote voting 49.
2663 monitors, regulating voting, 9.
2664 naming or seating, 59.
2665 not to interrupt another, etc., 60.
2666 not to speak more than once, etc., 61.
2667 not to stand at Clerk's desk during roll call, 14.
2668 not to stand up, etc., 14.
2669 not to serve on committee where their private right, etc., 16A(14).
2670 not to vote for other members, 16A.
2671 not to vote where their private right, etc., 16A(14).
2672 notify Clerk of absences, 48.
2673 number of, on each standing committee, 17. 132 of 142
2674 photography during session, 2.
2675 privilege of the floor, 80. See Voting.
2676 ranking members, appointment, etc., 18.
2677ratification and removal, 18.
2678 remote voting, 49.
2679 seats, 79.
2680 Speaker, recognition of members, 58.
2681 stipends, prohibit more than one, 18.
2682 to deposit petition, etc., with the Clerk, 24.
2683 to endorse name on certain papers, 29.
2684 video recording during session, 2.
2685 voting, recording within five minutes, 52.
2686Messages from the Governor
2687 to be filed in a format determined by the Clerk, 30
2688 to be referred, etc., 30.
2689MINORITY LEADER:
2690 to call a caucus, 19. 133 of 142
2691 to nominate Assistant Minority Floor Leader, etc., 18.
2692 to nominate committee members, 18A.
2693Minority party, caucus rules, 19A.
2694Minority party, percentage of committee membership, 18A.
2695Mobile devices, 2.
2696Monitors, 8, 9.
2697Motions, 62 to 75, 83, 85.
2698 to be reduced to writing, 62.
2699
2700Naming of members, 59.
2701Notice to parties, 85.
2702
2703Office space, 17C.
2704Open meetings, 17A.
2705Operations, Facilities and Security committee, 17.
2706Order. See Questions of Order.
2707Orders: 134 of 142
2708 filing of, 24.
2709 involving expenditures for special committees, 33.
2710 once rejected or disposed of, not to be renewed, 38.
2711 providing that information be transmitted to the House, 85.
2712 reported by committees, 42.
2713Orders of the Day, 12, 13, 28, 41 to 47.
2714
2715Parliamentarian, 10A.
2716Parliamentary inquiry, 60.
2717Personal privilege, 60.
2718PETITIONS, 24, 25, 29, 30.
2719 final disposition precludes renewal, 38.
2720Petitions and other papers, availability, 12, 20, 20A, 24, 33A.
2721Petition for formal session to consider veto, 44.
2722Petitions to discharge a committee, 28(6).
2723Photographs, taking of during session, 2.
2724Placed on file, 24(4), 42. 135 of 142
2725Pledging credit, bills providing for, 22, 23, 17A.
2726Points of order, 2, 11, 60, 77.
2727Political subdivisions, 17A.
2728Postage, regulating, 23A.
2729Post Audit and Oversight, committee on, 17.
2730Posters, charts, displays and visual aids, regulate use, 2.
2731Postpone to a time certain, motion to, 55, 64, 65, 70.
2732"Present", recording of members as being, 52.
2733Previous question, 55, 65 to 68.
2734Privilege of the floor, 80.
2735Procurements, 85A, 87.
2736
2737Question of order, 2, 11, 60, 77.
2738Quorum, 1, 15, 17A, 49, 51, 82.
2739
2740Radio, television broadcasting and web-broadcasting and access of sessions, 81.
2741Ratification in caucus, by ballot or acclamation, 18B. 136 of 142
2742Reading of papers, 24, 29, 37.
2743Recess, 55, 64, 65, 76, 82.
2744Recommendations and reports of state officials, etc., to be referred,
2745 etc., 24, 30.
2746Recommit, motion to, 42, 64, 65, 71.
2747Reconsideration, 54, 55, 56.
2748Records, Clerk official keeper of, 10B.
2749Redrafted bills to be voted on by Ways and Means, availability, 17A.
2750Rejected bills, 32, 38, 41.
2751Remote participation,
2752 Committee meetings, 17A.
2753 House sessions, 49.
2754Repealed laws not to be re-enacted by reference, 31.
2755Reporters' gallery, 80, 81.
2756Reports of committees, 17B, 26, 27, 41, 42. See Bills.
2757Representatives' Chamber and adjoining rooms, 80, 81.
2758Resolutions, 22, 24(2), 41, 85. 137 of 142
2759Roll calls, availability on website, 52.
2760Rules, observance, suspension or transgression of, 8, 9, 24, 55, 83,
2761 84, 86.
2762Rules, committee on, 7B, 7C, 7D, 17, 24(2,3), 27, 28, 81, 85.
2763 motion to discharge, 24, 28.
2764Rules, violations of, 59.
2765Rulings of the Chair, 2, 55, 77.
2766
2767Schedule, House sessions, 7A, 7B, 7D, 44.
2768Seating of a member, 59.
2769Seats, 79.
2770Second, etc., legislative days, 55, 64A.
2771SENATE, papers from, 22, 34, 35, 36, 41, 42.
2772Sessions
2773 informal, 44, 54.
2774 radio, television and web broadcasting of, 81.
2775 regulating hours of, 1A. 138 of 142
2776Sessions and committees, scheduling, 7A, 7B, 7D, 44.
2777SPEAKER, 1 to 7.
2778 adjourn or recess, 2, 82.
2779 appeal of decisions, 77.
2780 Calendar of House, 12.
2781 casting of vote for, 49
2782 committee scheduling, 7D.
2783 consultation with Clerk, bill format and availability, 33A.
2784 consultation with Clerk, budget amendment format, 20A.
2785 consultation with Clerk, budget availability format, 20B.
2786 decorum and order, 2.
2787 income, earned and unearned, 4B.
2788 may declare a recess, 76.
2789 may direct motion to be reduced to writing, 62.
2790 may invite visitors to seats on the floor, 80.
2791 shall assign seats, 79.
2792 to appoint monitors, 8. 139 of 142
2793 to approve reference of petitions, etc., and printing of certain
2794 documents, 24.
2795 to call a caucus, 19.
2796 to declare informal sessions, 44.
2797 to name member entitled to floor, 58.
2798 to nominate committee members, 18A.
2799 to nominate Majority Leader, etc., 18.
2800Speaker pro Tempore, 4A, 5, 18, 23A, 49.
2801Special bills reported by committee, 26.
2802Standing committees, staffing, 17C.
2803State Ethics Commission, 16B.
2804State finances, 33.
2805Steering, Policy and Scheduling, committee on, 7A, 42A.
2806Stenographers, employment of, by committees, 85.
2807Stipends, prohibit more than one, 18.
2808Strike out and insert, motion to, 74.
2809Strike out enacting clause, 40. 140 of 142
2810Summaries of bills, availability prior to roll calls, 33A.
2811SUSPENSION OF RULES, 55, 83, 84.
2812 limit of debate on motion for, 83.
2813
2814Tampering with electronic voting system, 52.
2815Tape recordings, committees, 17A.
2816Television, radio and web broadcasting of all sessions and access, 81.
2817Third Reading, Bills in the, committee on, 17, 18A, 22, 28, 43, 45, 79(1).
2818 motions to discharge or report, 28, 55, 64.
2819 time for reporting, 28A.
2820Title, bills to be read by title only, 37.
2821Travel, orders authorizing committees to, referred to committee on Rules, 85.
2822
2823Undebatable matters and motions, 64. See Debate, Rules of.
2824Unfinished business, 46.
2825
2826Vacancies, filling of, 5, 6, 7. 141 of 142
2827Veto of bill or resolve, printing of Calendar, 12.
2828Veto, petition for formal session to consider, 44.
2829Videos/audio
2830 radio and television access, 81.
2831 recording of during session, 2.
2832 reproduction of committee meetings, 17A
2833Violations of rules and questions of conduct, 16, 52 (voting), 59.
2834Visual aids, charts, displays and posters, regulate use, 2.
2835Votes, roll calls made available on website, 52.
2836VOTING, 3, 4, 9, 16A, 48 to 53.
2837
2838Warning a member, 59.
2839Ways and Means, committee on, 17, 17A, 20, 20A, 21, 27, 28, 30, 33, 45.
2840 consolidated amendments, 20A, 33E.
2841Floor amendments, 73A.
2842Motions directing, to report, etc., 28, 55, 64.
2843Redrafts of, availability, 17A. 142 of 142
2844Web-broadcasting, 81.
2845
2846Yeas and nays, 33F, 48 to 53.
2847Yeas and nays, during informal sessions, prohibition, 44.
2848Yielding floor in debate, 60.