Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H2024 Compare Versions

Only one version of the bill is available at this time.

Old	New	Differences
1	1	1 of 141
2	2	FILED ON: 2/1/2023
3	3	HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 2024
4	4	House order No. 2023, as amended and as adopted by the House. February 1, 2023.
5	5	The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
6	6	House of Representatives, February 1, 2023.
7	7	_______________
8	8	In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
9	9	(2023-2024)
10	10	_______________
11	11	1 The Rules of the House of Representatives for the 193rd General Court (for the years
12	12	22023-2024), as adopted by the House on February 1, 2023:
13	13	3 SPEAKER.
14	14	4 1. The Speaker shall take the Chair at the hour to which the House stands adjourned, call the
15	15	5members to order, and, on the appearance of a quorum, proceed to business. [1.]
16	16	6 1A. The House shall not be called to order before the hour of ten o'clock A.M. nor meet
17	17	7beyond the hour of midnight unless by unanimous consent of the Members present. If there is
18	18	8unanimous consent to continue meeting past midnight then, the House shall return to the
19	19	9business then pending; and if no business was pending, to the next order of business. However, if
20	20	10there is not unanimous consent of the members present to meet beyond the hour of midnight, the 2 of 141
21	21	11Speaker shall forthwith, and without further debate, adjourn or recess the House to a time not
22	22	12earlier than ten o'clock A.M. on the next succeeding calendar day.
23	23	13 [Adopted Jan. 12, 1983; Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 14, 1997; May 16,
24	24	142000.]
25	25	15 2. The Speaker shall preserve decorum and order in the House Chamber. While in the House
26	26	16Chamber, members, staff and guests shall be required to dress in proper and appropriate attire
27	27	17and be courteous and professional when using electronic devices.
28	28	18Members, staff and guests shall not take photographs or videos of, or in, the House Chamber
29	29	19during formal or informal sessions unless otherwise permitted by this Rule. Members may take
30	30	20photographs at their assigned seats in the chamber during formal or informal sessions; provided,
31	31	21however that any photographs or video taken by members during formal or informal sessions
32	32	22shall not include images of any other member, staff or guest without their express written
33	33	23consent.
34	34	24The Speaker may permit photographs or videos during special occasions, which shall include,
35	35	25but shall not be limited to, swearing-in ceremonies and addresses by constitutional officers or
36	36	26other dignitaries. The use of audio-visual aids including, without limitation, videos, computers,
37	37	27posters, displays or charts shall be permitted only upon approval of the Speaker.
38	38	28The Speaker also may speak to points of order in preference to other members; and shall decide
39	39	29all questions of order, subject to an appeal to the House. [2.] (2.) [With regard to appeals, see
40	40	30Rule 77.]
41	41	31 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 20, 2011; Jan. 29, 2015; Jan. 30, 2019.] 3 of 141
42	42	32 3. The Speaker shall declare all votes, subject to verification as hereinafter provided. [3.] (55.)
43	43	33[See Rules 49 to 53, inclusive.]
44	44	34 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985.]
45	45	35 4. In all cases the Speaker may vote. [4.] (3.)
46	46	36 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985.]
47	47	37 4A. The Speaker shall appoint a Speaker pro Tempore. The Speaker pro Tempore shall
48	48	38assist the Speaker in the coordination of policy development and the ceremonial functions of the
49	49	39House and shall perform such duties assigned to them by the Speaker. Upon a vacancy in the
50	50	40office of Speaker, the office of Speaker pro Tempore shall be considered vacant.
51	51	41 [Adopted Jan. 26, 2005, Amended, Jan. 23, 2007; Jan. 30, 2019.]
52	52	42 4B. (a) As used in this Rule, the following words shall have the following meanings:-
53	53	43"Earned income", income derived from salaries, wages, tips and commissions for performing
54	54	44services as an employee of an employer.
55	55	45"Unearned income", all other income that is not earned income.
56	56	46(b) The Speaker shall not receive earned income for:
57	57	47(1) affiliating with or being employed by a firm, partnership, association, corporation or other
58	58	48entity that provides professional services involving a fiduciary relationship;
59	59	49(2) permitting their name to be used by such a firm, partnership, association, corporation or
60	60	50other entity;
61	61	51(3) receiving compensation for practicing a profession that involves a fiduciary relationship; or 4 of 141
62	62	52(4) serving as an officer or member of the board of an association, corporation or other entity.
63	63	53(c) The provisions of this rule shall take effect on August 1, 2017.
64	64	54 [Added Feb. 2, 2017; Amended Jan 30, 2019.]
65	65	55 5. The Speaker may appoint a member to perform the duties of the Chair. In the event the
66	66	56Speaker fails to appoint a member to perform the duties of the Chair, the Speaker pro Tempore
67	67	57shall be the Acting Speaker until the Speaker otherwise provides or until a vacancy in the office
68	68	58of Speaker occurs. In the event that the Speaker pro Tempore is absent or is unable to perform
69	69	59the duties of Acting Speaker, the Majority Leader, the Assistant Majority Leader, the Second
70	70	60Assistant Majority Leader or other designee shall be the Acting Speaker. [7.] (4.)
71	71	61 [Amended April 18, 1979; Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 26, 2005.]
72	72	62 6. In case of a vacancy in the office of Speaker, or in case the Speaker or the member named
73	73	63by said Speaker in accordance with the preceding rule is absent at the hour to which the House
74	74	64stands adjourned, the senior member present shall call the House to order, and shall preside until
75	75	65a Speaker is elected, which shall be the first business in order. [8.] (5.)
76	76	66 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985, Amended, Jan. 23, 2007.]
77	77	67 7. At the beginning of the first year of the two-year General Court, the Speaker may, unless
78	78	68the House otherwise directs, appoint a Chaplain; and the Speaker may fill any vacancy in the
79	79	69office of Chaplain. [7A.] (4.)
80	80	70 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 29, 2015.] 5 of 141
81	81	71 SCHEDULING.
82	82	72 7A. There shall be appointed a standing committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling
83	83	73consisting of eleven members. The committee shall not be subject to the provisions of Rule 17A,
84	84	74but shall be authorized to meet from time to time at the call of the Chair for the purpose of
85	85	75assisting the members of the House of Representatives in identifying the major matters pending
86	86	76before the General Court, the relative urgency and priority for consideration of such matters, and
87	87	77alternative methods of responding to such matters by the General Court. Said committee shall
88	88	78schedule legislative matters in a manner that will provide for an even distribution and orderly
89	89	79consideration of reports of legislative committees on the daily Calendar.
90	90	80 The committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling shall not be authorized to recommend
91	91	81changes or amendments to legislation or recommend that a matter ought to pass or ought not to
92	92	82pass, but shall only report asking to be discharged from further consideration of a bill, and
93	93	83recommending that it be referred or recommitted to another committee; provided, however, that
94	94	84it shall not recommend that a matter be referred or recommitted to the committee on Rules or the
95	95	85committees on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently, or what date a matter shall be
96	96	86scheduled for consideration by the House and placed in the Orders of the Day. All reports by the
97	97	87committee on petitions filed or approved by the voters of a city or town, or by the mayor and city
98	98	88council, or other legislative body of a city or the town meeting of a town with respect to a law
99	99	89relating to that city or town shall be read and considered by the House at a formal or informal
100	100	90session before being accepted, rejected or otherwise acted upon. Any such petition and any
101	101	91attachment to the petition shall be filed in both paper and electronic format approved by the
102	102	92Clerk. 6 of 141
103	103	93 All matters received from the Senate or reported from standing committees of the House and
104	104	94joint standing committees of the General Court shall, unless subject to provisions of any other
105	105	95House or joint rules, be referred to the committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling. All
106	106	96matters reported by said committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommending that a
107	107	97matter shall be scheduled for consideration by the House shall be placed in the Orders of the Day
108	108	98for the next sitting. Said committee may report on a legislative matter within thirty days
109	109	99following the day the matter was referred. If the committee fails to report a matter within thirty
110	110	100days following the date of its reference, the Clerk shall place the matter on the Calendar of the
111	111	101House as if it had been scheduled for consideration by said committee on Steering, Policy and
112	112	102Scheduling.
113	113	103 [Adopted Jan. 14, 1997; Amended Jan. 26, 1999; Jan. 24, 2001; Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 26, 2005.]
114	114	104 7B. The committee on Rules shall be authorized to originate and report special orders for the
115	115	105scheduling and consideration of legislation on the floor of the House. Said committee shall not
116	116	106be subject to the notification provisions contained in Rule 17A but may hold public hearings and
117	117	107shall accept testimony only from the members of the House. A majority of the members
118	118	108appointed to the committee shall constitute a quorum. When reported, such orders may be
119	119	109amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting, and shall be subject to
120	120	110approval by a majority of the members of the House present and voting. Debate on the question
121	121	111on adoption of such orders shall be limited to one hour. No orders adopted pursuant to this
122	122	112paragraph shall limit the powers of the Speaker as provided in Rules 1 to 6, inclusive. Such
123	123	113orders shall not be subject to reconsideration. 7 of 141
124	124	114 The committee on Rules shall not be subject to the provisions of Rule 17A, but may meet in
125	125	115private to discuss or consider the appointment, discipline or dismissal of any individual the
126	126	116committee is authorized by law or rule to appoint, discipline or dismiss.
127	127	117 [Adopted Jan. 14, 1997; Amended Jan. 24, 2001; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 30, 2019; Feb. 1, 2023.]
128	128	118 7C. The committee on Rules may consider and make recommendations designed to improve
129	129	119and expedite the business and procedures of the House and its committees, and to recommend to
130	130	120the House any amendments to the Rules deemed necessary; provided that a majority of the
131	131	121members of the House present and voting shall be required to approve such recommendations.
132	132	122 The committee shall be privileged to report at any time.
133	133	123 [Adopted Jan. 14, 1997.]
134	134	124 7D. The Speaker shall, in consultation with the committee on Rules and the committee on
135	135	125Steering, Policy and Scheduling, establish a committee scheduling system that minimizes to the
136	136	126greatest extent possible scheduling conflicts for members of committees.
137	137	127 The Speaker shall determine a schedule for the House for each week relative to formal and
138	138	128informal sessions and shall make such schedule available to the members in writing or by
139	139	129electronic mail by 5:00 P.M. on Friday of the preceding week; provided, however, that the
140	140	130Speaker may make, notwithstanding the provisions of Rule 7A, changes in the schedules to
141	141	131facilitate the business of the House in an efficient and timely fashion. The Speaker shall
142	142	132communicate notice of any such scheduling change to the members in writing or by electronic
143	143	133mail as soon as practicable, and whenever possible, the Speaker shall provide such notice not
144	144	134less than twenty-four hours before the event so rescheduled is set to commence.
145	145	135 [Adopted Jan. 14, 1997; January 9, 2003; Jan. 30, 2019.] 8 of 141
146	146	136 MONITORS.
147	147	137 8. Two monitors shall be appointed by the Speaker for each division of the House, whose
148	148	138duty it shall be to see to the due observance of the rules, and, on request of the Speaker, to return
149	149	139the number of votes and members in their respective divisions. [9.]
150	150	140 9. If a member transgresses any of the rules after being notified thereof by a monitor, it shall
151	151	141be the duty of such monitor to report the case to the House.
152	152	142 It shall be the duty of a monitor to report their knowledge of the occurrence of a member
153	153	143voting for another member, in their division of the House, to the Speaker of the House and to the
154	154	144Minority Leader. [10.] [See Rules 16 and 16A.]
155	155	145 [Amended Jan. 9, 1991; May 5, 1993; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 30, 2019.]
156	156	146 9A. There shall be established a Floor Division Committee for each of the four divisions of
157	157	147the House. The Speaker shall appoint a Floor Division chairperson for each of the four divisions.
158	158	148Said committee shall consist of the members assigned to the respective divisions.
159	159	149 In order to create a continuous flow of debate, each chairperson shall be responsible for
160	160	150reviewing the daily Calendar and providing advance notice to committee members in the
161	161	151respective divisions of all matters scheduled for consideration in the Orders of the Day. Said
162	162	152committee chairpersons shall provide information to members of their committees on pending
163	163	153legislation and other matters of business before the House.
164	164	154 In addition to the legislative duties, chairpersons shall oversee the physical appearance of the
165	165	155Chamber and the various areas under the jurisdiction of the House of Representatives. Said
166	166	156chairpersons shall be authorized to act as a committee and may meet at any time at the request of
167	167	157at least two chairpersons. Said chairpersons, as a committee, shall be authorized to meet with the 9 of 141
168	168	158appropriate agencies and historical commissions of the Commonwealth for the purpose of
169	169	159requesting expeditious appraisals and necessary repairs and renovations to the interior and
170	170	160exterior of the State House. The committee of chairpersons shall report directly to the Speaker
171	171	161the results of all consultations.
172	172	162 [Adopted Jan. 14, 1997.]
173	173	163 CLERK.
174	174	164 10. The Clerk shall keep the Journal of the House. The Clerk shall enter therein a record of
175	175	165each day's proceedings and, whenever practicable, submit it to the Speaker and the Minority
176	176	166Leader before the hour fixed for the next sitting, and shall cause the same to be available daily in
177	177	167a format to be determined by the Clerk; and provided further that a copy of said Journal shall
178	178	168also be made available to each member of the House. Any objection to the Journal shall be made
179	179	169before the House proceeds to the consideration of the Orders of the Day. [11.] (6.)
180	180	170 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Jan 11, 1985; Jan. 17, 1995; Jan. 9, 2003.]
181	181	171 10A. The Clerk shall be the official parliamentarian of the House of Representatives.
182	182	172 [Adopted Jan. 9, 1991.]
183	183	173 10B. The Clerk shall be the official keeper of records of the House of Representatives for
184	184	174legislative records that remain in the office of said Clerk at the end of each biennial session, and
185	185	175until such time as said records are transferred to the State Archives or destroyed in accordance
186	186	176with law.
187	187	177 [Adopted Jan. 29, 2015.] 10 of 141
188	188	178 11. Every question of order with the decision thereof shall be entered at large in the Journal,
189	189	179and shall be noted in an appendix, which shall also contain the rules of the House and of the two
190	190	180branches. [12.] (6.)
191	191	181 12. The Clerk shall prepare and make available on each day of formal session a Calendar of
192	192	182matters in order for consideration and such other memoranda as the House or the Speaker may
193	193	183direct. The Clerk shall prepare a Calendar on which shall appear any question on passage of a
194	194	184bill or resolve notwithstanding the objections of Their Excellency the Governor which may be
195	195	185considered forthwith at the direction of the House or Speaker.
196	196	186 When, in the determination of the Clerk, a volume of matters exists for the next legislative
197	197	187day, the Clerk shall be authorized to prepare and cause to be made available an advance calendar
198	198	188of the matters in order of consideration for the next legislative day and such other memoranda as
199	199	189the House or Speaker may direct. The Clerk may indicate on the advance calendar that the
200	200	190matters contained therein are subject to change.
201	201	191 The Clerk shall be authorized to dispense with preparing and making available a Calendar for
202	202	192designated formal sessions of the House only after two-thirds of the members present and voting
203	203	193consent thereto on a recorded yea and nay vote. Debate on this question shall be limited to fifteen
204	204	194minutes, no member shall speak more than three minutes, and such question shall not be subject
205	205	195to reconsideration.
206	206	196 The Clerk shall dispense with preparing and making available a Calendar for designated
207	207	197Informal Sessions of the House.
208	208	198 As soon as practicable whenever the Clerk prepares a Calendar or advance Calendar under
209	209	199this rule, they shall also cause a true copy thereof to be posted on the website of the General 11 of 141
210	210	200Court that is generally available to all members and their staff, and reasonably promptly
211	211	201thereafter the Clerk shall cause the members and their staff to be notified of the same by way of
212	212	202electronic mail. [13.] (7.)
213	213	203 [Amended Jan. 12, 1983; Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 12, 1987; May 5, 1993; Jan. 17, 1995; Jan. 24,
214	214	2042001; Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 26, 2005, Jan. 23, 2007; Jan. 30, 2019; Feb. 1, 2023.]
215	215	205 13. Any objection to the Calendar shall be made and disposed of before the House proceeds to
216	216	206the consideration of the Orders of the Day. [14.]
217	217	207 13A. The Clerk shall make available to all members electronically and, to the public via the
218	218	208website of the General Court, the text of all dockets and bills introduced and admitted for
219	219	209consideration in the House.
220	220	210[Adopted, Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 30, 2019; July 7, 2021; Feb. 1, 2023.]
221	221	211 COUNSEL.
222	222	212 13B. (a) The House shall employ a full-time Counsel pursuant to section 51 of chapter 3 of
223	223	213the General Laws. The committee on Rules shall appoint a qualified person to act as Counsel at
224	224	214such compensation as the committee on Rules shall approve.
225	225	215Counsel shall serve a term of two years from the date of appointment, unless the Counsel sooner
226	226	216resigns, retires or is removed; provided, however, that the Counsel may only be removed: (i) for
227	227	217misfeasance, malfeasance or nonfeasance, as determined by agreement of the Equal Employment
228	228	218Opportunity Officer appointed pursuant to Rule 89 and the Director of Human Resources
229	229	219appointed pursuant to Rule 90 and approved by a majority vote of the committee on Rules; or (ii)
230	230	220by a majority roll call vote of the House. 12 of 141
231	231	221Counsel may employ such legal and other assistants as may be necessary in the discharge of
232	232	222Counsel’s duties, subject to the approval of the committee on Rules, and may expend with like
233	233	223approval such sums as may be necessary for the discharge of their duties.
234	234	224(b) Counsel shall be the chief legal officer of the House and shall perform all duties generally
235	235	225required of a counsel to an organization and specifically those required pursuant to any general
236	236	226or special law, rule, regulation, or order of the House. Counsel shall provide legal and legislative
237	237	227drafting services to all members regardless of party or seniority.
238	238	228 [Added Jan. 30, 2019.]
239	239	229 MEMBERS.
240	240	230 14. No member shall stand up, to the inconvenience of others, while a member is speaking; or
241	241	231be involved in disturbing conversation while another member is speaking in debate; or pass
242	242	232unnecessarily between the Speaker of the House and the member speaking; or stand in the
243	243	233passages, or in the area in front of the Chair; or stand at the Clerk's desk while a roll call is in
244	244	234progress. [16.] [Amended Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1989; Jan. 26, 1999.]
245	245	235 14A. [Adopted Feb. 11, 2009; Omitted Jan. 29, 2015.]
246	246	236 15. When it appears to the Chair that the presence of a quorum is endangered, the Chair shall
247	247	237order the doors closed. If a quorum is doubted the Chair shall order the doors closed and
248	248	238thereafter no member shall enter or leave the House until an initial determination has been made
249	249	239as to the presence of a quorum or lack thereof; and thereafter, provided that no quorum is
250	250	240present, no member shall leave the House unless by permission of the Chair, but members shall
251	251	241be admitted, at any time. 13 of 141
252	252	242 Upon the doubting of a quorum and after ascertaining that a quorum is not present, the
253	253	243Speaker may order a recorded attendance roll call to be taken by use of the electronic roll call
254	254	244system.
255	255	245 Said roll call, if ordered, shall be taken at a time determined by the Speaker.
256	256	246 Members answering a quorum call shall vote "YES" on the roll call system. [17.] (11.)
257	257	247 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Feb. 22, 1982; Jan. 12, 1983; Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1991.]
258	258	248 ETHICS.
259	259	249 16. There shall be appointed a committee on Ethics as authorized by Rule 17. The committee
260	260	250shall consist of 11 members, 7 of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker, 4 of whom shall be
261	261	251appointed by the Minority Leader.
262	262	252 A member appointed to the committee shall not be considered to be a member of the committee
263	263	253subsequent to the declaration of candidacy for any other state or federal elective office.
264	264	254 The committee shall investigate and evaluate, at the direction of the Speaker, by a sworn written
265	265	255complaint filed and delivered by a member, officer or employee to the chair, or by a majority
266	266	256vote of the members appointed to the Ethics committee, any matters relative to alleged violations
267	267	257of Rule 16A by a member, officer or employee.
268	268	258 Upon the receipt of said sworn written complaint, at the direction of the Speaker or by a
269	269	259majority vote of the members appointed to the Ethics committee, the committee shall notify any
270	270	260person named of the nature of the alleged violation and a list of prospective witnesses, and also
271	271	261shall notify said person of the final disposition and the recommendations, if any, of the
272	272	262committee. 14 of 141
273	273	263 Any member, officer, or employee of the House named relative to an alleged violation shall
274	274	264be afforded the opportunity to appear before the committee on Ethics with counsel.
275	275	265 All proceedings including the filing of the initial complaint shall be considered confidential
276	276	266information.
277	277	267 If the alleged violation received in the manner described above is deemed to have merit by a
278	278	268majority vote of the members appointed to the committee, the committee shall file a report with
279	279	269the Clerk of the House. Said report shall be a public document. The committee shall not disclose
280	280	270any allegation deemed to be frivolous or without merit.
281	281	271 If a majority appointed finds that any member, officer, or employee of the House has violated
282	282	272any provision of Rule 16A, a majority appointed may, in the case of a member, recommend a
283	283	273reprimand, censure, removal from position of authority, including leadership, chair or vice chair,
284	284	274or expulsion; and in the case of an officer or employee, a majority appointed may recommend a
285	285	275reprimand, suspension, or removal from employment.
286	286	276 Should such an alleged violation be filed with the committee regarding a member or members
287	287	277of the House Ethics committee, said member or members shall not participate in the committee
288	288	278deliberations on said alleged violation.
289	289	279 Any member, officer, or employee of the House may request in writing from the House
290	290	280committee on Ethics or from the Counsel to the House appointed pursuant to Rule 13B a
291	291	281confidential written advisory opinion on the requirements of chapters 268A and 268B of the
292	292	282General Laws as well as an opinion on any other general or special law, rule or regulation
293	293	283applicable to their official position or concerning any contemplated personal action which may 15 of 141
294	294	284conflict with their official position. The committee on Ethics or the Counsel to the House shall
295	295	285issue confidential written advisory opinions and clarification in response to said written request.
296	296	286 No member, officer or employee of the House shall be penalized in any manner for having
297	297	287acted within the guidelines of a written advisory opinion from the House committee on Ethics or
298	298	288from the Counsel to the House appointed pursuant to Rule 13B, provided that all pertinent facts
299	299	289are stated in the request for an advisory opinion.
300	300	290A written advisory opinion from the House committee on Ethics or from the Counsel to the
301	301	291House appointed pursuant to Rule 13B shall be a defense in any proceeding arising from said
302	302	292opinion or advice unless material facts were omitted or misstated by the person in the request of
303	303	293the opinion.
304	304	294 The chair of the Ethics committee may convene the committee at any time.
305	305	295 The chair shall also convene the committee at the written request of at least 5 members of the
306	306	296committee.
307	307	297 The Committee may, upon the written and signed report of two-thirds of the members of the
308	308	298committee, file a special report containing legislation without said legislation being founded
309	309	299upon petition which shall be referred under the provisions of Rule 24 and consistent with the
310	310	300provisions of Joint Rule 13, to the appropriate joint standing committee. Any special report
311	311	301containing legislation filed pursuant to this paragraph shall be germane to subject matters
312	312	302regularly considered by the committee. The committee shall not include in any such special
313	313	303report a bill that would have a fiscal impact as described in Rule 33. 16 of 141
314	314	304 Upon convening of the first annual session of the General Court and after the adoption of
315	315	305rules, all members, officers and employees of the House shall be provided with a current copy of
316	316	306the Code of Ethics contained in Rule 16A. [19.] (12A.)
317	317	307 [Amended Jan. 12, 1987; May 5, 1993; Jan. 17, 1995; Mar. 6, 1995; Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 20,
318	318	3082011; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 29, 2015; Jan. 30, 2019; July 7, 2021.]
319	319	309 CODE OF ETHICS.
320	320	310 16A. (1.) While members, officers and employees should not be denied those opportunities
321	321	311available to all other citizens to acquire and retain private, economic and other interests;
322	322	312members, officers, and employees should exercise prudence in any and all such endeavors and
323	323	313make every reasonable effort to avoid transactions, activities, or obligations, which are in
324	324	314substantial conflict with or will substantially impair their independence of judgment.
325	325	315 (2.) No member, officer or employee shall solicit or accept any compensation or political
326	326	316contribution other than that provided for by law for the performance of official legislative duties.
327	327	317 (3.) No member, officer or employee shall serve as a legislative agent as defined in section 39
328	328	318of chapter 3 of the General Laws regarding any legislation before the General Court.
329	329	319 (4.) No member, officer or employee shall receive any compensation or permit any
330	330	320compensation to accrue to their beneficial interest by virtue of influence improperly exerted from
331	331	321their official position in the House.
332	332	322 (5.) No member, officer or employee shall accept employment or engage in any business or
333	333	323professional activity, which will require the disclosure of confidential information gained in the
334	334	324course of, and by reason of, their official position. 17 of 141
335	335	325 (6.) No member, officer or employee shall willfully and knowingly disclose or use
336	336	326confidential information gained in the course of their official position to further their own
337	337	327economic interest or that of any other person.
338	338	328 (7.) Except as provided in Rule 49, no member shall cast a vote for any other member, nor
339	339	329shall any officer or employee vote for any member, except that the Clerk or an assistant Clerk
340	340	330may record a vote for a member who votes late under the provisions of Rule 52, or is prohibited
341	341	331from voting from his desk due to a malfunction of the electronic roll call voting system; provided
342	342	332the Clerk's action shall not be construed as voting for said member.
343	343	333 (8.) No member shall use profane, insulting, or abusive language in the course of public
344	344	334debate in the House Chamber or in testimony before any committee of the General Court.
345	345	335 (9.) No member, officer or employee shall employ anyone from public funds who does not
346	346	336perform tasks which contribute substantially to the work of the House and which are
347	347	337commensurate with the compensation received. Unless their personnel record indicates
348	348	338otherwise, no officer or full-time employee of the House shall engage in any outside business
349	349	339activity during regular business hours, whether the House is in session or not, and all employees
350	350	340of the House are assumed to be full-time.
351	351	341 (10.) No member, officer or employee shall accept or solicit compensation for non-legislative
352	352	342services which is in excess of the usual and customary value of such services.
353	353	343 (11.) No member, officer or employee shall accept or solicit an honorarium for a speech,
354	354	344writing for publication, or other activity from any person, organization or enterprise having a
355	355	345direct interest in legislation or matters before any agency, authority, board or commission of the
356	356	346Commonwealth which is in excess of the usual and customary value of such services. 18 of 141
357	357	347 (12.) No member, officer or employee shall knowingly accept any gifts from any legislative
358	358	348or executive agent as prohibited by law. No member, officer or employee shall knowingly
359	359	349accept any gift from any person or entity having a direct interest in legislation before the General
360	360	350Court as prohibited by law. (For the purposes of this paragraph, the terms "gift" and "person"
361	361	351shall be the same as their definitions in section 1 of chapter 268B of the General Laws).
362	362	352 (13.) No member shall convert campaign funds to personal use in excess of reimbursements
363	363	353for legitimate and verifiable campaign expenditures. Members shall consider all proceeds from
364	364	354testimonial dinners and other fundraising activities as campaign funds.
365	365	355 ((14.) No member shall serve on any committee or vote on any question in which their private
366	366	356right is immediately concerned, distinct from the public interest. [19.]
367	367	357 (15.) No member, officer or employee shall violate the confidentiality of any proceeding
368	368	358before the Ethics committee. [19A.]
369	369	359 (16.) Members, officers and employees may utilize public resources to support charitable
370	370	360and community service activities consistent with the Conflict of Interest Law, G.L. c. 268A,
371	371	361pursuant to policies established by Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement
372	372	362pursuant to Rule 90(h)(2).
373	373	363 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; May 5, 1993; Jan. 24, 2001; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 29, 2015; Jan. 30,
374	374	3642019; Jul. 7, 2021; Feb. 1, 2023.]
375	375	365 16B. The Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement shall develop and
376	376	366conduct an ethics law training program for every member, officer and employee of the House;
377	377	367provided further, that said training program shall include, without limitation, a review of the
378	378	368requirements and prohibitions of chapter 268A and chapter 268B of the General Laws, and the 19 of 141
379	379	369regulations of the State Ethics Commission, as they apply to legislators and legislative staff; and
380	380	370provided further, that said training program shall be offered virtually or in-person and shall be
381	381	371mandatory for all members, officers and employees.
382	382	372 [Adopted Jan. 9, 2003, Amended Feb. 11, 2009; Jan 20, 2011; Jul. 7, 2021.]
383	383	37316C. Bills involving lobbyists' reporting laws, and laws pertaining to the ethical conduct of
384	384	374public officials shall, after their first reading, be referred to the committee on Ethics, for report
385	385	375on their relation to the ethics laws of the Commonwealth. No new provisions shall be added to
386	386	376such measures by the committee, unless directly pertaining to ethics. [Adopted Feb. 11, 2009.]
387	387	377 COMMITTEES.
388	388	378 17. At the beginning of the first year of the two-year General Court, standing committees
389	389	379shall be appointed as follows:
390	390	380 A committee on Rules;
391	391	381 (to consist of 15 members).
392	392	382 A committee on Ways and Means;
393	393	383 (to consist of 35 members).
394	394	384 A committee on Bills in the Third Reading;
395	395	385 (to consist of 3 members).
396	396	386 A committee of each Floor Division;
397	397	387 (to consist of the members of each division).
398	398	388 A committee on Ethics; 20 of 141
399	399	389 (to consist of 11 members).
400	400	390 A committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement;
401	401	391 (to consist of 13 members).
402	402	392 A committee on Post Audit and Oversight;
403	403	393 (to consist of 11 members).
404	404	394 A committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling;
405	405	395 (to consist of 11 members).
406	406	396 A committee on Global Warming and Climate Change;
407	407	397 (to consist of 11 members).
408	408	398 A committee on Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight;
409	409	399(to consist of 11 members).
410	410	400 A committee on Operations, Facilities and Security;
411	411	401(to consist of 11 members).
412	412	402 A committee on Intergovernmental Affairs;
413	413	403(to consist of 11 members).
414	414	404 Committee meetings, insofar as practicable, shall not be scheduled in conflict with formal
415	415	405sessions of the House of Representatives. [20.] (12, 12A, 12B.)
416	416	406 [Amended March 6, 1979; Sept. 16, 1981; Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 12, 1987; May 5, 1993; Oct. 6,
417	417	4071993; May 23, 1996; Jan. 14, 1997; Jul. 17, 2003; Jan. 26, 2005, Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 29, 2015;
418	418	408Jul. 7, 2021.] 21 of 141
419	419	409 17A. (a) For the purposes of this rule, the following terms shall, unless the context clearly
420	420	410requires otherwise, have the following meanings:
421	421	411 "Deliberation", a verbal exchange between a quorum of members of a committee attempting
422	422	412to arrive at a decision on any public business within its jurisdiction.
423	423	413 "Emergency", a sudden generally unexpected occurrence or set of circumstances demanding
424	424	414immediate action.
425	425	415 "Executive conference", any meeting or part of a meeting of a committee which is closed to
426	426	416certain persons for deliberation on certain matters.
427	427	417 "Executive session", any meeting or part of a meeting of a committee wherein the committee
428	428	418is voting on legislation and where public participation is limited to observance.
429	429	419 "Meeting", any corporal convening and deliberation of a committee for which a quorum is
430	430	420required in order to make a decision at which any public policy matter over which the committee
431	431	421has supervision, control, jurisdiction or advisory power is discussed or considered; provided,
432	432	422however, that "meeting" shall not include an on-site visitation or inspection of any project or
433	433	423program.
434	434	424 "Quorum", a simple majority of a committee unless otherwise defined by constitution, rule or
435	435	425law applicable to such committee; provided further, that a quorum shall be presumed to be
436	436	426present unless otherwise doubted.
437	437	427 (b) All meetings, except executive conferences, of House standing and special committees,
438	438	428shall be open to the public and any person shall be permitted to attend any meeting except as
439	439	429otherwise provided pursuant to this rule or Rule 7A. All meetings, except executive conferences,
440	440	430of House standing and special committees shall be conducted in-person with the option of remote 22 of 141
441	441	431participation available to both members of such committees and the public; provided, however,
442	442	432that the chair of such committees shall be physically present at the hearing location where in-
443	443	433person public testimony is offered. All House standing and special committees, in the conduct of
444	444	434their hearings, shall utilize, to the extent practicable, online platforms or systems that allow for
445	445	435synchronous, audio-visual communication between the chair of the committee and individuals
446	446	436offering testimony remotely. All hearings of House standing and special committees shall be
447	447	437publicly livestreamed on the website of the General Court and shall display and transmit, in real-
448	448	438time, the audio-visual attributes of public testimony offered remotely; provided further, that said
449	449	439livestream shall be archived on the website of the General Court for the duration of the
450	450	440legislative session. Members of House standing and special committees may participate
451	451	441remotely and shall have the same privileges, rights and responsibilities as if the member was
452	452	442physically present at the hearing location, and other members of the House may offer remote
453	453	443testimony before said committees of which they are not a member. The chair of any House
454	454	444standing or special committee conducting a hearing shall use best efforts to prioritize the
455	455	445testimony of those physically present at the hearing location and may, in their discretion, allow
456	456	446individuals participating in-person a greater amount of time to testify than those participating
457	457	447remotely. All notices of hearings shall include instructions on how to offer testimony both in-
458	458	448person and remotely.
459	459	449 No quorum of a committee shall meet in private for the purpose of deliberation except as
460	460	450provided pursuant to this rule.
461	461	451 No executive session shall be held until: (i) the committee has first convened in an open
462	462	452session for which notice has been given; (ii) the presiding officer has stated the authorized
463	463	453purpose of the executive session; (iii) a majority of the members of the committee present have 23 of 141
464	464	454voted to go into executive session and the vote of each member has been recorded on a roll call
465	465	455vote and entered into the minutes: and (iv) the presiding officer has stated before the executive
466	466	456session if the committee will reconvene after the executive session.
467	467	457 (c) Executive conferences shall be held only for the following purposes: (i) to discuss the
468	468	458reputation, character, physical condition or mental health rather than the professional
469	469	459competence of a member, officer or employee; (ii) to consider the discipline or dismissal of, or to
470	470	460hear complaints or charges brought against a member, officer or employee; (iii) to discuss
471	471	461strategy with respect to litigation if an executive session or other open meeting may have a
472	472	462detrimental effect on the legal position of the committee; or (iv) to consider the purchase,
473	473	463exchange, lease or value of real property, if such discussions may have a detrimental effect on
474	474	464the negotiating position of the Commonwealth or a person, firm or corporation.
475	475	465 A member, officer or employee subject to an executive conference pursuant to clause (i) or
476	476	466clause (ii) shall be notified in writing no less than 48 hours prior to the proposed executive
477	477	467conference; provided, however, that upon agreement of the parties involved, the notification
478	478	468requirements of clause (i) and clause (ii) may be waived. Upon request of the member, officer or
479	479	469employee subject to an executive conference pursuant to clause (i) or clause (ii) the executive
480	480	470conference shall be open to the public.
481	481	471 A member, officer or employee subject to an executive conference pursuant to clause (i) or
482	482	472clause (ii) shall have the right to: (a) be present at such executive conference during discussions
483	483	473or considerations which involve that member, officer or employee; (b) have counsel or a
484	484	474representative of their own choosing present and attending for the purpose of advising said
485	485	475member, officer or employee; provided, however, that said counsel or representative shall not 24 of 141
486	486	476actively participate in the executive conference; and (c) to speak on their own behalf to the
487	487	477committee assembled in executive conference.
488	488	478 (d) This rule shall not apply to any chance meeting or social meeting at which matters relating
489	489	479to official business are discussed so long as no final agreement is reached. No chance meeting or
490	490	480social meeting shall be used in circumvention of the spirit or requirements of this section to
491	491	481discuss or act upon a matter over which the committee has supervision, control, jurisdiction, or
492	492	482advisory power.
493	493	483 (e) Except pursuant to an emergency, a notice and agenda of every meeting of a committee
494	494	484subject to this rule shall be filed with the Clerk of the House, publicly posted by the Clerk on the
495	495	485bulletin board outside the Clerk's Office and in such other places as are designated in advance for
496	496	486such purpose by said Clerk, made available to all members electronically and made available to
497	497	487the public via the website of the General Court at least forty-eight hours, including Saturdays,
498	498	488but not Sundays and legal holidays, prior to the time of such meeting and a list of the bills,
499	499	489petitions, and resolutions to be considered for a vote or other action by the committee. The notice
500	500	490shall include the date, time and place of such meeting. Such filing and posting shall be the
501	501	491responsibility of the committee scheduling such meeting. If public testimony is being solicited,
502	502	492agendas may include an electronic mail address and physical mail address for the submission of
503	503	493testimony and the committee shall make reasonable efforts to ensure diversity among those from
504	504	494whom testimony is solicited. The notice and posting requirements shall not apply to executive
505	505	495conferences held pursuant to clause (i) or clause (ii) of part (c) of this rule unless the member,
506	506	496officer or employee subject to the executive conference requests that the executive conference be
507	507	497open to the public. 25 of 141
508	508	498 (f) A committee shall maintain accurate records of its meetings and hearings setting forth the
509	509	499date, time and place thereof, and recording any action taken at each meeting, hearing, executive
510	510	500conference or executive session. All votes requested to be taken in executive sessions shall be
511	511	501recorded roll call votes and shall become a part of the record of said executive sessions. The
512	512	502record of each meeting shall become a public record and be available to the public; provided,
513	513	503however, that the records of any executive conference shall remain confidential as long as
514	514	504publication may defeat the lawful purposes of the executive conference.
515	515	505 (g) Upon prior notification and approval of the chair, a meeting of a committee may be
516	516	506recorded by a person in attendance by means of a recorder or any other means of audio/visual
517	517	507reproduction; provided, however, that said recording shall not interfere with the conduct of the
518	518	508meeting. Executive conferences conducted pursuant to clause (i) or clause (11) of part (c) of this
519	519	509rule shall not be recorded unless upon the request of the member, officer or employee who is
520	520	510subject to said executive conference, and then only at such member's, officer's or employee's
521	521	511expense. Executive conferences conducted pursuant to clause (iii) or (iv) of part (c) of this rule
522	522	512may be recorded at the discretion of the chair.
523	523	513 (h) Copies of all redrafted bills that are to be voted on at an executive session by the House
524	524	514Ways and Means Committee shall be available to all members of the committee electronically in
525	525	515the form they will be considered no less than twenty-four hours prior to their consideration;
526	526	516provided, however, that said committee may vote on a bill that has not been available for said
527	527	517period of time by vote of a majority of the committee members present.
528	528	518 [Adopted Nov. 17, 1983; Amended Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1991; May 5, 1993; Jan. 17, 1995;
529	529	519Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 9, 2003, Jan. 23, 2007, Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 30, 2019; Jul. 7, 2021; Feb. 1,
530	530	5202023.] 26 of 141
531	531	521 17B. Whenever any member of a House committee present at the committee meeting so
532	532	522requests, the vote to give any legislation a favorable or adverse report shall be a recorded vote of
533	533	523the full committee. Such votes shall be recorded on appropriate forms that show all votes for and
534	534	524against the particular committee action; provided, that votes may also be recorded in LAWS. The
535	535	525record of all such roll calls shall be kept in the offices of the committee and shall include the
536	536	526aggregate tally of members voting in the affirmative, members not voting or members reserving
537	537	527their rights, and the names of members voting in the negative on an individual bill, and shall be
538	538	528posted on the website of the General Court within 48 hours of the vote for public inspection.
539	539	529 No report of a House committee on any legislation shall be final until those members of the
540	540	530committee present and voting with the majority have been given the opportunity to sign such
541	541	531appropriate forms before the report is made to the House. No signature shall be valid unless the
542	542	532forms to which the signatures are affixed include the substantially complete text of the legislation
543	543	533being reported.
544	544	534 [Adopted Nov. 17, 1983; Amended Jan. 12, 1987, Amended Jan. 29, 2015; Jul. 7, 2021; Feb.
545	545	5351, 2023.]
546	546	536 17C. There shall be a committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement on the part
547	547	537of the House consisting of thirteen members.
548	548	538 Said committee shall discharge its duties pursuant to the Rules, including Rule 16B and Rules
549	549	53988 through 100, and shall also be responsible for the allocation of office space as equitably as
550	550	540possible among the various members and joint and standing committees. The committee shall
551	551	541allocate space among the various committees on the part of the House taking into account the
552	552	542work load, duties and responsibilities and size of staff of each. 27 of 141
553	553	543 The Speaker may make temporary office assignments in accordance with the foregoing
554	554	544principles.
555	555	545 The committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement may from time to time make
556	556	546changes in the assignment of office space for committees and the various staffs in accordance
557	557	547with the established standards.
558	558	548 Said committee shall establish the staffing levels and positions for each joint and standing
559	559	549committee of the House together with a classification plan for all employees of the House of
560	560	550Representatives.
561	561	551 For each person who is employed or is to be employed by a joint or standing committee on
562	562	552the part of the House, each committee chair shall nominate each such person and the House
563	563	553members of the committee by a majority vote shall vote on whether to approve each said
564	564	554nominee. The House members of the committee shall approve such persons whose character and
565	565	555qualifications are acceptable to the majority of the House members of the committee and are in
566	566	556accordance with the qualifications established by the Human Resources and Employee
567	567	557Engagement committee.
568	568	558 The House staff members of each committee shall be appointed solely on the basis of fitness
569	569	559to perform the duties of their respective positions, consistent with section 4 of chapter 151B of
570	570	560the General Laws. The committee staff shall not:
571	571	561 (1) engage in any work other than legislative business during business hours unless pursuant
572	572	562to the pro-bono service policy or charitable and community service activity policy established by
573	573	563the committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement pursuant to Rule 90(h)(2); and
574	574	564 (2) be assigned any duties other than those pertaining to legislative business. 28 of 141
575	575	565 The committee shall meet on request of the chair or any 3 members of the committee. Any
576	576	566such meeting requested shall be convened on or within the fifth business day following such
577	577	567request. All such requests shall be in writing and forwarded to the chair and each member of the
578	578	568committee.
579	579	569 Funds shall be allocated from the budget to carry out the determination of the committee.
580	580	570 [Adopted Jan. 11, 1985; Amended Jan. 16, 1985; Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1991; Feb. 11, 2009;
581	581	571Jan. 29, 2015; Jan. 30, 2019; July 7, 2021; Feb. 1, 2023.]
582	582	572 17D. [Omitted Jan. 26, 2005.]
583	583	573 17E. [Omitted Jan. 26, 2005.]
584	584	574 17F. [Omitted Jan. 26, 2005.]
585	585	575 17G. [Omitted Jul. 7, 2021.]
586	586	576 18. The Speaker shall appoint, and may recommend the removal of, the Speaker pro
587	587	577Tempore, the Majority Floor Leader, Assistant Majority Floor Leader and two Second Assistant
588	588	578Majority Floor Leaders. The Minority Leader shall appoint, and may recommend the removal of,
589	589	579the Assistant Minority Floor Leader, Second Assistant Minority Floor Leader, and two Third
590	590	580Assistant Minority Floor Leaders, Ranking minority member of Ways and Means, two Assistant
591	591	581Ranking minority members of the Ways and Means committee, Ranking minority member of the
592	592	582committee on Rules, Ranking minority member of the committee on Financial Services, Ranking
593	593	583minority member of the committee on Health Care Financing, Ranking minority member of the
594	594	584committee on the Judiciary, Ranking minority member of the committee on Bonding, Capital
595	595	585Expenditures, and State Assets, Ranking minority member of the committee on Public Safety 29 of 141
596	596	586and Homeland Security, Ranking minority member of the committee on Transportation and
597	597	587Ranking minority member of the committee on Economic Development and Emerging
598	598	588Technologies. The Minority Leader shall be that member of the minority party who is selected
599	599	589for that position by the members of their party.
600	600	590 Each of the foregoing appointments or removals shall be ratified by a majority vote of the
601	601	591respective party caucus. In the event that an appointment is rejected by such caucus another
602	602	592appointment shall be made by the person designated to make the initial appointment, which shall
603	603	593also be subject to ratification in the same manner.
604	604	594 The Speaker shall appoint, and may recommend the removal of, the chair of each standing
605	605	595committee. The Speaker shall appoint, and may recommend the removal of, the vice chair and
606	606	596assistant vice chair of the Ways and Means committee, the vice chair of the Post Audit and
607	607	597Oversight committee, the vice chair of the committee on Rules, the vice chair of the committee
608	608	598on Revenue, the vice chair of the committee on Financial Services, the vice chair of the
609	609	599committee on Health Care Financing, the vice chair of the committee on Bonding, Capital
610	610	600Expenditures, and State Assets, the vice chair of the committee on State Administration and
611	611	601Regulatory Oversight, and the vice chair of the committee on Economic Development and
612	612	602Emerging Technologies.
613	613	603 The majority party shall then vote to accept or reject each such appointment or
614	614	604recommendation for removal by a majority vote.
615	615	605 In the event that any such appointment is rejected by the caucus, the procedure of this rule
616	616	606shall be repeated until an appointment for the said position has been approved by the caucus. A
617	617	607vacancy in any position to which the provisions of this section apply shall be filled in the same
618	618	608manner as provided in this section for original appointment. 30 of 141
619	619	609No member shall receive more than one stipend pursuant to section 9B of chapter 3 of the
620	620	610General Laws.
621	621	611 The Speaker and the Minority Leader may, without a majority vote of their respective parties,
622	622	612remove a member appointed to a leadership position from said position pursuant to this rule if
623	623	613the member has been criminally indicted by a court of competent jurisdiction.
624	624	614 [Amended Jan. 16, 1979; Nov. 17, 1983; Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 23,
625	625	6152007; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan 23, 2013; Jan. 29, 2015; Feb. 19, 2015; Jan. 30, 2019; Feb. 1, 2023.]
626	626	616 18A. There shall be 1 member of the minority party on all committees of conference and 1 on
627	627	617the committee on Bills in the Third Reading. On all other standing and joint committees, the
628	628	618percent of minority party membership shall be at least equal to the percent of minority party
629	629	619membership in the House of Representatives as of the first day of the session; provided, further,
630	630	620that where such percentage results in a fraction of a number, the fraction shall be rounded off to
631	631	621the nearest whole; provided, however, that the minority party shall under no circumstances have
632	632	622less than 4 members on the committee on Ethics, 4 on the committee on Human Resources and
633	633	623Employee Engagement , 3 on the committee on Rules and 7 on the committee on Ways and
634	634	624Means. In no case shall minority party representation be less than 2 members on all other
635	635	625standing and joint committees.
636	636	626 The Speaker and the Minority Leader shall appoint the members of their respective party
637	637	627caucuses to be assigned to each standing committee. The Speaker shall appoint the vice chair of
638	638	628each standing committee. The appointments, except those to which Rule 18 applies, shall be
639	639	629voted upon together and shall be subject to ratification by majority vote of the appropriate party
640	640	630caucus. 31 of 141
641	641	631No member shall be removed from a standing committee except upon the recommendation of the
642	642	632Speaker or Minority Leader, as the case may be, subject to the ratification by their respective
643	643	633caucuses; provided, however, that the Speaker and the Minority Leader may, without a majority
644	644	634vote of their respective parties, remove a member appointed to a standing committee pursuant to
645	645	635this rule if the member has been criminally indicted by a court of competent jurisdiction; and
646	646	636provided further, that if any vacancy occurs in a position to which Rule 18 does not apply,
647	647	637subsequent to the initial ratification, the Speaker or Minority Leader shall fill such vacancy.
648	648	638 The Speaker shall announce committee appointments of majority party members, and the
649	649	639member first named shall be chair, and the second named member shall be vice-chair. The
650	650	640Minority Leader shall announce committee appointments of minority party members. (13.)
651	651	641 [Adopted Jan. 11, 1985; Amended Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 14, 1997; Feb. 11, 2009;
652	652	642Jan. 30, 2019.]
653	653	643 18B. All votes on ratification by the caucus required by these rules shall be by written ballot
654	654	644and shall require a majority of those present and voting; provided, however, that if a motion to
655	655	645ratify the appointments by acclamation is made and seconded, no written ballot shall be required.
656	656	646[Adopted Jan. 11, 1985.]
657	657	647 18C. [Adopted, Jan. 11, 1985, Omitted Jan. 24, 2001.]
658	658	648 19. A majority and minority party caucus may be called by the Speaker or Minority Leader,
659	659	649respectively, or upon petition of 25 percent of the members of the respective party caucus. A
660	660	650caucus may entertain resolutions, motions, or other means of ascertaining the sense of the
661	661	651respective party members on any subject. (13B.)
662	662	652 [Adopted Nov. 17, 1983; Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 29, 2015.] 32 of 141
663	663	653 19A. The majority party and minority party shall establish caucus rules that shall dictate the
664	664	654procedures of each caucus.
665	665	655 19B. Any member caucus or group of members organized around a common legislative
666	666	656agenda that utilizes House resources, including staff time, shall register with the House
667	667	657Committee on Rules as a Legislative Member Organization, unless it is a party caucus. The chair
668	668	658of the House Committee on Rules shall notify the Clerk of the House of any Legislative Member
669	669	659Organization registering with the Committee and shall maintain a list of all Legislative Member
670	670	660Organizations.
671	671	661 Registration shall include the name of the Legislative Member Organization, its statement of
672	672	662purpose, identification of its members and officers, and a certification signed by its chair that any
673	673	663state resources used for the purposes of the Legislative Member Organization shall be not be
674	674	664used for any partisan political end.
675	675	665 A Legislative Member Organization may not include a non-legislator. Senators may belong
676	676	666to the Legislative Member Organization, but in order to use House resources at least one House
677	677	667member shall be an officer of the Legislative Member Organization. A Legislative Member
678	678	668Organization may, without limitation, sponsor informational or educational events, may invite
679	679	669outside speakers and groups to make presentations to the members of the Legislative Member
680	680	670Organization and others, and may distribute any report, analysis, or other research material
681	681	671prepared by others provided that the identity of the person or organization authoring the work is
682	682	672fully disclosed.
683	683	673 A member’s official stationery may list his or her membership in a Legislative Member
684	684	674Organization. 33 of 141
685	685	675 [Adopted Nov. 17, 1983; Amended Jan. 14, 1997; Jul. 7, 2021; Feb. 1, 2023.]
686	686	676 20. The committee on Ways and Means shall report in appropriation bills the total amount
687	687	677appropriated. The General Appropriation Bill shall be available to the members at least 7
688	688	678calendar days prior to consideration thereof by the House. [25.] (27A.)
689	689	679 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Mar. 24, 1986; Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 26, 2005; Jan. 29, 2015.]
690	690	680 20A. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Rule 33A, amendments to the General
691	691	681Appropriation Bill shall be properly filed with the Clerk in an electronic format to be determined
692	692	682by the Clerk as directed by the Speaker; provided that the Clerk shall notify by electronic
693	693	683communication the primary sponsor of each amendment of the receipt of such amendment and
694	694	684the number assigned by said Clerk to the amendment; provided further, that the Clerk shall print
695	695	685each amendment so filed electronically and such printed copy shall be considered to be the
696	696	686official amendment for that bill. Amendments to said General Appropriation Bill shall be filed
697	697	687with the Clerk by 5 o’clock P.M. on the third business day subsequent to the bill being made
698	698	688available in a format to be determined by the Clerk as directed by the Speaker pursuant to Rule
699	699	68920B and release of said bill by said Clerk; provided, that if the release of said bill by said Clerk
700	700	690occurs before the hour of 2 o’clock P.M., then the same day in which said bill was released shall
701	701	691be considered the first business day. Otherwise, the day following the release shall be considered
702	702	692the first business day.
703	703	693 (b)(1) The Clerk, with the assistance of the committee on Ways and Means, shall categorize
704	704	694the subject-matter of the amendments and arrange such amendments for consideration
705	705	695sequentially by subject as appearing in the published version of the General Appropriation Bill,
706	706	696or the Clerk, with the assistance of the committee on Ways and Means, shall categorize the 34 of 141
707	707	697subject-matter of the amendments and arrange such subject matters for consideration as
708	708	698determined by the committee on Ways and Means. Debate on the General Appropriation Bill
709	709	699shall not commence until a date and time to be determined by the House which is subsequent to
710	710	700the designated time established for filing of amendments pursuant to subsection (a) of this rule.
711	711	701 (2) Before the main question on the General Appropriation Bill is placed before the House, an
712	712	702amendment may be withdrawn at the request of the primary sponsor of the amendment or
713	713	703postponed by the committee on Ways and Means; provided, that further consideration of any
714	714	704amendment so postponed shall take place immediately subsequent to consideration of the
715	715	705amendments within the particular subject-matter to which the postponed amendment was
716	716	706assigned according to the provisions of this subparagraph; provided, that if more than one
717	717	707amendment is so postponed, subsequent consideration of said amendments shall be in the order
718	718	708determined by the committee on Ways and Means; provided further, an amendment so postponed
719	719	709shall not be subsequently considered outside of its assigned subject-matter; and provided further,
720	720	710that perfecting or substitute amendments, including, but not limited to an amendment
721	721	711consolidating more than one amendment, may be submitted by the committee on Ways and
722	722	712Means during consideration of the subject category to which the amendment or amendments
723	723	713were assigned. Any amendment may be removed from a consolidated amendment by the
724	724	714primary sponsor of the amendment. Any such amendment so removed from a consolidated
725	725	715amendment shall be offered as an amendment to the General Appropriation Bill, to be acted upon
726	726	716in the first degree before action is taken on the consolidated amendment, except that any
727	727	717amendment so removed from the consolidated amendment may be moved by the committee on
728	728	718Ways and Means from one subject category to another subject category not yet disposed of in the
729	729	719General Appropriation Bill. 35 of 141
730	730	720 (3) A consolidated amendment to the General Appropriation Bill, offered by the committee on
731	731	721Ways and Means, shall contain a fiscal note indicating its total expenditures.
732	732	722 (4) Notwithstanding Rule 74, a consolidated amendment offered by the committee on Ways
733	733	723and Means, may not be divided.
734	734	724 (c) Except for consolidated amendments or perfecting amendments offered by the committee
735	735	725on Ways and Means, no proposition on a subject different from the amendment under
736	736	726consideration shall be admitted under color of a further amendment to the General Appropriation
737	737	727Bill. A consolidated amendment to the General Appropriation Bill, offered by the committee on
738	738	728Ways and Means, shall be a motion offering an amendment in the second degree.
739	739	729 (d) Any amendment to the General Appropriation Bill not complying with this rule shall be
740	740	730considered withdrawn; provided that, any such amendments shall be published as part of the
741	741	731amendment list published by the committee on Ways and Means.
742	742	732 [Adopted Jan. 24, 2001; Amended Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 26, 2005; Jan. 23, 2007; Jan. 20, 2011;
743	743	733Jan. 29, 2015; Feb. 1, 2023.]
744	744	734 20B. When the General Appropriation Bill is reported by the committee on Ways and Means,
745	745	735it shall be made available to all members electronically and to the public via the website of the
746	746	736General Court in a format to be determined by the Speaker in consultation with the Clerk. The
747	747	737committee on Ways and Means shall provide the membership with an electronic copy of its
748	748	738proposed text of said General Appropriation Bill, and an executive summary which shall include
749	749	739a list of outside sections, and a short summary of each outside section prior to full House
750	750	740consideration of such bill. When the House considers said General Appropriation Bill, it shall be
751	751	741read a second time; provided further that amendments relative to enhancing or reducing revenue 36 of 141
752	752	742shall only be considered prior to the third reading of said bill to be in order, and that all other
753	753	743amendments to the General Appropriations Bill shall only be considered subsequent to the third
754	754	744reading of said bill.
755	755	745 [Adopted Jan. 9, 2003, Amended Jan. 23, 2007; Feb. 11, 2009; Feb. 1, 2023.]
756	756	746 21. Whenever the committee on Ways and Means reports an appropriation bill or capital
757	757	747outlay bill, it shall make available to the members a report which includes an explanation of any
758	758	748increase or decrease of five percent or more which results in an increase or decrease of one
759	759	749million dollars or more for any item for which the Governor has made a recommendation, and an
760	760	750explanation for the deletion of an item recommended by the Governor, and for the addition of an
761	761	751item for which the Governor has made no recommendation. [25A.] (27A.)
762	762	752 22. Bills and resolves when ordered to a third reading shall be referred forthwith to the
763	763	753committee on Bills in the Third Reading, which shall examine and correct them, for the purpose
764	764	754of avoiding repetitions and unconstitutional provisions, and insuring accuracy in the text and
765	765	755references, and consistency with the language of existing statutes; but any change in the sense or
766	766	756legal effect, or any material change in construction, shall be reported to the House as an
767	767	757amendment.
768	768	758 The committee on Bills in the Third Reading may consolidate into 1 bill any 2 or more related
769	769	759bills referred to it, whenever legislation may be simplified thereby.
770	770	760 Resolutions received from and adopted by the Senate or introduced or reported into the
771	771	761House, after they are read and before they are adopted, shall be referred to the committee on
772	772	762Bills in the Third Reading. 37 of 141
773	773	763 Amendments of bills, resolves and resolutions adopted by the Senate and sent to the House
774	774	764for concurrence, shall, subsequently to the procedure required by Rule 35 in respect to
775	775	765amendments, also be referred, in like manner, to the committee on Bills in the Third Reading.
776	776	766 When a bill, resolve or resolution has been so referred, no further action shall be taken until a
777	777	767report thereon has been made by the committee. Accompanying said report shall be a written
778	778	768explanation prepared by the committee defining any changes made in a bill, resolve or resolution
779	779	769so as to facilitate the proceedings of the House.
780	780	770 If a bill or resolve referred to the committee on Bills in the Third Reading requires a two-
781	781	771thirds vote because it contains an emergency preamble, or if it provides for the borrowing of
782	782	772money by the Commonwealth and comes within the provisions of Section 3 of Article LXII of
783	783	773the Amendments to the Constitution, or provides for the giving, loaning or pledging of the credit
784	784	774of the Commonwealth and comes within the provisions of Section 1 of Article LXII (as amended
785	785	775by Article LXXXIV) of the Amendments to the Constitution, or provides, upon recommendation
786	786	776of the Governor, for a special law relating to an individual city or town and comes within the
787	787	777provisions of clause (2) of Section 8 of Article LXXXIX of the Amendments to the Constitution
788	788	778or provides for environmental protection within the provisions of Article XLIX as amended by
789	789	779Article XCVII, the committee shall plainly indicate the fact on the outside of the bill or resolve,
790	790	780or on a wrapper or label attached thereto. [26.] (33.)
791	791	781 [Amended Jan. 12, 1983; Jan. 11, 1985; May 5, 1993; Jan. 29, 2015; Feb. 1, 2023.]
792	792	782 23. Bills and resolves prepared for final passage shall be certified by the Clerk of the House,
793	793	783after comparison, to be the same as the bills or resolves passed to be engrossed; and if found to
794	794	784be properly prepared, the Clerk shall so endorse on the envelope thereof; and the question on 38 of 141
795	795	785enactment or final passage or adopting an emergency preamble shall be taken thereon, without
796	796	786further reading, unless specifically ordered.
797	797	787 When a bill prepared for final passage contains an emergency preamble or when it provides
798	798	788for the borrowing of money by the Commonwealth and comes within the provisions of Section 3
799	799	789of Article LXII of the Amendments to the Constitution, or provides for the giving, loaning or
800	800	790pledging of the credit of the Commonwealth and comes within the provisions of Section 1 of
801	801	791Article LXII (as amended by Article LXXXIV) of the Amendments to the Constitution, or
802	802	792provides, upon recommendation of the Governor, for a special law relating to an individual city
803	803	793or town and comes within the provisions of clause (2) of Section 8 of Article LXXXIX of the
804	804	794Amendments to the Constitution, or provides for environmental protection within the provisions
805	805	795of Article XLIX as amended by Article XCVII, the Clerk shall plainly indicate the fact on the
806	806	796envelope thereof. [27.] (34.) [See Rule 40.]
807	807	797 [Amended Jan. 12, 1983; Jan. 29, 2015.]
808	808	798 23A. No member of the House, except the Speaker, Speaker pro Tempore, Majority Leader,
809	809	799Assistant Majority Leader, Second Assistant Majority Leader, Minority Leader, Assistant
810	810	800Minority Leader, Second Assistant Minority Leader, Third Assistant Minority Leader, Vice-
811	811	801Chairperson of the Committee on Ways and Means, Assistant Vice-Chairperson of the
812	812	802Committee on Ways and Means and committee chairs with respect to committee business, shall
813	813	803receive privileges or compensation for postage which is greater than seventy-five percent of the
814	814	804amount allowed as standard practice during the 186th biennial session of the General Court, as
815	815	805determined by the House Business Manager.
816	816	806 [Adopted Jan. 11, 1985; Amended Jan. 24, 2001; Jan. 26, 2005; Jan. 20, 2011; Feb. 1, 2023.] 39 of 141
817	817	807 24. (a) (1) Petitions, recommendations and reports of state officials, departments,
818	818	808commissions including legislative commissions, and boards, special reports including legislation
819	819	809initiated by the Committee on Ethics pursuant to rule 16, and reports of special committees and
820	820	810commissions including legislative commissions, shall be filed with the Clerk in a format to be
821	821	811determined by said Clerk, who shall, unless they are subject to other provisions of these rules or
822	822	812the rules of the two branches, refer them, with the approval of the Speaker, to the appropriate
823	823	813committees, subject to such change of reference as the House may make. The reading of all such
824	824	814documents may be dispensed with, but they shall be entered in the Journal of the same or the
825	825	815next legislative day after such reference except as provided in Joint Rule 13.
826	826	816 (2) All orders, including motions or orders proposed for joint adoption, resolutions and other
827	827	817papers intended for presentation, except those hereinbefore mentioned, shall be filed with the
828	828	818Clerk in a format to be determined by said Clerk, who shall, prior to the procedure required by
829	829	819other provisions of these rules or of the rules of the two branches, refer them to the committee on
830	830	820Rules.
831	831	821 (b) Resolutions for adoption by the House only or resolutions for joint adoption shall only be
832	832	822considered for adoption in the House if the resolution meets the criteria set forth in this rule.
833	833	823 (c) Resolutions shall consist of: (i) no more than 5 clauses beginning with the word
834	834	824“WHEREAS”, which shall contain statements of facts or opinions; and (ii) no more than 2
835	835	825clauses beginning with the word “RESOLVED”.
836	836	826 (d) Resolutions shall recognize, honor, commend, celebrate or commemorate a momentous
837	837	827achievement, special occasion or significant event or date; provided, however, that the following
838	838	828resolutions shall not be considered for adoption: 40 of 141
839	839	829 (i) resolutions recognizing, honoring, commending, celebrating or commemorating the
840	840	830birthday of a person under the age of 80;
841	841	831 (ii) resolutions recognizing, honoring, commending, celebrating or commemorating a
842	842	832wedding anniversary of a married couple of less than 50 years,
843	843	833 (iii) resolutions recognizing, honoring, commending, celebrating or commemorating an
844	844	834anniversary of an organization of less than 20 years;
845	845	835 (iv) resolutions recognizing, honoring, commending, celebrating or commemorating a class
846	846	836reunion;
847	847	837 (v) resolutions recognizing, honoring, commending, celebrating or commemorating a for-
848	848	838profit organization;
849	849	839 (iv) resolutions proclaiming certain days, weeks or months;
850	850	840 (vii) resolutions that includes a statement of policy or ideology.
851	851	841 (e) Suspension of subsections (b) through (d) of this rule shall require unanimous consent of
852	852	842the members present.
853	853	843 (3) Petitions and other papers so filed which are subject to the provisions of Joint Rule 7A,
854	854	8447B, or 9 shall be referred by the Clerk to the committee on Rules. Petitions and other papers so
855	855	845filed, which are subject to the provisions of the second paragraph of Joint Rule 12, shall, prior to
856	856	846the procedure required by said rule, be referred by the Clerk to the committee on Rules. The
857	857	847reading of all such papers may be dispensed with, but they shall be entered in the Journal of the
858	858	848same or the next legislative day after such reference. 41 of 141
859	859	849 (4) Matters which have been placed on file during the preceding year may be taken from the
860	860	850files by the Clerk upon request of any member or member-elect; and matters so taken from the
861	861	851files shall be referred or otherwise disposed of as provided above.
862	862	852 (5) Recommendations and special reports of state officials, departments, commissions and
863	863	853boards, reports of special committees and commissions, bills and resolves accompanying
864	864	854petitions, recommendations and reports, and resolutions shall be made available under the
865	865	855direction of the Clerk, who may cause to be made available, with the approval of the Speaker,
866	866	856any other documents filed as herein provided.
867	867	857 (6) All such legislation and reports filed with the Clerk shall be submitted in a format
868	868	858prescribed by said Clerk. Said documents shall contain the name or names of the primary
869	869	859sponsors and a list of the names of all petitioners praying for the legislation. Additional names
870	870	860may be added to the list of the petitioners; provided, however, that, such additional names shall
871	871	861be submitted in a format to be determined by the Clerk.
872	872	862 (7) Any petition so submitted that is a refile of a measure submitted in a previous session shall
873	873	863include, in the appropriate space provided, the session year for which the measure was filed and
874	874	864the House or Senate bill number or docket number assigned to such measure in such previous
875	875	865session.
876	876	866 (8) Debate upon the suspension of this rule shall be limited to 10 minutes, 3 minutes for each
877	877	867member, and the Speaker shall recognize the member presenting the order, resolution or petition
878	878	868first; provided, however, that suspension of this rule shall require unanimous consent of the
879	879	869members present. Any order, except such order that would amend the Rules of the House,
880	880	870resolution or petition referred to the committee on Rules after the question of suspension of this
881	881	871rule has been negatived, or any order, resolution or petition filed after the beginning of the 42 of 141
882	882	872session and referred to the committee on Rules, shall not be discharged from said committee
883	883	873except by unanimous consent of the House. Motions to discharge the committee on Rules shall
884	884	874be subject to the provisions of paragraph 2 of Rule 28. [28.] (20.) [See Rules 36 and 85.]
885	885	875 [Amended April 27, 1981; Jan. 9, 1989; Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 26, 2005; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 29,
886	886	8762015; Jan. 30, 2019; Jul. 7, 2021; Feb. 1, 2023.]
887	887	877 25. Every petition for legislation shall be accompanied by a bill or resolve embodying the
888	888	878legislation prayed for. [29.] [See Joint Rule 12.]
889	889	879 26. When the object of an application can be secured without a special act under existing
890	890	880laws, or, without detriment to the public interests, by a general law, the committee to which the
891	891	881matter is referred shall report such general law or ought not to pass, as the case may be. The
892	892	882committee may report a special law on matters referred to it upon (1) a petition filed or approved
893	893	883by the voters of a city or town, or the mayor and city council, or other legislative body, of a city,
894	894	884or the town meeting of a town, with respect to a law relating to that city or town; (2) a
895	895	885recommendation by the Governor; or (3) matters relating to erecting and constituting
896	896	886metropolitan or regional entities, embracing any two or more cities and towns, or established
897	897	887with other than existing city or town boundaries, for any general or special public purpose or
898	898	888purposes. [30.] (16.) [See Joint Rule 7.]
899	899	889 [Amended Feb. 11, 2009.]
900	900	890 27. With the exception of matters referred to the committee on Rules under the provisions of
901	901	891paragraph (3) of Rule 24, committees shall report on all matters referred to them. The committee
902	902	892on Ways and Means shall report the General Appropriation Bill not later than the second
903	903	893Wednesday of May; and provided further that said committee shall make available to the 43 of 141
904	904	894members all data compiled for justification of budgetary recommendations in all appropriation
905	905	895bills. [33.]
906	906	896 [Amended April 18, 1979; Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 29, 2015.]
907	907	897 27A. [Omitted Jan. 23, 2007.]
908	908	898 28. (1) Motions directing the committee on Ways and Means to report certain matters to the
909	909	899House, or motions discharging said committees from further consideration of certain matters,
910	910	900shall not be considered until the expiration of seven calendar days and shall require a majority
911	911	901vote of the members present and voting for adoption. Committees so directed to report shall file
912	912	902a report with the Clerk within 4 legislative days. The committee on Ways and Means may not be
913	913	903directed to report or be discharged from further consideration of any appropriation or capital
914	914	904outlay measure.
915	915	905 (2) The committee on Rules, except as provided in Rule 24, and the committee on Bills in the
916	916	906Third Reading shall not be discharged from consideration of any measure or be directed to report
917	917	907on any measure within 10 calendar days of its reference without the unanimous consent of the
918	918	908House, or after such 10 day period except by a vote of a majority of the members present and
919	919	909voting thereon.
920	920	910 (3) Matters discharged under the provisions of this rule shall be placed in the Orders of the
921	921	911Day for the next sitting. Petitions discharged under the provisions of this rule shall be considered
922	922	912as favorably reported and the bill, resolve, resolution or order accompanying such petitions shall
923	923	913be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting.
924	924	914 (4) During the last week of the session, the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (3) of this rule
925	925	915shall be inoperative. 44 of 141
926	926	916 (5) A second motion to discharge a matter from a committee or a second motion to direct a
927	927	917committee to report a matter shall not be entertained until the first such motion has been disposed
928	928	918of.
929	929	919 (6) As an alternative procedure to that provided under the provisions of this rule, the members
930	930	920of the House may, by filing a petition signed by a majority of the members elected to the House,
931	931	921discharge the House committee on Ways and Means, the House committee on Bills in the Third
932	932	922Reading, and the House committee on Rules from further consideration of a legislative matter.
933	933	923Seven days following the filing of the petition with the House Clerk, the committee shall be
934	934	924discharged from further consideration of the legislative matter specified in the petition and the
935	935	925House Clerk shall place the matter in the Orders of the Day for the next calendar day that the
936	936	926House is meeting.
937	937	927 (7) For the purpose of this rule, matters not appearing on the Calendar which are not before
938	938	928any committee shall be deemed to be before the Rules committee. Notwithstanding the previous
939	939	929sentence, a bill which has been engrossed by the House and Senate shall be placed before the
940	940	930House for enactment. Any member may request to the House that a matter engrossed in the
941	941	931House and Senate, returned for final passage by the engrossing division, and reviewed and
942	942	932released by the Committee on Bills in Third Reading be placed before the House for enactment.
943	943	933The Speaker shall, in response to such a request of a member, put the matter before the House at
944	944	934the conclusion of the matter then pending.
945	945	935 (8) This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present.
946	946	936(27C, 32A.)
947	947	937 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; April 27, 1981; Jan. 12, 1983; Nov. 17, 1983; Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 9,
948	948	9381989; Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 24, 2001; Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 26, 2005, Jan. 23, 2007; Jan. 29, 2015.] 45 of 141
949	949	939 28A. The committee on Bills in the Third Reading shall report on a legislative matter not later
950	950	940than 45 days following the day the matter was referred to it. The Clerk shall indicate on the
951	951	941Calendar entry of every matter before the committee on Bills in the Third Reading the date that
952	952	942said matter was referred to said committee.
953	953	943 [Adopted Jan. 11, 1985; Amended Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 29, 2015.]
954	954	944 REGULAR COURSE OF PROCEEDINGS.
955	955	945 Petitions.
956	956	946 29. The member presenting a petition shall endorse their name thereon; and the reading
957	957	947thereof shall be dispensed with, unless specially ordered. [37.] (18.)
958	958	948 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 30, 2019.]
959	959	949Motions Contemplating Legislation, etc.
960	960	950 30. All motions contemplating legislation shall be founded upon petition, except as follows:
961	961	951 The committee on Ways and Means may originate and report appropriation bills as provided
962	962	952in Rule 20. Messages from the Governor shall, unless otherwise ordered, be referred to the
963	963	953appropriate committee, which may report by bill or otherwise thereon. A similar disposition
964	964	954shall, unless otherwise ordered, be made of reports by state officers and committees authorized to
965	965	955report to the Legislature, and similar action may be had thereon.
966	966	956 Messages from the Governor returning appropriation bills, or parts of appropriation bills, with
967	967	957objections or reductions of sections or items thereof, shall be reconsidered subsequent to a report
968	968	958of the committee on Ways and Means. Messages or recommendations from the Governor shall
969	969	959be filed with the Clerk in a format to be determined by the Clerk. [40.] (19.) 46 of 141
970	970	960 [Amended Jan. 24, 2001.]
971	971	961 Bills and Resolves.
972	972	962 31. Bills shall be drafted in a format approved by the Counsel to the House and submitted in a
973	973	963format to be determined by the Clerk. Bills amending existing laws shall not provide for striking
974	974	964words from, or inserting words in, such laws, unless such course is best calculated to show
975	975	965clearly the subject and nature of the amendment. No repealed law, and no part of any repealed
976	976	966law, shall be re-enacted merely by reference. [42.] (17.)
977	977	967 [Amended Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 26, 2005; Jan. 29, 2015.]
978	978	968 32. If a committee to which a bill is referred reports that the same ought not to pass, the
979	979	969question shall be "Shall this bill be rejected?". If the question on rejection is negatived, the bill, if
980	980	970it has been read but once, shall be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting for a
981	981	971second reading without question; otherwise it shall be placed in the Orders of the Day for the
982	982	972next sitting, pending the question on ordering to a third reading, or to engrossment, as the case
983	983	973may be. [43.] (30.)
984	984	974 [Amended Jan. 30, 2019.]
985	985	975 32A. [Omitted Jan. 26, 2005.]
986	986	976 33. Bills involving an expenditure of public money or grant of public property, or otherwise
987	987	977affecting the state finances, unless the subject matter has been acted upon by the joint committee
988	988	978on Ways and Means, shall, after their first reading, be referred to the committee on Ways and
989	989	979Means, for report on their relation to the finances of the Commonwealth. 47 of 141
990	990	980 New provisions shall not be added to such bills by the committee on Ways and Means, unless
991	991	981directly connected with the financial features thereof.
992	992	982 Orders reported in the House or received from the Senate involving the expenditure of public
993	993	983money for special committees, shall, before the question is taken on the adoption thereof, be
994	994	984referred to the committee on Ways and Means, whose duty it shall be to report on their relation
995	995	985to the finances of the Commonwealth.
996	996	986 Every such bill involving a capital expenditure for new projects, or an appropriation for
997	997	987repairs, or any legislation, the cost of which, in the opinion of the committee, exceeds the sum of
998	998	988one hundred thousand dollars when reported into the House by the committee on Ways and
999	999	989Means, shall be accompanied by a fiscal note indicating the amount of public money which will
1000	1000	990be required to be expended to carry out the provisions of the proposed legislation, together with
1001	1001	991an estimate of the cost of operation and maintenance for the first year if a new project is
1002	1002	992involved. [44.] (27.)
1003	1003	993 [Amended April 18, 1979; Jan. 12, 1981; Jul. 17, 2003; Jan. 26, 2005.]
1004	1004	994 33A. Copies of all bills shall be available, in a format to be determined by the Speaker in
1005	1005	995consultation with the Clerk, to all members of the House and the public electronically via the
1006	1006	996website of the General Court; provided, however, that any bill or resolve to be considered by the
1007	1007	997House at a formal session shall be available to all members electronically and to the public via
1008	1008	998the website of the General Court no later than 12:00 P.M. the day prior to consideration thereof
1009	1009	999by the House in a formal session; provided further that, to the extent practicable, a summary of
1010	1010	1000any bill containing meaningful policy changes to be considered by the House in a formal session
1011	1011	1001shall be made available by the chair of the committee reporting the bill, to all members of the 48 of 141
1012	1012	1002House prior to the commencement of roll calls for the formal session in which the bill will be
1013	1013	1003considered.
1014	1014	1004 All amendments offered by members to any legislative matter in the House shall be submitted
1015	1015	1005in a format to be determined by the Clerk in consultation with the Speaker; provided, however,
1016	1016	1006that an amendment to any bill or resolve to be considered by the House at a formal session shall
1017	1017	1007be filed by 5:00 P.M. on the day the bill or resolve is made available to the members pursuant to
1018	1018	1008the first paragraph of this rule. Amendments shall be considered by the House chronologically as
1019	1019	1009submitted to the Clerk, except for an amendment in the second degree; provided that all
1020	1020	1010amendments shall be drafted in proper form acceptable to the Clerk; and provided further that the
1021	1021	1011Clerk shall print each amendment so filed and such printed copy shall be considered to be the
1022	1022	1012official amendment for that bill and there shall be available to the members a duplicate copy of
1023	1023	1013each amendment. (33A.)
1024	1024	1014 When the House considers any bill or resolve, other than the General Appropriations Bill, it
1025	1025	1015shall be read a second time and, subsequent to the consideration of any amendments
1026	1026	1016recommended by a committee or committees, it shall forthwith be considered by the House, the
1027	1027	1017question being on ordering it to a third reading, without any other amendments. A bill or resolve
1028	1028	1018so ordered to a third reading shall be immediately referred to the committee on Bills in the Third
1029	1029	1019Reading and, upon being released by said committee, it shall be read a third time and shall then
1030	1030	1020be open to amendments, the main question being on passing the bill or resolve to be engrossed.
1031	1031	1021Except for consolidated amendments or perfecting amendments offered by the committee on
1032	1032	1022Ways and Means, no proposition on a subject different from the amendment under consideration
1033	1033	1023shall be admitted under color of a further amendment to any bill or resolve. A consolidated 49 of 141
1034	1034	1024amendment to any bill or resolve, offered by the committee on Ways and Means, shall be a
1035	1035	1025motion offering an amendment in the second degree.
1036	1036	1026 [Adopted Nov. 17, 1983; Amended Nov. 28, 1984; Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 17,
1037	1037	10271995l; Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 26, 2005, Jan. 23, 2007; Jan. 29, 2015; Jul. 7, 2021; Feb. 1, 2023.]
1038	1038	1028 33B. [Omitted Jan. 26, 2005.]
1039	1039	1029 33C. [Omitted Jan. 26, 2005.]
1040	1040	1030 33D. [Omitted Jan. 26, 2005.]
1041	1041	1031 33E. No consolidated amendment offered by the committee on Ways and Means shall be
1042	1042	1032considered by the House until the expiration of at least 30 minutes after the consolidated
1043	1043	1033amendment shall have been first filed with the Clerk and made available to the members. This
1044	1044	1034rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present.
1045	1045	1035 [Added Feb. 4, 2010; Amended Jan. 29, 2015.]
1046	1046	1036 33F. No consolidated amendment shall be adopted except by a roll call vote.
1047	1047	1037 [Added Feb. 2, 2017.]
1048	1048	1038 34. Bills from the Senate, after their first reading, shall be referred to a committee of the
1049	1049	1039House. [45.] (26.)
1050	1050	1040 [Amended Jan. 26, 1999.]
1051	1051	1041 35. Amendments proposed by the Senate, and sent back to the House for concurrence, shall
1052	1052	1042be referred to the committee on Bills in Third Reading, provided that the journal shall reflect the 50 of 141
1053	1053	1043referral; and provided further that subsequent to a report from said committee, the amendments
1054	1054	1044shall be considered forthwith. [46.] (36.)
1055	1055	1045 [Amended April 18, 1979; Jan. 12, 1981; Jan. 26, 2005, Jan. 23, 2007; Jan. 23, 2013.]
1056	1056	1046 36. No bill shall be proposed or introduced unless received from the Senate, reported by a
1057	1057	1047committee, or moved as an amendment to the report of a committee. [47.] (36.)
1058	1058	1048 37. Bills, resolves and other papers that have been, or, under the rules or usage of the House,
1059	1059	1049are to be made available in a format to be determined by the Speaker in consultation with the
1060	1060	1050Clerk, shall be read by their titles only, unless the full reading is requested by vote of a majority
1061	1061	1051of those members present and voting.
1062	1062	1052 [Amended Jan. 9, 2003, Amended, Jan. 23, 2007.] [48.] (29.)
1063	1063	1053 38. When a bill, resolve, order, petition or memorial has been finally rejected or disposed of
1064	1064	1054by the House, no measure substantially the same shall be introduced by any committee or
1065	1065	1055member during the same session. This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent
1066	1066	1056of the members present. [49.] (54.)
1067	1067	1057 39. No bill shall be passed to be engrossed without having been read on three separate
1068	1068	1058legislative days. [51.] (28.)
1069	1069	1059 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985.]
1070	1070	1060 40. No engrossed bill shall be amended, except by striking out the enacting clause. A motion
1071	1071	1061to strike out the enacting clause of a bill shall be received when the bill is before the House for
1072	1072	1062enactment. If the bill contains an emergency preamble, a motion to suspend this rule may be
1073	1073	1063received before the adoption of the emergency preamble and, if suspended, the amendment may 51 of 141
1074	1074	1064contain a new emergency preamble. This rule shall not apply to a bill or resolve returned by the
1075	1075	1065Governor with a recommendation of amendment in accordance with the provisions of Article
1076	1076	1066LVI of the Amendments to the Constitution; nor shall it apply to amendments of engrossed bills
1077	1077	1067proposed by the Senate and sent to the House for concurrence, which amendments shall be
1078	1078	1068subject to the provisions of Rule 35, provided, however, that an affirmative vote on a motion to
1079	1079	1069suspend this rule shall be required in order to offer an amendment to such an engrossed bill when
1080	1080	1070the question before the House is on adoption of an emergency preamble, re-enactment or
1081	1081	1071enactment, as the case may be. [53.] (49.)
1082	1082	1072 [Amended, Jan. 23, 2007; Jan. 20, 2011; Jan. 23, 2013; Jan. 29, 2015.]
1083	1083	1073 41. Bills received from the Senate and bills reported favorably by committees, when not
1084	1084	1074referred to another standing committee of the House, shall, prior to being placed in the Orders of
1085	1085	1075the Day, be referred to the committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling. Resolutions received
1086	1086	1076from and adopted by the Senate, or reported in the House by committees, shall, if proposed for
1087	1087	1077joint adoption, be referred to said committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling. [56.] (26.)
1088	1088	1078 [Amended Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 26, 1999.]
1089	1089	1079 42. Reports of committees, not by bill or resolve, including orders if proposed for joint
1090	1090	1080adoption, after they are received from the Senate, or made in the House, as the case may be,
1091	1091	1081shall, unless subject to the provisions of any other House or joint rules, be referred to the
1092	1092	1082committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling; provided that the report of a committee asking to
1093	1093	1083be discharged from further consideration of a subject, and recommending that it be referred or
1094	1094	1084recommitted to another committee, or a report of a committee recommending that a matter be
1095	1095	1085placed on file, shall be immediately considered. Reports of committees on proposals for 52 of 141
1096	1096	1086amendments to the Constitution shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Joint
1097	1097	1087Rule 23. [57.] (36.)
1098	1098	1088 [Amended Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 29, 2015.]
1099	1099	1089 42A. The Clerk shall, prior to 3 o'clock P.M., on the day preceding a session, make available
1100	1100	1090by electronic communication or other means, a list of all reports of the committee on Steering,
1101	1101	1091Policy and Scheduling, asking to be discharged from further consideration of subjects, and
1102	1102	1092recommending that the subjects be referred to other committees.
1103	1103	1093 [Adopted Jan. 26, 2005; Amended Jan. 29, 2015.]
1104	1104	1094 43. Bills ordered to a third reading shall be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next day
1105	1105	1095for such reading. [58.] (32.)
1106	1106	1096Special Rules Affecting the Course of Proceedings.
1107	1107	1097 44. The Speaker may designate when an informal session of the House shall be held provided
1108	1108	1098said Speaker gives notice of such informal session at a prior session of the House. The Speaker
1109	1109	1099may, in cases of emergency, cancel a session or declare any session of the House to be an
1110	1110	1100informal session. At an informal session the House shall only consider reports of committees,
1111	1111	1101papers from the Senate, bills for enactment or resolves for final passage, bills containing
1112	1112	1102emergency preambles and the matters in the Orders of the Day. Motions to reconsider moved at
1113	1113	1103such informal session shall be placed in the Orders of the Day for the succeeding day, and no
1114	1114	1104new business shall be entertained, except by unanimous consent.
1115	1115	1105 Formal debate, or the taking of the sense of the House by yeas and nays shall not be
1116	1116	1106conducted during such informal session. 53 of 141
1117	1117	1107 Upon the receipt of a petition signed by at least a majority of the members elected to the
1118	1118	1108House, so requesting, the Speaker shall, when the House is meeting in informal session under the
1119	1119	1109provisions of Joint Rule 12A, designate a formal session, to be held within seven days of said
1120	1120	1110receipt, for the purpose of considering the question of passage of a bill, notwithstanding the
1121	1121	1111objections of the Governor, returned pursuant to Article 2, Section 1, Chapter1, Part 2 of the
1122	1122	1112Massachusetts Constitution. This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the
1123	1123	1113members present. [59.] (5A.)
1124	1124	1114 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 17, 1995; Jan. 14, 1997; Jan. 24, 2001; Jan. 9,
1125	1125	11152003; Feb. 11, 2009.]
1126	1126	1116 45. After entering upon the consideration of the Orders of the Day, the House shall proceed
1127	1127	1117with them in regular course as follows: Matters not giving rise to a motion or debate shall first be
1128	1128	1118disposed of in the order in which they stand in the Calendar; after which the matters that were
1129	1129	1119passed over shall be considered in like order and disposed. The provisions of this paragraph shall
1130	1130	1120not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present.
1131	1131	1121 Notwithstanding the provisions of this rule, during consideration of the Orders of the Day, the
1132	1132	1122committee on Ways and Means and the committee on Bills in the Third Reading may present
1133	1133	1123matters for consideration of the House after approval of two-thirds of the members present and
1134	1134	1124voting, without debate. [59.] (37.) [See Rule 47.]
1135	1135	1125 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Jan. 12, 1983; Feb. 11, 2009.]
1136	1136	1126 46. When the House does not finish the consideration of the Orders of the Day, those which
1137	1137	1127had not been acted upon shall be the Orders of the Day for the next and each succeeding day
1138	1138	1128until disposed of, and shall be entered in the Calendar, without change in their order, to precede 54 of 141
1139	1139	1129matters added under Rule 7A; provided, however, that all other matters shall be listed in
1140	1140	1130numerical order by Calendar item.
1141	1141	1131 The unfinished business in which the House was engaged at the time of adjournment shall
1142	1142	1132have the preference in the Orders of the Day for the next day. [60.] (35.)
1143	1143	1133 [Amended Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 26, 1999.]
1144	1144	1134 47. No matter which has been duly placed in the Orders of the Day shall be discharged
1145	1145	1135therefrom, or considered out of the regular course. [61.] (38.) [See Rule 45.]
1146	1146	1136Voting.
1147	1147	1137 48. Members desiring to be excused from voting shall make application to that effect before
1148	1148	1138the division of the House or the taking of the yeas and nays is begun. Such application may be
1149	1149	1139accompanied by a brief statement of reasons by the member. The Clerk shall, prior to the first
1150	1150	1140roll call of the sitting, announce the name of any member who has informed the Clerk to not call
1151	1151	1141their name or lock their voting station. The Clerk shall also announce prior to any subsequent
1152	1152	1142roll call of the sitting the name of any member who had informed said Clerk not to call their
1153	1153	1143name or lock their voting station since the taking of the immediately preceding roll call.
1154	1154	1144A member absent from the House for a formal session period of a day or longer shall notify the
1155	1155	1145Clerk in writing of the intended absence. A member absent during a formal session for an
1156	1156	1146extended period or for the remainder of the session shall notify the Clerk in person. The Clerk
1157	1157	1147shall provide a written notice to any such absent member.
1158	1158	1148The Clerk shall disable the voting station of any such member notifying the Clerk of an absence
1159	1159	1149pursuant to this Rule. The Clerk shall also disable the voting station of any member failing to
1160	1160	1150answer the first non-quorum roll call of a legislative sitting; provided, however, that the Clerk 55 of 141
1161	1161	1151shall reactivate the voting station upon receiving notification of the member's return to the House
1162	1162	1152Chamber. ([64.] (57.)
1163	1163	1153 [Amended Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1164	1164	1154 49. If the presence of a quorum is doubted, a count of the House shall be made. When a yea
1165	1165	1155and nay vote is taken, the members, with the exception of the Speaker, shall vote only from their
1166	1166	1156seats. A member who has been appointed by the Speaker to perform the duties of the Chair, or a
1167	1167	1157person who has been elected Speaker pro Tempore, may designate some member or a court
1168	1168	1158officer to cast a vote for said member on any vote taken on the electronic voting system while
1169	1169	1159such member is presiding. Said designated member performing the duties of the Chair, or
1170	1170	1160Speaker pro Tempore, may, if the Speaker is in the State House, cast a vote for the Speaker. The
1171	1171	1161Speaker shall state the pending question before opening the system for voting.
1172	1172	1162 The Speaker may direct the Clerk to cast a vote for a member who is in the House Chamber,
1173	1173	1163but who is unable to vote due to a malfunction of their voting station or inability to open their
1174	1174	1164voting station.
1175	1175	1165 Except in the case of a vote to ascertain the presence of a quorum, if a member is prevented
1176	1176	1166from voting personally using the electronic voting system because of physical disability, said
1177	1177	1167member shall, if present in the State House, be excused from so voting and the Speaker shall
1178	1178	1168assign a court officer to cast said member's vote so long as said physical disability continues;
1179	1179	1169provided that the Speaker shall announce the action of the Chair to the membership prior to
1180	1180	1170assigning a court officer to cast the member's vote and provided further that the Speaker shall
1181	1181	1171announce the action to the membership the first time a vote is cast for that member on each
1182	1182	1172successive day. 56 of 141
1183	1183	1173 A member serving on active reserve military duty may participate remotely in a formal
1184	1184	1174session, subject to the requirements and limitations of federal law and regulation, including, but
1185	1185	1175not limited to, United States Department of Defense Directive 1344.10. A member serving on
1186	1186	1176active reserve military shall notify the Clerk of such service as soon as practicable.
1187	1187	1177 A member diagnosed with a serious medical condition may, upon submission of a request for
1188	1188	1178an accommodation to participate remotely to Counsel appointed pursuant to Rule 13B,
1189	1189	1179accompanied by documentation from said member’s medical provider that an accommodation is
1190	1190	1180necessary, may participate remotely in a formal session. Upon receipt and approval of a request
1191	1191	1181for accommodation to participate remotely Counsel shall notify the Clerk that the member filing
1192	1192	1182the request has been authorized to participate remotely. Other than the notification provided to
1193	1193	1183the Clerk, Counsel shall maintain any request for accommodation pursuant to this rule as
1194	1194	1184confidential.
1195	1195	1185 A member authorized to participate remotely in a formal session pursuant to this Rule shall
1196	1196	1186have the same privileges, rights and responsibilities as if the member were physically present in
1197	1197	1187the House Chamber, including without limitation, the right, privilege and responsibility to cast
1198	1198	1188votes on all questions or other matters brought to a vote and the ability to take the oath required
1199	1199	1189pursuant to Part the Second, Chapter VI, Article I of the Constitution of the Commonwealth.
1200	1200	1190 The Journal of the House for any formal session of the House where a member is
1201	1201	1191participating remotely in a formal session pursuant to this Rule shall not specify which members
1202	1202	1192participated remotely. [65.]
1203	1203	1193 [Amended April 18, 1979; Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 9, 2003; Jan. 20, 2011; Feb. 11,
1204	1204	11942009; Jan. 30, 2019; Feb. 1, 2023.] 57 of 141
1205	1205	1195 50. When a question is put, the sense of the House shall be taken by the voices of the
1206	1206	1196members, and the Speaker shall first announce the vote as it appears to the Speaker by the sound.
1207	1207	1197If the Speaker is unable to decide by the sound of the voices, or if the announcement made
1208	1208	1198thereupon is doubted by a member rising in their place for that purpose, the Speaker shall order a
1209	1209	1199division of the number voting in the affirmative and in the negative, without further debate upon
1210	1210	1200the question. [66.] (55.)
1211	1211	1201 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1212	1212	1202 51. When a return by division of the members voting in the affirmative and in the negative is
1213	1213	1203ordered, the members for or against the question, when called on by the Speaker, shall rise in
1214	1214	1204their places, and stand until they are counted. If, upon the taking of such a vote, the presence of a
1215	1215	1205quorum is doubted, a count of the House shall be had, and if a quorum is present the vote shall
1216	1216	1206stand. [67.]
1217	1217	1207 52. The sense of the House shall be taken by yeas and nays whenever required by ten percent
1218	1218	1208of the members elected. The Speaker shall, after waiting up to an interval of twelve minutes,
1219	1219	1209state the pending question and, after opening the electronic voting system, instruct the members
1220	1220	1210to vote for not less than two minutes and no more than twenty-two minutes, the Speaker shall
1221	1221	1211close said system and cause totals to be displayed and a record made of how each member
1222	1222	1212present voted; provided, that if at any time during said voting period any standing, joint or
1223	1223	1213conference committee is meeting in public or executive sessions, the Speaker shall leave the
1224	1224	1214electronic voting machine open for not less than 5 minutes. 58 of 141
1225	1225	1215 Any member desiring to be recorded as being "present" when a yea and nay vote is taken on
1226	1226	1216the electronic roll call system shall so notify the Clerk in person after said vote is ordered and
1227	1227	1217before the vote is announced.
1228	1228	1218 In the event the electronic voting system is not in operating order, the roll of the House shall
1229	1229	1219be called in alphabetical order; provided, however, that no member shall be allowed to vote or to
1230	1230	1220answer "present" who was not on the floor before the vote is declared; provided, however, that a
1231	1231	1221member, who was in the State House on a previous roll call, may be recorded by reporting to the
1232	1232	1222Clerk within five minutes after such vote is closed, unless objection is made thereto and it is
1233	1233	1223seconded; and provided further that the presiding officer shall not, for said purpose, interrupt the
1234	1234	1224member who is speaking on the floor; provided, however, that such request may be announced to
1235	1235	1225the House subsequent to the five minutes. The Speaker shall not entertain any requests beyond
1236	1236	1226said five-minute period. Once the voting has begun it shall not be interrupted except for the
1237	1237	1227purpose of questioning the validity of a member's vote before the result is announced. Except as
1238	1238	1228heretofore provided, any member who shall vote or attempt to vote for another member or any
1239	1239	1229person not a member who votes or attempts to vote for a member, or any member or other person
1240	1240	1230who willfully tampers with or attempts to impair or destroy in any manner whatsoever the voting
1241	1241	1231equipment used by the House, or change the records thereon shall be punished in such manner as
1242	1242	1232the House determines; and provided further, that such a violation shall be reported to the Ethics
1243	1243	1233Committee. [68.] (56, 57.)
1244	1244	1234 Upon completion of the tally by the Clerk and the announcement of the vote by the Speaker,
1245	1245	1235the results of all roll calls conducted shall be conspicuously posted on the website of the General
1246	1246	1236Court. 59 of 141
1247	1247	1237 [Amended Jan. 12, 1983; Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 24, 2001; Jan. 9,
1248	1248	12382003; Jan. 26, 2005; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan 20, 2011; Jul. 7, 2021; Feb. 1, 2023.]
1249	1249	1239 53. The call for yeas and nays shall be decided without debate. If the yeas and nays have been
1250	1250	1240ordered before the question is put, the proceedings under Rules 50 and 51 relative to verification
1251	1251	1241of the vote by the voices of the members or by a return of divisions shall be omitted; if not, they
1252	1252	1242may be called for in lieu of a return by divisions when the Speaker's announcement is doubted by
1253	1253	1243a member rising in their place, and, if then ordered, the proceedings under Rules 50 and 51 shall
1254	1254	1244be omitted. [69.] (52.)
1255	1255	1245 [Amended Jan. 26, 1999; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1256	1256	1246 Reconsideration.
1257	1257	1247 54. No motion to reconsider a vote shall be entertained unless it is made on the same day on
1258	1258	1248which the vote was taken, or before the Orders of the Day have been taken up on the next day
1259	1259	1249thereafter on which a quorum is present. If reconsideration is moved on the same day, the motion
1260	1260	1250shall be placed first in the Orders of the Day for the succeeding day; but, if it is moved on the
1261	1261	1251succeeding day, the motion shall be considered forthwith except that if said motion is moved on
1262	1262	1252a day on which an informal session has been designated, it shall be placed in the Orders of the
1263	1263	1253Day for the succeeding day. If reconsideration is moved after July first of the second annual
1264	1264	1254session and thereafter, on any main question, it shall be considered forthwith. This rule shall not
1265	1265	1255prevent the reconsideration of a vote on a subsidiary, incidental or dependent question at any
1266	1266	1256time when the main question to which it relates is under consideration; and provided, further,
1267	1267	1257that a motion to reconsider a vote on any subsidiary, incidental or dependent question shall not
1268	1268	1258remove the main subject under consideration from before the House, but shall be considered at 60 of 141
1269	1269	1259the time when it is made. This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the
1270	1270	1260members present. [70.] (53.)
1271	1271	1261 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981, Jan. 23, 2007.]
1272	1272	1262 55. When a motion for reconsideration is decided, that decision shall not be reconsidered, and
1273	1273	1263no question shall be twice reconsidered; nor shall any vote be reconsidered upon any of the
1274	1274	1264following motions:
1275	1275	1265 to recess,
1276	1276	1266 to adjourn,
1277	1277	1267 on sustaining a ruling of the Chair,
1278	1278	1268 to close debate at a specified time,
1279	1279	1269 to postpone if voted in the negative,
1280	1280	1270 to discharge or direct a committee to report,
1281	1281	1271 to commit or recommit,
1282	1282	1272 for second or subsequent legislative days,
1283	1283	1273 for the previous question, or
1284	1284	1274 for suspension of rules.
1285	1285	1275 This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present. [71.]
1286	1286	1276(53.)
1287	1287	1277 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Jan. 12, 1983; Jan. 9, 1991.] 61 of 141
1288	1288	1278 56. Debate on motions to reconsider shall be limited to fifteen minutes, and no member shall
1289	1289	1279occupy more than three minutes, but on a motion to reconsider a vote upon any subsidiary or
1290	1290	1280incidental question, debate shall be limited to ten minutes, and no member shall occupy more
1291	1291	1281than three minutes.
1292	1292	1282 If the House has voted to close debate on any question, a motion to reconsider said question
1293	1293	1283shall be decided without debate. [72.] (52.)
1294	1294	1284 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Jan. 12, 1987.]
1295	1295	1285 RULES OF DEBATE.
1296	1296	1286 57. Every member, when about to speak, shall rise and respectfully address the Speaker and
1297	1297	1287shall confine themselves to the question under debate. [73.] (39.)
1298	1298	1288 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Feb. 1, 2023.]
1299	1299	1289 58. Every member while speaking shall avoid personalities; and shall sit down when finished.
1300	1300	1290No member shall speak out of their place without leave of the Speaker. [73.] (39.)
1301	1301	1291 When two or more members rise at the same time, the Speaker shall name the member
1302	1302	1292entitled to the floor, preferring one who rises in their place to one who does not. [74.] (40.)
1303	1303	1293 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1304	1304	1294 59. If a member repeatedly violates any of the rules of the House, or disrupts the orderly
1305	1305	1295procedure of the House, the Speaker, after warning the member of such violations, shall call the
1306	1306	1296member to order, and order that member to take their seat. A member so called to order shall lose
1307	1307	1297the right to speak on the pending subject-matter but shall not be debarred from voting. A member 62 of 141
1308	1308	1298so called to order shall remain seated until the House begins consideration of another subject-
1309	1309	1299matter or unless the Speaker earlier returns to the member their rights to the floor.
1310	1310	1300 If a member so called to order refuses to immediately take their seat, the Speaker shall
1311	1311	1301immediately name that member, who shall be escorted from the Chamber under escort of the
1312	1312	1302Sergeant-at-Arms. The matter shall thereupon, on motion, be referred to a special committee of
1313	1313	1303three to be appointed by the Speaker. Said special committee shall make a report to the House of
1314	1314	1304its recommendations, which report shall be read and accepted.
1315	1315	1305 Having been named, a member shall not be allowed to resume their seat until said member
1316	1316	1306has complied with the recommendations of the committee as accepted by the House.
1317	1317	1307 If, after a member is seated or named, the action of the Speaker is appealed, the House shall
1318	1318	1308decide the case by a majority vote of the members present and voting, but if there is no
1319	1319	1309immediate appeal, the decision of the Speaker shall be conclusive.
1320	1320	1310 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Jan. 11, 1985; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1321	1321	1311 60. No member shall interrupt another while speaking except by rising to a point of order, to a
1322	1322	1312question of personal privilege, to doubt the presence of a quorum, or to ask the person speaking
1323	1323	1313to yield.
1324	1324	1314 Members may rise to explain matters personal to them by leave of the presiding officer, but
1325	1325	1315shall not discuss pending questions in such explanations.
1326	1326	1316 Questions of personal privilege shall be limited to questions affecting the rights, reputation,
1327	1327	1317and conduct of the member in their representative capacities.
1328	1328	1318 Members may rise to ask questions of parliamentary inquiry concerning the pending matter
1329	1329	1319by leave of the presiding officer, but shall not debate the pending questions. [75.] (42.) 63 of 141
1330	1330	1320 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Feb. 11, 2009; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1331	1331	1321 61. No member shall speak more than once to the prevention of those who have not spoken
1332	1332	1322and desire to speak on the same question.
1333	1333	1323 This prohibition shall not apply to those members designated by the committee or committees
1334	1334	1324reporting the bill.
1335	1335	1325 No member shall occupy more than thirty minutes at a time while speaking on any question
1336	1336	1326where debate is unlimited.
1337	1337	1327 Unless the operation of another rule provides to the contrary (such as previous question,
1338	1338	1328limitation of debate, etc.), no member shall be prohibited from speaking more than once on any
1339	1339	1329question when no other member who has not spoken is seeking recognition by the Chair. [76.]
1340	1340	1330(41.)
1341	1341	1331 Motions.
1342	1342	1332 62. Every motion shall be reduced to writing, if the Speaker so directs. [77.] (44.)
1343	1343	1333 63. A motion need not be seconded, except an appeal from the decision of the Chair, and may
1344	1344	1334be withdrawn by the mover if no objection is made. [78.] (44.)
1345	1345	1335 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981.]
1346	1346	1336 Limit of Debate.
1347	1347	1337 64. A motion to recess or adjourn shall always be first in order, and shall be decided without
1348	1348	1338debate; and on the motions to close debate at a specified time, to postpone to a time certain, to
1349	1349	1339commit or recommit, not exceeding ten minutes shall be allowed for debate, and no member 64 of 141
1350	1350	1340shall speak more than three minutes. On the motion to discharge any committee, or on a motion
1351	1351	1341directing any committee to report matters before it, not exceeding fifteen minutes shall be
1352	1352	1342allowed for debate, and no member shall speak more than three minutes.
1353	1353	1343 If the main motion is undebatable, any subsidiary or incidental motion made relating to it
1354	1354	1344shall also be decided without debate. [79.] (52.) [See Rules 56 and 83.]
1355	1355	1345 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981.]
1356	1356	1346 64A. Debate on the question on adoption of orders for second and subsequent legislative days
1357	1357	1347shall be limited to ten minutes, and no member shall speak more than three minutes. After
1358	1358	1348entering into a second or subsequent legislative day, the House shall immediately proceed to
1359	1359	1349consideration of engrossed bills, reports of committees, papers from the Senate or the Orders of
1360	1360	1350the Day. This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present.
1361	1361	1351 [Adopted Jan. 12, 1983.]
1362	1362	1352 65. When a question is before the House, until it is disposed of, the Speaker shall receive no
1363	1363	1353motion that does not relate to the same, except the motion to recess or adjourn or some other
1364	1364	1354motion that has precedence either by express rule of the House, or because it is privileged in its
1365	1365	1355nature; and the Speaker shall receive no motion relating to the same, except,—
1366	1366	1356 for the previous question, . . . . .
1367	1367	1357 to close debate at a specified time, . . . . .
1368	1368	1358 to postpone to a time certain, . . . . .
1369	1369	1359 to commit (or recommit), . . . . .
1370	1370	1360 to amend, . . . . . . . See Rules 66, 67 and 68 65 of 141
1371	1371	1361 See Rules 64, 69 and 70
1372	1372	1362 See Rules 64 and 70
1373	1373	1363 See Rules 64 and 71
1374	1374	1364 See Rules 72, 73, 74 and 75
1375	1375	1365 — which several motions shall have precedence in the order in which they are arranged in
1376	1376	1366this rule. [80.] (46.)
1377	1377	1367 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985.]
1378	1378	1368 Previous Question.
1379	1379	1369 66. Any member may call for the previous question on the main question.
1380	1380	1370 The previous question shall be put in the following form: "Shall the main question be now
1381	1381	1371put?" and all debate on the main question shall be suspended until the previous question is
1382	1382	1372decided.
1383	1383	1373 The adoption of the previous question shall require the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
1384	1384	1374members present and voting and shall put an end to all debate, and bring the House to direct vote
1385	1385	1375upon pending amendments, if any, in their regular order, and then upon the main question.
1386	1386	1376 A motion to reconsider the vote on any of the pending amendments shall be decided without
1387	1387	1377debate. [81.]
1388	1388	1378 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981.]
1389	1389	1379 67. Any member may call for the previous question on any pending amendment. 66 of 141
1390	1390	1380 The previous question shall be put in the following form: "Shall the question on adoption of
1391	1391	1381the amendment be now put?" and all debate shall be suspended until the previous question is
1392	1392	1382decided.
1393	1393	1383 The adoption of the previous question on a pending amendment shall require the affirmative
1394	1394	1384vote of two-thirds of the members present and voting and shall put an end to all debate and bring
1395	1395	1385the House to a direct vote upon the pending amendment.
1396	1396	1386 A motion to reconsider the vote on the pending amendment shall be decided without debate.
1397	1397	1387 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981.]
1398	1398	1388 68. The previous question shall be decided without debate.
1399	1399	1389 Motion to Close Debate at a Specified Time.
1400	1400	1390 69. Debate may be closed at any time not less than thirty minutes from the adoption of a
1401	1401	1391motion to that effect. This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the
1402	1402	1392members present. [85.] (47.)
1403	1403	1393 Motion to Postpone to a Time Certain.
1404	1404	1394 70. When a motion is made to postpone to a time certain, and different times are proposed,
1405	1405	1395the question shall first be taken on the most remote time; and the time shall be determined before
1406	1406	1396the question is put on postponement, which may then be rejected if the House sees fit. [87.] (51.)
1407	1407	1397Motion to Commit.
1408	1408	1398 71. When a motion is made to commit, and different committees are proposed, the question
1409	1409	1399shall be taken in the following order: 67 of 141
1410	1410	1400 a standing committee of the House,
1411	1411	1401 a select committee of the House,
1412	1412	1402 a joint standing committee,
1413	1413	1403 a joint selected committee;
1414	1414	1404and a subject may be recommitted to the same committee or to another committee at the pleasure
1415	1415	1405of the House. [88.] (48.)
1416	1416	1406 Motion to Amend.
1417	1417	1407 72. A motion to amend an amendment is a motion offering an amendment in the second
1418	1418	1408degree and may be received; a motion to amend an amendment in the second degree is a motion
1419	1419	1409offering an amendment in the third degree and shall not be allowed. This rule shall not be
1420	1420	1410suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present. [89.]
1421	1421	1411 [Amended Jan. 12, 1983; Feb. 1, 2023.]
1422	1422	1412 73. No motion or proposition on a subject different from that under consideration shall be
1423	1423	1413admitted under color of amendment. This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous
1424	1424	1414consent of the members present. [90.] (50.)
1425	1425	1415 [Amended Jan. 12, 1987.]
1426	1426	1416 73A. No motion to amend a report from the committee on Ways and Means or a report from
1427	1427	1417the committee on Bills in the Third Reading, when such an amendment contains an expenditure
1428	1428	1418of public money or an increase or decrease in taxes, shall be considered unless a brief
1429	1429	1419explanation of the amendment is stated. 68 of 141
1430	1430	1420 [Adopted Jan. 17, 1995; Amended Jan. 26, 1999.]
1431	1431	1421 74. A question containing two or more propositions capable of division shall be divided
1432	1432	1422whenever desired by any member, if the question includes points so distinct and separate that,
1433	1433	1423one of them being taken away, the other will stand as a complete proposition. The motion to
1434	1434	1424strike out and insert shall be considered as one proposition and therefore indivisible. The
1435	1435	1425question on ordering a bill or resolve to a third reading, or to be engrossed, or to be enacted, or
1436	1436	1426similar main motions shall be considered as indivisible under this rule. This rule shall not be
1437	1437	1427suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present. [91.] (45.)
1438	1438	1428 [Amended Jan. 12, 1983.]
1439	1439	1429 75. In filling blanks, the largest sum and longest time shall be put first. [92.] (51.) [See Rule
1440	1440	143070.]
1441	1441	1431 Declaration of Recess.
1442	1442	1432 76. The Speaker may declare a recess of 15 minutes duration, or less.
1443	1443	1433 [Amended Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 29, 2015.]
1444	1444	1434 Appeal.
1445	1445	1435 77. No appeal from the decision of the Speaker shall be entertained unless it is seconded; and
1446	1446	1436no other business shall be in order until the question on the appeal has been disposed of. Debate
1447	1447	1437shall be limited to 15 minutes on the question of sustaining a ruling by the Chair, and no member
1448	1448	1438shall occupy more than three minutes. [94.] (43A.) [See Rule 2.]
1449	1449	1439 [Amended Jan. 9, 1989; Jan. 29, 2015.] 69 of 141
1450	1450	1440 Resolves.
1451	1451	1441 78. Such of these rules as are applicable to bills, whether of the House or of the Senate, shall
1452	1452	1442apply likewise to such resolves as require the concurrence of the Senate and approval by the
1453	1453	1443Governor in order to become law and have force as such. [95.]
1454	1454	1444Seats.
1455	1455	1445 79. (1) The desk on the right of the Speaker shall be assigned to the use of the Clerk and such
1456	1456	1446persons as they may employ to assist said Clerk, and that on the left to the use of the chair and
1457	1457	1447vice-chair of the committee on Bills in the Third Reading.
1458	1458	1448 (2) The Speaker shall assign members to vacant seats. The seat assigned to any member, other
1459	1459	1449than seats assigned under paragraph (1) of this rule, shall be their seat for the year and for such
1460	1460	1450additional years as said member may elect so long as service in the House remains continuous.
1461	1461	1451An exchange of seats may be made with the approval of the Speaker. [98.]
1462	1462	1452 [Amended Jan. 11, 1985; May 5, 1993; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1463	1463	1453 Privilege of the Floor.
1464	1464	1454 80. The following persons shall be entitled to admission to the House of Representatives,
1465	1465	1455during the session thereof, to stand in an area designated by the Speaker in the rear of the
1466	1466	1456Chamber, unless otherwise invited by said Speaker to occupy seats not numbered:
1467	1467	1457 (1) The Governor and the Lieutenant-Governor, members of the Executive Council, Secretary
1468	1468	1458of the Commonwealth, Treasurer and Receiver-General, Auditor of the Commonwealth,
1469	1469	1459Attorney-General, Librarian and Assistant Librarian;
1470	1470	1460 (2) The members of the Senate; 70 of 141
1471	1471	1461 (3) Authorized employees of the House and persons in the exercise of an official duty directly
1472	1472	1462connected with the business of the House; or
1473	1473	1463 (4) Contestants for seats in the House, whose papers are in the hands of a special committee
1474	1474	1464of the House, may be admitted, while their cases are pending, to seats to be assigned by the
1475	1475	1465Speaker.
1476	1476	1466 No other person shall be admitted to the floor during the session, except upon the permission
1477	1477	1467of the Speaker.
1478	1478	1468 No legislative agent or counsel may be admitted to the floor of the House Chamber during a
1479	1479	1469session unless that part of the session is ceremonial in nature in which no other legislative
1480	1480	1470business is conducted.
1481	1481	1471 The legislative reporters shall be entitled to the privileges of the reporters' galleries.
1482	1482	1472 This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present. [99.] (60,
1483	1483	147361.)
1484	1484	1474 [Amended Jan. 9, 1991, Jan. 23, 2007; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1485	1485	1475 Representatives' Chamber and Adjoining Rooms.
1486	1486	1476 81. (a) Use of the Representatives' Chamber members' corridor or adjoining rooms shall be
1487	1487	1477for official business or educational purposes only and shall be subject to the approval of the
1488	1488	1478Speaker or the committee on Rules. The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply if the
1489	1489	1479purpose of admittance is to attend a meeting in an adjoining room to which members of the
1490	1490	1480general public are allowed to attend. 71 of 141
1491	1491	1481 (b) No legislative agent or counsel shall be admitted to the members' corridor or adjoining
1492	1492	1482rooms. No other person shall be admitted to the members' corridor or adjoining rooms, except
1493	1493	1483persons entitled to the privileges of the floor of the House unless upon written invitation of a
1494	1494	1484member bearing the name of the member and the person the member invites. Upon entering, the
1495	1495	1485invitation shall be given to the court officer assigned to the area. The provisions of this paragraph
1496	1496	1486shall not apply if the purpose of admittance is to attend a meeting in an adjoining room to which
1497	1497	1487members of the general public are allowed to attend.
1498	1498	1488 (c) No person shall be admitted to the north gallery of the House except upon a card of the
1499	1499	1489Speaker.
1500	1500	1490 (d) Subject to the approval and direction of the committee on Rules during the session and of
1501	1501	1491the Speaker after prorogation, the use of the reporters' galleries of the House Chamber shall be
1502	1502	1492under the control of the organization of legislative reporters known as the Massachusetts State
1503	1503	1493House Press Association and the State House Broadcasters Association.
1504	1504	1494 (e) Every legislative reporter desiring admission to the reporters' galleries shall state in
1505	1505	1495writing that they are not the agent or representative of any person or corporation interested in
1506	1506	1496legislation before the General Court, and will not act as representative of any such person or
1507	1507	1497corporation while retaining a place in the galleries; but nothing herein contained shall prevent
1508	1508	1498such legislative reporter from engaging in other employment, provided such other employment is
1509	1509	1499specifically approved by the committee on Rules and reported to the House.
1510	1510	1500 (f) All formal and informal sessions of the House of Representatives shall be open to both
1511	1511	1501commercial and public radio and television, except designated times during such sessions, as
1512	1512	1502determined by the House, reserved for the consideration of non-controversial business which
1513	1513	1503does not give rise to debate. The manner and conditions of such broadcasts shall be established 72 of 141
1514	1514	1504by the Speaker. Television, radio or web-broadcasts may be prohibited on any given day by the
1515	1515	1505Speaker.
1516	1516	1506 All formal and informal sessions shall be broadcast live on House television and livestreamed
1517	1517	1507on the General Court website. Audio or video recordings of prior formal and informal sessions
1518	1518	1508for the current biennial session shall be made available to the public on the General Court
1519	1519	1509website.
1520	1520	1510 The Speaker may arrange for a limited number of remote connections at a location outside of
1521	1521	1511the Representatives' Chamber for commercial and public radio and television to obtain audio and
1522	1522	1512visual feeds of formal sessions being recorded or streamed by the House. Video or audio
1523	1523	1513obtained from such feed shall be used only for reporting purposes. Access to the connections
1524	1524	1514provided shall be on a first-come-first serve basis; provided, however, that commercial and
1525	1525	1515public radio and television acquiring access shall be required to share the audio or video feeds
1526	1526	1516with other any other commercial and public radio and television station seeking access. The
1527	1527	1517manner and conditions of access shall be established by the Speaker with the approval of the
1528	1528	1518House. Access may be prohibited by the Speaker with the approval of the House.
1529	1529	1519 Clauses (a) through (e) of this rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the
1530	1530	1520members present. [100.] (59.)
1531	1531	1521 [Amended April 18, 1979; Jan. 12, 1983; Jan. 12, 1987; Jan. 9, 1991; Jan. 26, 1999, Jan. 23,
1532	1532	15222007; Jan. 30, 2019; Jul. 7, 2021.]
1533	1533	1523 Quorum.
1534	1534	1524 82. Eighty-one members present shall constitute a quorum for the organization of the House
1535	1535	1525and the transaction of business. [See amendments to the Constitution, Art. XXXIII.] 73 of 141
1536	1536	1526 In the event that a quorum is not present, the presiding officer shall compel the attendance of
1537	1537	1527a quorum. During the absence of a quorum, no other business may be transacted or motions
1538	1538	1528entertained except a declaration of adjournment or a recess by the Speaker. [105.]
1539	1539	1529 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Jan. 14, 1997.]
1540	1540	1530 Debate on Motions for Suspension of Rules.
1541	1541	1531 83. The question of suspension of House Rules 45, 47, 56, 61, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 77 and 83
1542	1542	1532shall be decided without debate. Debate upon the motion for the suspension of any other House
1543	1543	1533rule, unless otherwise indicated, or any joint rule shall be limited to fifteen minutes and no
1544	1544	1534member shall occupy more than three minutes. This rule shall not be suspended unless by
1545	1545	1535unanimous consent of the members present. [102.] (52.)
1546	1546	1536 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981; Jan. 9, 1989.]
1547	1547	1537 84. Unless otherwise indicated, nothing in the House rules or joint rules shall be suspended,
1548	1548	1538altered or repealed unless two-thirds of the members present and voting consent thereto. This
1549	1549	1539rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of the members present. [103.] (63.)
1550	1550	1540 [Amended Jan. 12, 1981.]
1551	1551	1541 84A. The Clerk may, due to technical limitations or upon exigent circumstances, elect to
1552	1552	1542waive any requirement relative to the electronic availability and posting on the website of the
1553	1553	1543General Court of any bills, resolves, summaries or other documents contained herein; provided,
1554	1554	1544however, that if the Clerk so waives any such requirement he shall make paper copies of the
1555	1555	1545documents available to all members and the public within the limitation established for the 74 of 141
1556	1556	1546electronic availability and posting on the website of the General Court of any bills, resolves,
1557	1557	1547summaries or other documents contained herein.
1558	1558	1548 [Adopted Feb. 11, 2009.]
1559	1559	1549 Reference to Committee on Rules.
1560	1560	1550 85. All motions or orders authorizing committees of the House to travel or to employ
1561	1561	1551stenographers, all propositions involving special investigations by committees of the House, all
1562	1562	1552resolutions presented for adoption by the House only, and all motions and orders except those
1563	1563	1553which relate to the procedure of the House or are privileged in their nature or are authorized by
1564	1564	1554Rule 65, shall be referred without debate to the committee on Rules, which shall report thereon,
1565	1565	1555recommending what action should be taken. The committee shall not recommend suspension of
1566	1566	1556Joint Rule 9, unless evidence satisfactory to the committee is produced that the petitioners have
1567	1567	1557previously given notice, by public advertisement or otherwise, equivalent to that required by
1568	1568	1558Chapter 3 of the General Laws. [104.] (13A.)
1569	1569	1559 [Amended Jan. 29, 2015; Feb. 1, 2023.]
1570	1570	1560 85A. The House Business Manager, with the approval of the Counsel appointed pursuant to
1571	1571	1561Rule 13B, shall provide that outside, independent audits of House financial accounts be
1572	1572	1562conducted for each fiscal year upon receipt of the fiscal year end appropriation activity with
1573	1573	1563balance report from the comptroller of the Commonwealth. The audit shall be conducted in
1574	1574	1564accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and the
1575	1575	1565standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by
1576	1576	1566the Comptroller General of the United States. The House Business Manager shall provide the
1577	1577	1567independent auditor with requested documents for such audit. A copy of such audit shall be filed 75 of 141
1578	1578	1568with the Clerk of the House and said copies shall be made available to the members and the
1579	1579	1569general public upon request. The procurement of an independent auditor pursuant to this rule
1580	1580	1570shall not be subject to rule 87.
1581	1581	1571 [Adopted Jan. 11, 1985, Amended Jan. 20, 2011; Jan. 30, 2019.]
1582	1582	1572 Parliamentary Practice.
1583	1583	1573 86. The rules of parliamentary practice shall govern the House in all cases to which they are
1584	1584	1574applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with these rules or the joint rules of the two
1585	1585	1575branches. (62.)
1586	1586	1576 Procurement.
1587	1587	1577 87. (a) All procurements for goods or services shall be completed by the House Business
1588	1588	1578Manager.
1589	1589	1579 (b) All procurements for goods or services shall, to the extent practicable, be made pursuant
1590	1590	1580to a statewide procurement contract established by the operational services division.
1591	1591	1581 (c) Upon certification by the House Business Manager that a necessary procurement cannot
1592	1592	1582be made using a statewide procurement contract established by the operational services division,
1593	1593	1583the House Business Manager may procure the required goods or services pursuant to the
1594	1594	1584following:
1595	1595	1585 (i) for a procurement of a supply or service in an amount of less than $10,000, the House
1596	1596	1586Business Manager shall use sound business practices;
1597	1597	1587 (ii) for a procurement of a supply or service in an amount of $10,000, but less than $100,000,
1598	1598	1588the House Business Manager shall seek written or oral quotations from no fewer than 3 persons 76 of 141
1599	1599	1589customarily providing such supply or service. The House Business Manager shall record the
1600	1600	1590names and addresses of all persons from whom quotations were sought, the names and addresses
1601	1601	1591of all persons submitting quotations and the date and amount of each quotation. The House
1602	1602	1592Business Manager shall transmit all quotes to House Counsel with the House Business
1603	1603	1593Manager’s recommendation as to what quotation offers the needed quality of supply or service at
1604	1604	1594the best value for the House. House Counsel shall review the quotations to ensure compliance
1605	1605	1595with this rule. Upon completion of the review by the House Counsel, the House Business
1606	1606	1596Manager shall award the contract to the responsible person whose quotation offers the needed
1607	1607	1597quality of supply or service and which represents the best value for the House;
1608	1608	1598 (iii) for a procurement of a supply or service in an amount exceeding $100,000, the House
1609	1609	1599Business Manager shall seek proposals through a competitive bid process established by House
1610	1610	1600Counsel; provided, however, that House Counsel shall file the competitive bid process with the
1611	1611	1601Clerk of the House no later than March 31st of the first year of the session.
1612	1612	1602 (d) Notwithstanding subsections (a) through (c), all procurements for legal consulting
1613	1613	1603services and legal resources shall be handled exclusively by Counsel in compliance with the
1614	1614	1604provisions of this rule.
1615	1615	1605 (e) The House Business Manager shall maintain a file on each contract not executed using a
1616	1616	1606statewide procurement contract established by the operational services division and in excess of
1617	1617	1607$10,000 and shall include in such file a copy of all documents constituting the agreement for
1618	1618	1608goods and services and all documents evidencing compliance with this rule. The House Business
1619	1619	1609Manager shall make the file available for inspection within said office by members of the House
1620	1620	1610for at least 3 years from the date of final payment under the contract; provided, however, that the
1621	1621	1611Business Manager, in consultation with Counsel, shall redact from said file any information 77 of 141
1622	1622	1612which (i) is legally privileged; (ii) is proprietary; (iii) is related to individual members or House
1623	1623	1613personnel; or (iv) is otherwise protected by state or federal law.
1624	1624	1614 (f) Whenever the time required to comply with a requirement of this rule would endanger the
1625	1625	1615health, safety or convenience of the members, staff or visitors to the House of Representatives,
1626	1626	1616the House Business Manager may make an emergency procurement without satisfying the
1627	1627	1617requirements of this rule; provided, however, that both the House Business Manager and Counsel
1628	1628	1618certify in writing: (i) that an emergency exists and explain the nature thereof; (ii) that said
1629	1629	1619emergency procurement is limited to only supplies or services necessary to meet the emergency;
1630	1630	1620(iii) that said emergency procurement conforms to the requirements of this rule to the extent
1631	1631	1621practicable under the circumstances; and (iv) shall include each contractor's name, the amount
1632	1632	1622and the type of each contract, the supplies or services provided under each contract, and (vii) the
1633	1633	1623basis for determining the need for an emergency procurement. Such certification shall be filed
1634	1634	1624with the Clerk of the House prior to an emergency procurement. [Adopted Jan. 20, 2011,
1635	1635	1625Amended Jan. 23, 2013; Jan. 29, 2015; Feb. 19, 2015; Jan. 30, 2019; Jul. 7, 2021; Feb. 1, 2023.]
1636	1636	1626 Professional Standards and Conduct.
1637	1637	1627 88. (a) As used in Rules 88 to 100, inclusive, the following terms shall, unless the context
1638	1638	1628clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:-
1639	1639	1629"Authorized party", a party authorized to receive a complaint of harassment or retaliation
1640	1640	1630pursuant to Rule 93.
1641	1641	1631"Counsel", Legal Counsel to the House appointed pursuant to Rule 13B.
1642	1642	1632"Director", the Director of Human Resources appointed pursuant to Rule 90.
1643	1643	1633"Discriminatory harassment", verbal or physical conduct that: 78 of 141
1644	1644	1634 (1) demeans, stereotypes, or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group because
1645	1645	1635of the individual's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, age,
1646	1646	1636disability status, genetic information, gender identity, active military personnel status,
1647	1647	1637transgender status or membership in any other protected class and;
1648	1648	1638 (2) (i) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive
1649	1649	1639working environment;
1650	1650	1640 (ii) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a member, officer, intern or
1651	1651	1641employee's work performance or official duties; or
1652	1652	1642 (iii) otherwise adversely affects a member, officer, intern or employee's employment
1653	1653	1643opportunities or ability to fulfill their official duties or conduct business before the House.
1654	1654	1644"EEO Officer", the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer appointed pursuant to Rule 89.
1655	1655	1645"Harassment", discriminatory harassment or sexual harassment engaged in by a member, officer,
1656	1656	1646intern or employee of the House or by a third party.
1657	1657	1647"Sexual harassment", sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and verbal or physical conduct
1658	1658	1648of a sexual nature when:
1659	1659	1649 (1) submission to or rejection of such advances, requests or conduct is made either explicitly or
1660	1660	1650implicitly a term or condition of employment or as a basis for employment decisions, or as a
1661	1661	1651term, condition or basis for the support of certain policy objectives, political aspirations or
1662	1662	1652business before the House; or
1663	1663	1653 (2) such advances, requests or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering
1664	1664	1654with a member, officer, intern or employee's work performance or official duties by creating an
1665	1665	1655intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive work environment. 79 of 141
1666	1666	1656Under this definition, direct or implied requests for sexual favors in exchange for actual or
1667	1667	1657promised (i) employment benefits such as favorable reviews, salary increases, promotions,
1668	1668	1658increased benefits or continued employment or (ii) support for certain policy objectives, political
1669	1669	1659aspirations or business before the House, shall constitute sexual harassment.
1670	1670	1660The definition of sexual harassment is broad and may include other sexually oriented conduct,
1671	1671	1661whether or not it is intended to violate this Rule, that is unwelcome and has the effect of creating
1672	1672	1662a workplace environment that is hostile, offensive, intimidating or humiliating to a member,
1673	1673	1663officer, intern or employee of the same or different gender, or those who do not identify as
1674	1674	1664gender binary.
1675	1675	1665"Supervisor", a member, officer or employee having direct authority or oversight over one or
1676	1676	1666more employees.
1677	1677	1667"Third party", any person visiting the House of Representatives, or conducting official business
1678	1678	1668or work with any member, officer or employee of the House.
1679	1679	1669(b) The House is committed to providing fair and equal opportunity for employment and
1680	1680	1670advancement to all employees and applicants.
1681	1681	1671It is our policy and practice to assign, promote and compensate employees on the basis of
1682	1682	1672qualifications, merit, and competence. Employment practices shall not be influenced nor
1683	1683	1673affected by virtue of an applicant's or employee's race, color, religion, national origin, sex,
1684	1684	1674ancestry, sexual orientation, age, disability status, genetic information, gender identity, active
1685	1685	1675military personnel status, transgender status or membership in any other protected class.
1686	1686	1676This policy governs all aspects of recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, promotion,
1687	1687	1677transfer, discharge and all other terms and conditions of employment. 80 of 141
1688	1688	1678Without limiting the applicability of the foregoing, the House is committed to creating and
1689	1689	1679maintaining a work environment in which all members, officers, interns and employees of the
1690	1690	1680House, and all third parties, are treated with respect and free from any form of harassment,
1691	1691	1681including harassment based on an individual's membership in any protected class. To that end,
1692	1692	1682the House will not tolerate harassment of any kind by any member, officer, intern, employee or
1693	1693	1683third party in the workplace or otherwise in connection with the official duties or employment
1694	1694	1684responsibilities of a member, officer, third party, intern or employee. Any individual who
1695	1695	1685believes that they may have been the object of harassment, or any individual who witnesses
1696	1696	1686something they think may be harassment, is strongly encouraged to report that information to an
1697	1697	1687authorized party.
1698	1698	1688The House shall promote the safety and respectful treatment of all members, officers, interns and
1699	1699	1689employees of the House, and all third parties, by establishing uniform procedures for making and
1700	1700	1690receiving complaints of harassment and initiating, conducting and concluding investigations into
1701	1701	1691complaints of harassment.
1702	1702	1692A violation of this policy will subject the member, officer, employee or intern to discipline
1703	1703	1693pursuant to Rule 95 and Rule 96.
1704	1704	1694(c) (1) Discriminatory harassment may include, but is not limited to, the following conduct:
1705	1705	1695(i) epithets, slurs, insults or negative stereotyping related to the protected classes;
1706	1706	1696(ii) acts or jokes that are hostile or demeaning with regard to the protected classes;
1707	1707	1697(iii) threatening, intimidating or hostile acts that relate to the protected classes;
1708	1708	1698(iv) displays of written or graphic material that demean, ridicule or show hostility toward an
1709	1709	1699individual or group because of membership in a protected class, including material circulated or 81 of 141
1710	1710	1700displayed in the workplace, including District Offices, such as on an employee's desk or
1711	1711	1701workspace, or on House equipment or bulletin boards, including but not limited to House-issued
1712	1712	1702computers, laptops and personal device assistants;
1713	1713	1703(v) verbal or non-verbal innuendo, and micro-aggressions; and
1714	1714	1704(vi) other conduct that falls within the definition of discriminatory harassment set forth above.
1715	1715	1705(2) Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, the following conduct:
1716	1716	1706(i) gender-based bullying, including bullying based on transgender or non-gender binary status;
1717	1717	1707(ii) attempts to coerce an unwilling person into a sexual relationship;
1718	1718	1708(iii) repeatedly subjecting a person to unwelcome sexual or romantic attention;
1719	1719	1709(iv) punishing a person's refusal to comply with a request for sexual conduct; and
1720	1720	1710(v) conditioning a benefit on submitting to sexual advances.
1721	1721	1711(3) Conduct that, if unwelcome, and depending upon the totality of the circumstances, including
1722	1722	1712the severity of the conduct and its pervasiveness, may constitute sexual harassment includes, but
1723	1723	1713is not limited to, the following:
1724	1724	1714(i) unwelcome sexual advances, flirtations or propositions, whether they involve physical
1725	1725	1715touching or not;
1726	1726	1716(ii) sexual "kidding," epithets, jokes, written or oral references to sexual conduct;
1727	1727	1717(iii) gossip regarding one's sex life;
1728	1728	1718(iv) comment on a person's body or an individual's sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess;
1729	1729	1719(v) displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, posters or cartoons; 82 of 141
1730	1730	1720(vi) unwelcome leering or staring at a person;
1731	1731	1721(vii) sexual gestures and suggestive or insulting sounds, such as whistling or comments with
1732	1732	1722sexual content or meaning;
1733	1733	1723(viii) uninvited physical contact, such as touching, hugging, purposely brushing against the body,
1734	1734	1724patting or pinching;
1735	1735	1725(ix) indecent exposure;
1736	1736	1726(x) inquiries into one's sexual experiences;
1737	1737	1727(xi) discussion of one's sexual activities;
1738	1738	1728(xii) sexual emails; and
1739	1739	1729(xiii) sexting, or sexual messages or images posted on social media, for example, texts, instant
1740	1740	1730messages, Facebook posts, tweets, Snapchat, Instagram or blog entries.
1741	1741	1731(d) No member, officer or employee of the House shall retaliate, including against a member,
1742	1742	1732officer, intern, or employee of the House who has complained about harassment or participated
1743	1743	1733in an investigation into an allegation of harassment or retaliation. Any person who believes that
1744	1744	1734they may have been the subject of retaliation for having complained of harassment or retaliation,
1745	1745	1735or for having participated in an investigation related to an allegation of harassment or retaliation,
1746	1746	1736is strongly encouraged to report that information to an authorized party.
1747	1747	1737 [Added Mar. 15, 2018; Jan. 30, 2019; Feb. 1, 2023.]
1748	1748	1738 89. (a) The House shall employ a full-time Equal Employment Opportunity Officer. The
1749	1749	1739committee on Rules shall appoint a qualified person with expertise in harassment prevention, 83 of 141
1750	1750	1740conduct of investigations, and identifying barriers to equal employment opportunity to act as the
1751	1751	1741EEO Officer at such compensation as the committee on Rules shall approve.
1752	1752	1742The EEO Officer shall serve a term of two years from the date of appointment, unless the EEO
1753	1753	1743Officer sooner resigns, retires or is removed; provided, however, that the EEO Officer may only
1754	1754	1744be removed: (i) for misfeasance, malfeasance or nonfeasance, as determined by agreement of
1755	1755	1745Counsel and the Director, and approved by a majority vote of the committee on Rules; or (ii) by
1756	1756	1746a majority roll call vote of the House.
1757	1757	1747The EEO Officer may employ such assistants as may be necessary in the discharge of the EEO
1758	1758	1748Officer's duties, subject to the approval of the committee on Rules, and may expend with like
1759	1759	1749approval such sums as may be necessary for the discharge of their duties.
1760	1760	1750(b) The EEO Officer shall receive, review and investigate all complaints alleging a violation of
1761	1761	1751Rule 88, the House Anti-Harassment Policy, or the House Equal Employment Policy, including,
1762	1762	1752but not limited to complaints alleging harassment or retaliation. Complaints shall be received,
1763	1763	1753reviewed and investigated pursuant to Rules 93 to 96, inclusive.
1764	1764	1754The EEO Officer shall develop and implement written policies and procedures for receiving,
1765	1765	1755investigating, resolving and maintaining records of complaints against members, officers, interns
1766	1766	1756or employees of the House, or against third parties, made in accordance with Rules 93 to 98,
1767	1767	1757inclusive.
1768	1768	1758(c) (1) The EEO Officer, in conjunction with the committee on Human Resources and Employee
1769	1769	1759Engagement and the Director, shall provide for training of members. Training shall include,
1770	1770	1760without limitation, instruction on: (i) House equal employment policies, including the complaint
1771	1771	1761and investigation process; (ii) workplace harassment specifically, including techniques for 84 of 141
1772	1772	1762bystander intervention and other best practices; (iii) prohibition on retaliation; (iv) best
1773	1773	1763management practices; (v) professionalism and respect; and (vi) practices for monitoring the
1774	1774	1764workplace for issues and identifying risk factors. Each member shall make a signed, written
1775	1775	1765acknowledgement of the member's completion of the training, which shall be retained by the
1776	1776	1766EEO Officer.
1777	1777	1767 (2) The EEO Officer, in conjunction with the committee on Human Resources and Employee
1778	1778	1768Engagement and the Director, shall provide for annual training for all appointed officers and
1779	1779	1769employees. Training shall include, without limitation, instruction on (i) House equal employment
1780	1780	1770policies, including the complaint and investigation process; (ii) workplace harassment
1781	1781	1771specifically, including techniques for bystander intervention and other best practices; (iii)
1782	1782	1772prohibition on retaliation; and (iv) professionalism and respect.
1783	1783	1773Separate trainings shall be held for those appointed officers and employees who are supervisors
1784	1784	1774and those appointed officers and employees who are not supervisors. The content of the training
1785	1785	1775shall be tailored appropriately to the recipients. Supervisors shall be specifically trained on best
1786	1786	1776management practices.
1787	1787	1777Each appointed officer and employee shall make a signed, written acknowledgement of their
1788	1788	1778completion of the training, which shall be retained by the EEO Officer, who shall provide a copy
1789	1789	1779to the Director to be maintained in their personnel file.
1790	1790	1780 (3) The EEO Officer shall provide for appropriate additional training to members, officers or
1791	1791	1781employees at any time that the EEO Officer deems necessary or appropriate, including upon the
1792	1792	1782request of a member, officer or employee. 85 of 141
1793	1793	1783 (4) The EEO Officer, in conjunction with the Director, shall provide for training for interns
1794	1794	1784during the intern orientation process. The training shall include without limitation, instruction
1795	1795	1785on: (i) House equal employment policies, including the complaint and investigation process; (ii)
1796	1796	1786workplace harassment specifically, including techniques for bystander intervention and other
1797	1797	1787best practices; (iii) prohibition on retaliation; and (iv) professionalism and respect. Each intern
1798	1798	1788shall make a signed, written acknowledgement of the intern's completion of the training, which
1799	1799	1789shall be retained by the EEO Officer, who shall provide a copy to the Director to be maintained
1800	1800	1790in the Director's records.
1801	1801	1791(d) The EEO Officer shall develop practices and procedures for auditing House offices, including
1802	1802	1792random audits, to ensure the maintenance of best practices. Audits may include interviews and
1803	1803	1793in-office observation. All members, officers, interns and employees shall comply with a request
1804	1804	1794from the EEO Officer to conduct an audit.
1805	1805	1795 [Adopted Mar. 15, 2018; Amended Jul. 7, 2021.]
1806	1806	1796 90. (a) The House shall employ a full-time Director of Human Resources. The committee on
1807	1807	1797Rules shall appoint a qualified person to act as the Director at such compensation as the
1808	1808	1798committee on Rules shall approve.
1809	1809	1799The Director shall serve a term of two years from the date of appointment, unless the Director
1810	1810	1800sooner resigns, retires or is removed; provided, however, that the Director may only be removed:
1811	1811	1801(i) for misfeasance, malfeasance or nonfeasance, as determined by agreement of the EEO Officer
1812	1812	1802and Counsel and approved by a majority vote of the committee on Rules; or (ii) by a majority
1813	1813	1803roll call vote of the House. 86 of 141
1814	1814	1804 (b) The Director may employ such assistants as may be necessary in the discharge of the
1815	1815	1805Director's duties, subject to the approval of the committee on Rules, and may expend with like
1816	1816	1806approval such sums as may be necessary for the discharge of their duties.
1817	1817	1807 (c) The Director shall develop and oversee standardized practices and procedures, which shall
1818	1818	1808apply to all applications for employment. The practices and procedures shall include, but shall
1819	1819	1809not be limited to: (i) a standard application for employment; (ii) mandatory background and
1820	1820	1810reference checks, the results of which shall be reported by the Director to the applicant's
1821	1821	1811prospective appointing authority; and (iii) a standard offer letter for each position within the
1822	1822	1812House.
1823	1823	1813 (d) The Director shall develop and oversee standardized practices and procedures, which shall
1824	1824	1814apply to all employees and appointed officers of the House. These practices and procedures shall
1825	1825	1815include or address, without limitation: (i) regular meetings between the Director, the EEO
1826	1826	1816Officer and employees who are supervisors, including an initial meeting within 14 days of the
1827	1827	1817employee assuming such a role; (ii) guidelines for conducting employee performance reviews;
1828	1828	1818(iii) a program of progressive discipline; and (iv) separations from employment including exit
1829	1829	1819interviews for terminated employees.
1830	1830	1820 (e) The Director shall develop employee classifications, which shall include written job
1831	1831	1821descriptions, salary ranges and schedules. The classifications shall be published in the employee
1832	1832	1822and supervisor handbooks. The Director may develop a seniority system on which employee
1833	1833	1823salaries may be based. A seniority system shall be published in the employee handbook.
1834	1834	1824 (f) The Director shall develop practices and procedures for receiving, investigating and
1835	1835	1825resolving personnel complaints unrelated to Rule 88, the House Anti-Harassment Policy, or the
1836	1836	1826House Equal Employment Policy. 87 of 141
1837	1837	1827 (g) The Director shall annually publish: (i) an Employee Handbook; and (ii) an Intern
1838	1838	1828Handbook. Each handbook shall be developed with the advice and approval of the EEO Officer
1839	1839	1829and Counsel, and shall be submitted to the committee on Human Resources and Employee
1840	1840	1830Engagement for review and approval at least 14 days prior to publication.
1841	1841	1831The handbooks shall be available as follows:
1842	1842	1832(i) the Director shall post both handbooks on the human resources web portal;
1843	1843	1833(ii) the Director shall email an electronic copy of the Employee Handbook to each employee
1844	1844	1834within 10 days of its publication and require that each employee sign a written acknowledgement
1845	1845	1835of receipt and return such acknowledgement to the Director within 5 days;
1846	1846	1836(iii) the Director shall email an electronic copy of the Employee Handbook to each new
1847	1847	1837employee within 5 days of the employee's start date and require that the employee sign a written
1848	1848	1838acknowledgement of receipt and return such acknowledgement to the Director within 5 days;
1849	1849	1839 (iv) the committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement shall provide an Intern
1850	1850	1840Handbook to each intern on the first day of their internship. Upon receipt of the Intern
1851	1851	1841Handbook the intern shall sign a written acknowledgement of receipt that day, which shall be
1852	1852	1842maintained by the committee, with a copy sent to the Director;
1853	1853	1843(vi) hard copies of each handbook shall be available in the offices of the Director, the EEO
1854	1854	1844Officer, Counsel and the Clerk;
1855	1855	1845(vi) the Director shall cause electronic copies of each handbook to be downloaded onto the
1856	1856	1846desktop of each House computer; and
1857	1857	1847(vii) in formats accessible to all members, officers and employees. 88 of 141
1858	1858	1848(h) (1) The Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement, in consultation with
1859	1859	1849the Director, shall develop policies to address individuals who provide services to the House in a
1860	1860	1850volunteer capacity or otherwise without receiving compensation
1861	1861	1851(2) The Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement, in consultation with the
1862	1862	1852Director and subject to the approval of Counsel, shall develop policies pro-bono service and
1863	1863	1853charitable and community service activities by members, officers and employees of the House.
1864	1864	1854 [Added Mar. 15. 2018; Amended Jan. 30, 2019; Jul. 7, 2021.]
1865	1865	1855 91. The Director shall, in consultation with the EEO Officer, create and maintain an internal
1866	1866	1856web portal for members, officers and employees. The web portal shall provide relevant
1867	1867	1857information on human resource policies and procedures, including, without limitation, the Rules
1868	1868	1858of the House, each handbook published by the Director, explanations of complaint and
1869	1869	1859investigation procedures, contact information for the Director, the EEO Officer and Counsel,
1870	1870	1860training opportunities and schedules and the directory of committee staff required pursuant to
1871	1871	1861Rule 92.
1872	1872	1862 [Added Mar. 15, 2018; Amended Jul. 7, 2021; Feb. 1, 2023.]
1873	1873	1863 92. (a) The House shall employ a full-time Director of Employee Engagement. The
1874	1874	1864committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement shall appoint a qualified person to
1875	1875	1865act as the Director of Employee Engagement at such compensation as the committee on Human
1876	1876	1866Resources and Employee Engagement shall approve.
1877	1877	1867 (b) The Director of Employee Engagement shall, in consultation with the Director of Human
1878	1878	1868Resources: (i) develop methods for enhancing the skills and professional development of
1879	1879	1869employees including skills for providing constituent services and engaging with, and ensuring 89 of 141
1880	1880	1870the privacy of, members of the public who visit the State House; (ii) explore and develop
1881	1881	1871partnerships with national trade organizations to maximize the opportunities for professional
1882	1882	1872development available to employees; and (iv) engage employees in roundtable discussions on
1883	1883	1873issues of importance or concern.
1884	1884	1874 (c) The Director of Employee Engagement shall assist the committee on Human Resources
1885	1885	1875and Employee Engagement with duties as may be assigned by the committee or the Director of
1886	1886	1876Human Resources.
1887	1887	1877(d) The Director of Employee Engagement shall prepare and publish on the house intranet a
1888	1888	1878directory of committee staff.
1889	1889	1879 [Added Mar. 15, 2018; Amended Jul. 7, 2021.]
1890	1890	1880 93. (a) (1) A member who believes that they have been the object of harassment or
1891	1891	1881retaliation, who witnesses harassment or retaliation, or who becomes aware of harassment or
1892	1892	1882retaliation may make a complaint, either orally or in writing with the EEO Officer, Counsel, or
1893	1893	1883the Director. Upon receipt of a complaint pursuant to this subsection, a recipient other than the
1894	1894	1884EEO Officer shall forthwith provide a detailed account of the complaint to the EEO Officer for
1895	1895	1885assessment pursuant to Rule 94.
1896	1896	1886 (2) An appointed officer, employee or intern of the House who believes that they have been
1897	1897	1887the object of harassment or retaliation, who witnesses harassment or retaliation, or who becomes
1898	1898	1888aware of harassment or retaliation may make a complaint, either orally or in writing, to any of
1899	1899	1889the officer's, employee's or intern's supervisors, the Director, the EEO Officer or Counsel. Upon
1900	1900	1890receipt of a complaint pursuant to this subsection, a recipient other than the EEO Officer shall 90 of 141
1901	1901	1891forthwith provide a detailed account of the complaint to the EEO Officer for assessment pursuant
1902	1902	1892to Rule 94.
1903	1903	1893 (3) A third party who believes that they have been the object of harassment, or who witnesses
1904	1904	1894harassment or retaliation may make a complaint, either orally or in writing, with the EEO
1905	1905	1895Officer. Upon receipt of a complaint pursuant to this subsection, the EEO Officer shall assess
1906	1906	1896the complaint pursuant to Rule 94.
1907	1907	1897 (b) The EEO Officer shall provide guidance for authorized parties who may receive
1908	1908	1898complaints under subsection (a), both in the form of the training referenced in Rule 89 and
1909	1909	1899otherwise. The guidance shall instruct authorized parties on the proper way to receive
1910	1910	1900complaints and to advise complainants on issues including, but not limited to, confidentiality,
1911	1911	1901prohibition on retaliation and the availability of additional resources and avenues for action for
1912	1912	1902the complainant, including possible criminal action where appropriate.
1913	1913	1903 (c) If a complaint, made pursuant to subsection (a), is against the EEO Officer or an employee
1914	1914	1904appointed by the EEO Officer, the recipient of the complaint shall notify Counsel, who shall, in
1915	1915	1905consultation with the Director, investigate the complaint pursuant to Rules 94 to 96, inclusive.
1916	1916	1906 (d) If, based on the nature and circumstances of the complaint, the EEO Officer believes that
1917	1917	1907they cannot objectively assess or investigate a complaint made pursuant to subsection (a) the
1918	1918	1908EEO Officer shall refer the matter to Counsel who shall assume responsibility for the assessment
1919	1919	1909or investigation or refer the complaint to outside counsel for investigation. The EEO Officer
1920	1920	1910shall consult with Counsel to establish guidelines used to identify matters that should be referred
1921	1921	1911to Counsel or outside counsel pursuant to this subsection.
1922	1922	1912 [Added Mar. 15, 2018; Amended Jan. 30, 2019.] 91 of 141
1923	1923	1913 94. (a)(1) All complaints alleging harassment or retaliation by or against a member, officer,
1924	1924	1914intern or employee of the House, or by or against a third party, received by any member, officer
1925	1925	1915or employee of the House, shall be immediately referred to the EEO Officer for assessment.
1926	1926	1916(2) Upon receiving a complaint alleging harassment or retaliation by or against a member, officer
1927	1927	1917or employee of the House, or by or against a third party, the EEO Officer shall promptly
1928	1928	1918undertake an assessment to determine whether the complaint is plausible and requires
1929	1929	1919investigation. Such assessment shall be completed within two weeks from the date of receiving a
1930	1930	1920complaint.
1931	1931	1921Upon a determination by the EEO Officer that a complaint is plausible and requires
1932	1932	1922investigation, the EEO Officer shall commence an investigation of the complaint.
1933	1933	1923Upon a determination by the EEO Officer that a complaint is not plausible and does not require
1934	1934	1924investigation, the EEO Officer shall submit a report to Counsel and the Director describing the
1935	1935	1925complaint and the EEO Officer's basis for determining that the complaint lacked plausibility and
1936	1936	1926did not require investigation. If either Counsel or the Director objects to the EEO Officer's
1937	1937	1927determination, the EEO Officer shall commence an investigation of the complaint.
1938	1938	1928(b) The EEO Officer shall assess complaints and conduct investigations pursuant to written
1939	1939	1929policies and procedures, which shall be established by the EEO Officer pursuant to Rule 98 and
1940	1940	1930published on the human resources web portal. The policies and procedures shall ensure that all
1941	1941	1931assessments, investigations and reports are confidential to the fullest extent practicable under the
1942	1942	1932circumstances and shall include, without limitation, the following: trauma-informed techniques;
1943	1943	1933mechanisms for investigating complaints made by witnesses or third parties; standards for
1944	1944	1934collecting and maintaining evidence; consideration of interim measures; and methods to tailor 92 of 141
1945	1945	1935each investigation to the specific needs of the complainant and particular circumstances of the
1946	1946	1936complaint.
1947	1947	1937(c) The EEO Officer shall complete investigations within 90 days; provided, that the EEO
1948	1948	1938Officer may extend the investigation in extraordinary circumstances. The EEO Officer shall
1949	1949	1939regularly, but no less frequently than every 2 weeks, update the complainant on the status of the
1950	1950	1940investigation. If the EEO Officer believes that interim measures are warranted to protect
1951	1951	1941complainants during the investigation, then the EEO shall recommend such measures to the
1952	1952	1942appropriate supervisory individual or body.
1953	1953	1943(d) Upon the conclusion of an investigation, the EEO Officer shall prepare a report summarizing
1954	1954	1944the complaint, the EEO Officer's investigation, findings and recommendations, if any, for
1955	1955	1945disciplinary, remedial or preventative action, or any combination thereof.
1956	1956	1946 [Added Mar. 15, 2018.]
1957	1957	1947 95. (a) (1) If after completion of an investigation pursuant to Rule 94, the EEO Officer
1958	1958	1948determines that a member has violated Rule 88, the EEO Officer shall recommend disciplinary,
1959	1959	1949remedial or preventative action, or any combination thereof, as is appropriate and proportional
1960	1960	1950under the circumstances, subject to the limitations set forth in paragraphs (2) and (3).
1961	1961	1951(2) Where the EEO Officer's action recommended pursuant to paragraph (1) does not include
1962	1962	1952reprimand, censure, removal from position as a chair or other position of authority, or expulsion,
1963	1963	1953prior to imposing such action the EEO Officer shall notify the member of the action and provide
1964	1964	1954the member with a copy of the EEO Officer's report. The member may, within 10 days of
1965	1965	1955receiving notice, request in writing that the Speaker and Minority Leader appoint a special
1966	1966	1956committee pursuant to Rule 96 to review the findings and recommendations of the EEO Officer. 93 of 141
1967	1967	1957Upon receipt of said request, the Speaker and Minority Leader shall convene a special committee
1968	1968	1958pursuant to Rule 96.
1969	1969	1959If the member fails to request the appointment of a special committee pursuant to Rule 96 within
1970	1970	196010 days, the EEO Officer shall implement the recommended action.
1971	1971	1961(3) If the action recommended pursuant to subsection (a) includes reprimand, censure, removal
1972	1972	1962from position as a chair or other position of authority, or expulsion, the EEO Officer shall
1973	1973	1963request that the Speaker and Minority Leader convene a special committee pursuant to Rule 96
1974	1974	1964to review the findings and recommendations of the EEO Officer. Upon receipt of said request
1975	1975	1965from the EEO Officer, the Speaker and Minority Leader shall appoint a special committee
1976	1976	1966pursuant to Rule 96.
1977	1977	1967(4) Upon the request for a special committee made by the EEO Officer or a member pursuant to
1978	1978	1968this subsection, the EEO Officer shall provide the Speaker and Minority Leader with a copy of
1979	1979	1969the EEO Officer's report.
1980	1980	1970(b) (1) If after completion of an investigation pursuant to Rule 94 the EEO Officer concludes that
1981	1981	1971an appointed officer, intern or employee has violated Rule 88, the EEO Officer shall notify the
1982	1982	1972appointing authority for the appointed officer, intern or employee and recommend and
1983	1983	1973implement remedial, preventative or disciplinary action, or any combination thereof, as is
1984	1984	1974appropriate and proportional under the circumstances, subject to the limitations set forth in
1985	1985	1975paragraph (2). Notwithstanding Rule 97, the appointing authority may inform any other
1986	1986	1976supervisors of the appointed officer, intern or employee of the remedial, preventative or
1987	1987	1977disciplinary action if the appointing authority believes that sharing such information is necessary
1988	1988	1978for maintaining proper supervision of the appointed officer, intern or employee. 94 of 141
1989	1989	1979(2) If after completion of an investigation pursuant to Rule 94 the EEO Officer concludes that an
1990	1990	1980appointed officer, intern or employee has violated Rule 88 and the EEO Officer's action
1991	1991	1981recommended pursuant to paragraph (1) includes termination of employment or internship, the
1992	1992	1982EEO Officer shall forward the recommendation, with all supporting documentation, to Counsel
1993	1993	1983for review and approval. Counsel shall have two business days to review the EEO Officer's
1994	1994	1984recommendation. If Counsel approves the recommendation, Counsel shall notify the EEO
1995	1995	1985Officer and the Director and the Director shall immediately terminate the individual's
1996	1996	1986employment or internship. If Counsel rejects the EEO Officer's recommendation, he shall notify
1997	1997	1987the EEO Officer and the Speaker and the Speaker shall determine the action to be implemented.
1998	1998	1988 [Added Mar. 15, 2018.]
1999	1999	1989 96. (a) Upon receipt of a request pursuant to Rule 95, the Speaker and Minority Leader shall
2000	2000	1990confidentially convene a Special Committee on Professional Conduct, which shall consist of 7
2001	2001	1991members, 5 of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker and 2 of whom shall be appointed by the
2002	2002	1992Minority Leader. To the extent practicable, membership on the special committee shall be
2003	2003	1993apportioned in a way that takes into account the nature of the complaint and the commitment of
2004	2004	1994the House to providing fair and equal opportunity in employment. The Speaker shall appoint a
2005	2005	1995member to serve as chair. No member who has declared their candidacy for any other local,
2006	2006	1996state or federal office shall be appointed to a special committee. Upon appointment of members
2007	2007	1997to the committee, the Speaker and Minority Leader shall notify the EEO Officer and the member
2008	2008	1998who is the subject of the complaint of the identity of the members appointed. The existence of
2009	2009	1999the committee and the identity of the members appointed to the committee shall otherwise
2010	2010	2000remain confidential. 95 of 141
2011	2011	2001(b) The EEO Officer shall provide the members of the special committee with all records
2012	2012	2002relevant to the investigation. The special committee shall review all records and may further
2013	2013	2003investigate, to the extent that it is necessary to resolve the complaint. The special committee
2014	2014	2004may summon witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and compel the production of books,
2015	2015	2005papers, documents and other evidence in connection with its review.
2016	2016	2006(c) In the case of a special committee convened under this section upon the request for a review
2017	2017	2007by a member pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Rule 95, the committee shall
2018	2018	2008determine whether the EEO Officer's intended action is proportional and appropriate under the
2019	2019	2009circumstances. If a majority of the committee so finds, it shall order that the action
2020	2020	2010recommended by EEO Officer be implemented, along with any additional disciplinary, remedial
2021	2021	2011or preventative action, or any combination thereof, the committee determines to be proportional
2022	2022	2012and appropriate under the circumstances, subject to the limitations set forth in subsection (d). If
2023	2023	2013a majority of the committee finds that the intended action was not proportional or appropriate
2024	2024	2014under the circumstances, it may make a new recommendation for disciplinary, remedial or
2025	2025	2015preventative action, or any combination thereof, subject to the limitations set forth in said
2026	2026	2016subsection (d). All determinations of the committee pursuant to this subsection shall be final.
2027	2027	2017(d) (1) If a majority of the committee finds that a member has violated Rule 88, it may take any
2028	2028	2018disciplinary, remedial or preventative action, or any combination thereof, as it determines to be
2029	2029	2019proportional and appropriate under the circumstances; provided, however, that if the committee
2030	2030	2020determines that reprimand, censure, removal from position as a chair or other position of
2031	2031	2021authority, or expulsion is proportional and appropriate under the circumstances, it shall file a
2032	2032	2022report with the Clerk recommending that the House vote to implement the disciplinary action. 96 of 141
2033	2033	2023(2) Upon the filing of a report pursuant to paragraph (1), the Clerk shall promptly: (i) make the
2034	2034	2024report available to all members electronically; (ii) cause the report to be posted on the website of
2035	2035	2025the General Court; and (iii) place the matter in first position in the Orders of the Day for the next
2036	2036	2026calendar day that the House is meeting; provided, however, that no business shall be conducted
2037	2037	2027on that calendar day or any day thereafter until the question of acceptance or rejection of the
2038	2038	2028special committee's recommendation for discipline is decided by a majority of the members
2039	2039	2029voting and present by a recorded roll call vote. If a majority of the members vote to accept the
2040	2040	2030recommendation for discipline, the member shall be disciplined in the manner so recommended.
2041	2041	2031Unless a majority of the members vote to accept the report, the member shall not be disciplined.
2042	2042	2032(3) All findings and determinations of the committee, including instances where the special
2043	2043	2033committee does not file a report with the Clerk pursuant to paragraph (1), shall be reported to the
2044	2044	2034EEO Officer and shall be final. The EEO Officer shall maintain confidential records of such
2045	2045	2035findings and determinations, except that a report filed pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be public.
2046	2046	2036(e) The committee may consult with Counsel, the EEO Officer or the Director in discharging its
2047	2047	2037duties pursuant to Rules 88 to 97, inclusive.
2048	2048	2038 [Added Mar. 15, 2018; Amended Jan. 30, 2019.]
2049	2049	2039 97. (a) Any information obtained by a member or employee in their official capacity and
2050	2050	2040relating to a complaint or investigation of harassment pursuant to Rules 93 to 96, inclusive, and
2051	2051	2041any records of such information shall be confidential to the fullest extent possible.
2052	2052	2042Confidentiality shall be specifically subject to subsections (b), (c), (d) and (e).
2053	2053	2043(b) (1) The EEO Officer, in reviewing a complaint and conducting an investigation, shall keep
2054	2054	2044the complaint confidential and shall not disclose the identity of the complainant or the person 97 of 141
2055	2055	2045against whom the complaint is made or any other details of the complaint with any member or
2056	2056	2046employee; provided, however, that the EEO Officer may share information to the extent
2057	2057	2047necessary to interview witnesses or parties to the investigation or to consult with Counsel if the
2058	2058	2048EEO Officer determines that such consultation is required in connection with the investigation.
2059	2059	2049(2) In the case of a complaint against a staff person, the EEO Officer shall maintain
2060	2060	2050confidentiality throughout their investigation and implement all remedial actions and discipline
2061	2061	2051short of termination confidentially, without sharing the identity of the complainant or the person
2062	2062	2052against whom the complaint is made or any other details of the complaint with any member or
2063	2063	2053employee; provided, however, that the EEO Officer may share information to the extent
2064	2064	2054necessary to implement any remedial actions or discipline or to consult with Counsel if the EEO
2065	2065	2055Officer determines that such consultation is required in connection with the investigation. This
2066	2066	2056paragraph shall not limit the EEO Officer's ability to transmit the resolution of a complaint,
2067	2067	2057including any discipline resulting therefrom, to the Director for inclusion in the employee's
2068	2068	2058personnel file.
2069	2069	2059(3) In the case of a complaint against a staff person, where the EEO Officer recommends
2070	2070	2060termination, the EEO Officer shall share information with Counsel for review. If Counsel and
2071	2071	2061the EEO Officer disagree as to whether termination is the appropriate discipline, confidentiality
2072	2072	2062shall only be expanded to the extent needed to inform the Office of the Speaker and reach a
2073	2073	2063resolution.
2074	2074	2064(4) In the case of a complaint against a member, the EEO officer shall maintain confidentiality
2075	2075	2065throughout their investigation by: (i) not disclosing information to any member or employee who
2076	2076	2066is not a witness or party to the investigation, except to consult with Counsel if the EEO Officer
2077	2077	2067determines that such consultation is required in connection with the investigation; and (ii) 98 of 141
2078	2078	2068confidentially recommending all remedial actions short of reprimand, censure, removal from
2079	2079	2069position as a chair or other position of authority, or expulsion of a member. This paragraph shall
2080	2080	2070not limit the EEO Officer's ability to: (i) share their report with the Office of the Speaker and the
2081	2081	2071Minority Leader upon the request for a special committee pursuant to Rule 95; and (ii) share any
2082	2082	2072records relevant to the investigation with the special committee convened pursuant to Rule 96;
2083	2083	2073provided, that when sharing their report with the Office of the Speaker and the Minority Leader,
2084	2084	2074the EEO Officer may use pseudonyms, redaction and other methods the EEO Officer considers
2085	2085	2075appropriate to address the needs of a complainant or the circumstances of a complaint.
2086	2086	2076(c) (1) The establishment of a special committee pursuant to Rule 96 shall be completely
2087	2087	2077confidential, except that the Speaker and Minority Leader shall disclose the names of their
2088	2088	2078respective appointments to the EEO Officer. The EEO Officer shall maintain a confidential
2089	2089	2079record of the membership of each special committee that is convened.
2090	2090	2080(2) All proceedings of a special committee convened pursuant to Rule 96 shall be confidential
2091	2091	2081and members of the committee shall not share any information about the complaint and
2092	2092	2082investigation for which the committee was convened with any other member or employee,
2093	2093	2083including their own appointed staff; provided, however, that the committee may consult with
2094	2094	2084Counsel if the chair of the committee determines that such consultation is required in connection
2095	2095	2085with the investigation.
2096	2096	2086(3) A special committee convened pursuant to Rule 96 shall implement all actions short of
2097	2097	2087reprimand, censure, removal from position as a chair or other position of authority, or expulsion
2098	2098	2088of a member confidentially, except that the special committee shall submit a final report to the
2099	2099	2089EEO Officer and may consult with Counsel if the chair of the committee determines that such
2100	2100	2090consultation is required in connection with their recommended action. The committee's 99 of 141
2101	2101	2091recommendation, if any, for reprimand, censure, removal from position as a chair or other
2102	2102	2092position of authority, or expulsion of a member, shall be a public document; provided, however,
2103	2103	2093that the committee may use pseudonyms to conceal the identity of the complainant if the
2104	2104	2094circumstances of the complaint so warrant.
2105	2105	2095(d) All authorized parties shall keep complaints confidential, except to share the complaint with
2106	2106	2096the EEO Officer.
2107	2107	2097(e) Nothing in this Rule shall limit the ability of the EEO Officer to share information with a
2108	2108	2098complainant, to the extent appropriate, in order to properly conclude the complaint or
2109	2109	2099investigation process.
2110	2110	2100 [Added Mar. 15, 2018; Amended Jan. 30, 2019.]
2111	2111	2101 98. The EEO Officer and the Director shall establish all policies, procedures and guidelines
2112	2112	2102required by Rules 88 to 97, inclusive, and may develop supplemental policies, procedures and
2113	2113	2103guidelines necessary to implement or enforce Rules 88 to 97, inclusive; provided, that no policy,
2114	2114	2104procedure or guideline shall take effect without the prior review and written approval of Counsel
2115	2115	2105and the committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement. Where appropriate, these
2116	2116	2106policies, procedures and guidelines shall be included in the handbooks.
2117	2117	2107The EEO Officer and the Director may consult with each other, Counsel, and the committee on
2118	2118	2108Human Resources and Employee Engagement to carry out the requirements of Rules 88 to 97,
2119	2119	2109inclusive.
2120	2120	2110 [Added Mar. 15, 2018; Amended Jul. 7, 2021.]
2121	2121	2111 99. In the event of a vacancy in the office of EEO Officer appointed pursuant to Rule 89,
2122	2122	2112Counsel may, notwithstanding House Rule 87 and utilizing sound business practices, procure the 100 of 141
2123	2123	2113services of an Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, hereinafter the Contract EEO Officer, to
2124	2124	2114perform the duties of the EEO Officer established in Rules 88 to 100, inclusive, during said
2125	2125	2115vacancy as required.
2126	2126	2116Notwithstanding Rules 88 to 100, inclusive, all complaints alleging a violation of Rule 88, the
2127	2127	2117House Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation, or the House Equal
2128	2128	2118Employment Policy, including, but not limited to complaints alleging harassment or retaliation
2129	2129	2119shall be referred to the Contract EEO Officer for review and, if necessary, investigation pursuant
2130	2130	2120to Rules 88 through 100.
2131	2131	2121Counsel shall consult with the Chair of the House Committee on Rules prior to executing a
2132	2132	2122contract for services pursuant to this Rule.
2133	2133	2123 [Added March 15, 2018; Amended Jul. 7, 2021.]
2134	2134	2124 100. (a) No member, officer or employee shall execute any agreement to settle any legal
2135	2135	2125claim or potential legal claim by any current or former member, officer or employee unless said
2136	2136	2126agreement is executed pursuant to this rule.
2137	2137	2127(b) No member, officer or employee shall execute any agreement to settle any legal claim or
2138	2138	2128potential legal claim brought by any current or former member, officer or employee without the
2139	2139	2129approval of Counsel, the Director and the EEO Officer. Counsel, the Director and the EEO
2140	2140	2130Officer shall each independently review the claim or potential legal claim brought by any current
2141	2141	2131or former member, officer or employee and confirm that the claim or potential claim does not
2142	2142	2132relate to sexual harassment or retaliation based on a claim of sexual harassment. Counsel, the
2143	2143	2133Director and the EEO Officer shall not approve any settlement of a legal claim or potential legal
2144	2144	2134claim brought by any current or former member, officer or employee pursuant to this subsection 101 of 141
2145	2145	2135if Counsel, the Director or the EEO Officer reasonably believes such legal claim or potential
2146	2146	2136legal claim relates to sexual harassment or retaliation based on a claim of sexual harassment.
2147	2147	2137(c) No member, officer or employee shall execute any agreement to settle any legal claim or
2148	2148	2138potential legal claim of sexual harassment, or retaliation based on a legal claim or potential legal
2149	2149	2139claim of sexual harassment, by any current or former member, officer or employee unless said
2150	2150	2140agreement is executed pursuant to this subsection.
2151	2151	2141No member, officer or employee shall execute any agreement to settle a legal claim or potential
2152	2152	2142legal claim of sexual harassment, or retaliation based on a legal claim or potential legal claim of
2153	2153	2143sexual harassment, by any current or former member, officer or employee unless:
2154	2154	21441. the request to negotiate said agreement was initiated, in writing, by the person filing or eligible
2155	2155	2145to file the legal claim or potential legal claim or a person legally authorized to represent that
2156	2156	2146person;
2157	2157	21472. the person filing the legal claim or eligible to file the legal claim is given 15 days to review
2158	2158	2148and consider the agreement;
2159	2159	21493. the duration of any non-disclosure or non-disparagement provision of the agreement to settle
2160	2160	2150the legal claim or potential legal claim is for a finite period of time as agreed to by the parties;
2161	2161	21514. the agreement to settle the legal claim or potential legal claim specifically provides that no
2162	2162	2152provision of the agreement, including any non-disclosure or non-disparagement provision of the
2163	2163	2153agreement, shall preclude any party from participating in an investigation by Counsel, the
2164	2164	2154Director, the EEO Officer, a Committee on Professional Conduct or any law enforcement
2165	2165	2155agency; and
2166	2166	21565. the agreement is approved in writing by Counsel, the Director and the EEO Officer. 102 of 141
2167	2167	2157(d) In the case of an agreement to settle any legal claim or potential legal claim of sexual
2168	2168	2158harassment pursuant to this Rule by a member, the Speaker and Minority Leader shall appoint a
2169	2169	2159Special Committee on Professional Conduct pursuant to Rule 96 to determine if the member
2170	2170	2160shall be required to personally reimburse the House for all or part of the settlement amount.
2171	2171	2161Upon a determination by the Special Committee that the member shall be required to personally
2172	2172	2162reimburse the House for all or part of the settlement amount, it shall determine the amount to be
2173	2173	2163reimbursed and immediately notify the member of that amount
2174	2174	2164(e) Upon request of the party described in paragraph numbered 1 above or the complainant,
2175	2175	2165Counsel shall waive any non-disclosure or non-disparagement provision of any agreement
2176	2176	2166executed prior to the effective date of this Rule by the House and any current or former member,
2177	2177	2167officer or employee, to allow said current or former member, officer or employee to report or
2178	2178	2168discuss a claim of sexual harassment or retaliation based on sexual harassment.
2179	2179	2169 [Added Mar. 15, 2018; Amended Jan. 30, 2019; Jul. 7, 2021.]
2180	2180	2170 101. Notwithstanding Rule 7C, the Speaker may, upon recommendation of a majority of the
2181	2181	2171committee on Rules, activate remote rules for the operation of the House of Representatives as
2182	2182	2172provided within this rule:
2183	2183	2173 Remote Rules for the Operation of the House of Representatives
2184	2184	2174 Remote Rule 1. As used in Remote Rules 1 through 16, inclusive, the following terms shall
2185	2185	2175have the following meanings:-
2186	2186	2176“Clerk”, the Clerk of the House of Representatives.
2187	2187	2177“Formal session”, a formal session of the House. 103 of 141
2188	2188	2178“House”, the House of Representatives.
2189	2189	2179“House Chamber”, the House Chamber within the Massachusetts State House in Boston or the
2190	2190	2180location to which the House at its previous formal or informal session adjourned to meet.
2191	2191	2181“Member”, a member of the House of Representatives.
2192	2192	2182“Monitor”, one of the members appointed by the Speaker pursuant to Standing Rule 8.
2193	2193	2183“Participating remotely” or “remotely present”, participating by telephone, teleconference, video
2194	2194	2184conference or other means.
2195	2195	2185 “Present”, a member either physically present in the House Chamber for a formal session or
2196	2196	2186remotely present, and participating in a formal session.
2197	2197	2187“Quorum”, eighty-one members present for a formal session.
2198	2198	2188 “Speaker”, the Speaker of the House or the member presiding at the formal session of the House
2199	2199	2189after being appointed by the Speaker to perform the duties of the Chair pursuant to Standing Rule
2200	2200	21905.
2201	2201	2191 “Standing rules”, House Rules 1 through 100, inclusive.
2202	2202	2192 Remote Rule 2. (a)(1) , The House may assemble in a formal session with members
2203	2203	2193participating remotely. Members participating remotely in a formal session may vote on any
2204	2204	2194question or other matter before the House. Members participating remotely in a formal session
2205	2205	2195shall be considered present and in attendance at the formal session for all purposes, including for
2206	2206	2196purposes of determining a quorum pursuant to Article XXXIII of the Amendments to the
2207	2207	2197Constitution of the Commonwealth or any standing rules and for purposes of appearing before 104 of 141
2208	2208	2198the Governor and council pursuant to Part the Second, Chapter VI, Article I of the Constitution
2209	2209	2199of the Commonwealth.
2210	2210	2200 (2) A member participating remotely in a formal session shall have the same privileges, rights
2211	2211	2201and responsibilities as if the member were physically present in the House Chamber, including
2212	2212	2202without limitation, the right, privilege and responsibility to cast votes on all questions or other
2213	2213	2203matters brought to a vote and the ability to the take the oath required pursuant to Part the Second,
2214	2214	2204Chapter VI, Article I of the Constitution of the Commonwealth.
2215	2215	2205(3) At the commencement of a formal session, the Speaker shall take the Chair at the hour to
2216	2216	2206which the House stands adjourned, call the House to order and immediately order a quorum roll
2217	2217	2207call.
2218	2218	2208(4)(i) The House shall not be called to order before the hour of 10:00 A.M. nor meet beyond the
2219	2219	2209hour of midnight unless by unanimous consent of the members present.
2220	2220	2210 (ii) All votes taken on the enactment of any bill or resolve during any formal session where
2221	2221	2211members are participating remotely shall be by roll call vote.
2222	2222	2212(5) The Clerk shall prepare a Journal for the House for any formal session of the House held
2223	2223	2213remotely. The Journal for the House may reflect that the formal session was convened pursuant
2224	2224	2214to remote rules, but shall not deviate in any substantive manner from the Journal of the House
2225	2225	2215required to be prepared by the Clerk pursuant to Standing Rule 10. The Journal of the House for
2226	2226	2216any formal session of the House held during the state of emergency within the House shall not
2227	2227	2217specify which members participated remotely.
2228	2228	2218(b)(1) The Speaker shall preside from within the House Chamber over any formal session of the
2229	2229	2219House where any member is participating remotely. The Minority Leader, Chair of the 105 of 141
2230	2230	2220committee on Ways and Means, Ranking Minority Member of the committee on Ways and
2231	2231	2221Means, the House Chair and Ranking Minority Member of the joint committee from which any
2232	2232	2222bill being debated at the formal session has been reported, or their designees, and the division
2233	2233	2223monitors may also be physically present. All other members are strongly encouraged to
2234	2234	2224participate remotely in a formal session.
2235	2235	2225 (2) Officers and employees essential to the conduct of the formal session may be present in the
2236	2236	2226House Chamber during a formal session with the express authorization of the Speaker in
2237	2237	2227consultation with the Minority Leader. The Speaker and Minority Leader may have two
2238	2238	2228employees from their office present in the House Chamber during a formal session. No other
2239	2239	2229officer or employee shall be physically present in the House Chamber unless deemed essential to
2240	2240	2230the conduct of the formal session by the Speaker. [Amended Feb. 1, 2023.]
2241	2241	2231 (3) All members, officers and employees physically present in the House Chamber during a
2242	2242	2232formal session shall, at the direction of the Speaker, undertake any mitigation measures ordered
2243	2243	2233by the Speaker. Court Officers shall strictly enforce mitigation measures directed by the Speaker
2244	2244	2234by and between members, officers and employees in and around the House Chamber. Any
2245	2245	2235member, officer or employee in violation of the mitigation measures ordered by the Speaker
2246	2246	2236shall be removed from the House Chamber.
2247	2247	2237 Remote Rule 3. (a) A member participating remotely may make any motion authorized
2248	2248	2238pursuant to the standing rules, raise a point of order, raise a point of personal privilege, or raise a
2249	2249	2239point of parliamentary inquiry. Members participating remotely shall notify their division
2250	2250	2240monitor of their desire to make a motion, raise a point of order, raise a point of personal privilege
2251	2251	2241or raise a point of parliamentary inquiry. The division monitor shall immediately notify the
2252	2252	2242Speaker who shall recognize the member seeking to make a motion, raise a point of order, raise a 106 of 141
2253	2253	2243point of personal privilege or raise a point of parliamentary inquiry. No member shall interrupt
2254	2254	2244another member while that member is speaking, including to request that the member speaking
2255	2255	2245yield, except for the reasons authorized herein.
2256	2256	2246 (b) A vote on any motion made pursuant to subsection (a) shall be conducted by voice vote as
2257	2257	2247prescribed by subsection (b) of Remote Rule 5, unless the Constitution or the standing rules
2258	2258	2248specifically require a roll call vote.
2259	2259	2249 (c) A motion made by a member participating remotely may be made and submitted by the
2260	2260	2250division monitor for the floor division of the House wherein the seat assigned to said member
2261	2261	2251pursuant to Standing Rule 79 is located.
2262	2262	2252 Remote Rule 4. (a) A member participating remotely wishing to speak on any question before
2263	2263	2253the House shall notify the monitor for the floor division of the House wherein the seat assigned
2264	2264	2254to said member pursuant to Standing Rule 79 is located as follows:
2265	2265	2255(i) A member wishing to speak on a bill, resolve or the General Appropriation Bill, or an
2266	2266	2256amendment thereto, shall notify their floor division monitor no later than 10:00 A.M. on the day
2267	2267	2257that the bill, resolve, General Appropriation Bill, or amendment thereto, is scheduled to be
2268	2268	2258considered by the House. Said notification shall include: (1) the number of the bill, resolve
2269	2269	2259General Appropriation Bill, or amendment thereto, that the member wishes to speak to; and (2)
2270	2270	2260whether the member wishes to speak in favor of or in opposition to the bill, resolve, General
2271	2271	2261Appropriation Bill, or amendment thereto.
2272	2272	2262(ii) A member wishing to speak on a consolidated amendment shall notify their floor division
2273	2273	2263monitor no later than 45 minutes after the consolidated amendment shall have been first filed
2274	2274	2264with the Clerk and made available electronically to the members. Said notification shall include: 107 of 141
2275	2275	2265(1) the number or letter of the consolidated amendment the member wishes to speak to; and (2)
2276	2276	2266whether the member wishes to speak in favor of or in opposition to the consolidated amendment.
2277	2277	2267(iii) A member wishing to speak on a conference committee report filed pursuant to Joint Rule
2278	2278	226811B shall notify their floor division monitor no later than 10:00 A.M. on the day the conference
2279	2279	2269committee report is scheduled to be considered by the House. Said notification shall include: (1)
2280	2280	2270the bill number of the conference committee report; and (2) whether the member wishes to speak
2281	2281	2271in favor of, or in opposition to the report. The provisions of this paragraph shall be inoperative if
2282	2282	2272the conference committee report is filed later than 8:00 P.M. on the day preceding its
2283	2283	2273consideration by the House.
2284	2284	2274 (b) The monitor for each division shall prepare a list of members of their division notifying the
2285	2285	2275monitor of said member’s desire to speak in favor of a question before the House and a list of
2286	2286	2276members of their division notifying the monitor of said member’s desire to speak in opposition
2287	2287	2277to a question before the House. Each list shall be arranged in order of the time the monitor
2288	2288	2278received the notification with the notification received the earliest being first.
2289	2289	2279(c) Upon completion of the lists required pursuant to subsection (b), the monitors for each
2290	2290	2280division shall transmit the lists to the Speaker and the Minority Leader. The Speaker shall
2291	2291	2281combine the lists received from each of the division monitors and, in consultation with the
2292	2292	2282Minority Leader, shall prepare a consolidated list of members notifying their monitor of the
2293	2293	2283member’s desire to speak in favor of a question before the House and a consolidated list of
2294	2294	2284members of their division notifying the monitor of said member’s desire to speak in opposition
2295	2295	2285to a question before the House. 108 of 141
2296	2296	2286(d) The Speaker shall distribute the lists compiled pursuant to subsection (c) to all members
2297	2297	2287electronically prior to the commencement of the formal session. The Speaker shall distribute the
2298	2298	2288list compiled pursuant to subsection (a)(ii) as soon as practicable upon completion.
2299	2299	2289(e) The consolidated lists prepared by the Speaker pursuant to subsection (c) and distributed to
2300	2300	2290the membership pursuant to subsection (d) shall be the order in which members are recognized
2301	2301	2291during the debate of the respective question. In recognizing members from said lists, the Speaker
2302	2302	2292shall, to the extent practicable, alternate between members wishing to speak in favor of the
2303	2303	2293question and members wishing to speak in opposition to the question.
2304	2304	2294 (f) A member participating remotely may, in lieu of speaking on a bill, resolve, amendment,
2305	2305	2295consolidated amendment or a conference committee report, submit written remarks in favor of,
2306	2306	2296or in opposition to, any bill, resolve, amendment, consolidated amendment or conference
2307	2307	2297committee report to the Clerk before the adjournment of the formal session in which said bill,
2308	2308	2298resolve, amendment, consolidated amendment or conference committee report was considered by
2309	2309	2299the House. Said remarks shall be transmitted to the Clerk electronically in a format prescribed by
2310	2310	2300the Clerk. The Clerk shall include any remarks submitted by a member participating remotely
2311	2311	2301pursuant to this section in the Journal of the House required to be kept by the Clerk pursuant to
2312	2312	2302Standing Rule 10 and Remote Rule 2.
2313	2313	2303 Remote Rule 5. (a) Notwithstanding Standing Rules 50 through 52, inclusive, during a formal
2314	2314	2304session where members are participating remotely a vote on any question shall be by either a
2315	2315	2305voice vote of the members present and voting pursuant to subsection (b) or a roll call vote of the
2316	2316	2306members present and voting pursuant to subsection (c). Any question that would require a
2317	2317	2307standing vote under the standing rules shall be decided by a voice vote of the members present
2318	2318	2308and voting pursuant to subsection (b). 109 of 141
2319	2319	2309 (b) When a question is put, the sense of the House shall be taken by the voices of the members,
2320	2320	2310and the Speaker shall first announce the vote as it appears to the Speaker by the sound. If the
2321	2321	2311Speaker is unable to decide by the sound of the voices, or if the announcement made thereupon is
2322	2322	2312doubted by a member, the Speaker shall order the division monitors to ascertain the number of
2323	2323	2313members within in their division voting in the affirmative and the number of members within in
2324	2324	2314their division voting in the negative, without further debate upon the question. The division
2325	2325	2315monitors shall report the total vote of their division count to the Speaker. After receiving the
2326	2326	2316reports of the total vote counts from each of the division monitors, the Speaker shall tally said
2327	2327	2317votes and then announce the vote.
2328	2328	2318(c) The sense of the House shall be taken by yeas and nays whenever required by 10 percent of
2329	2329	2319the members elected or when required pursuant to the Constitution of the Commonwealth. The
2330	2330	2320Speaker shall state the pending question and shall order the division monitors to commence the
2331	2331	2321roll call of the members. The division monitors shall call the roll of the members assigned to said
2332	2332	2322division in alphabetical order. The division monitors shall record the votes of each member on a
2333	2333	2323form prescribed by the Clerk. Upon completion of the roll call, the division monitors shall sign
2334	2334	2324the form upon which the roll call for their division was recorded and submit the completed form
2335	2335	2325to the Clerk. The Clerk shall tally the votes of the members of each division and shall enter the
2336	2336	2326votes into the electronic roll call machine. Upon completion of the tally and the entry of the votes
2337	2337	2327into the electronic roll call machine, the Clerk shall notify the Speaker that the vote has been
2338	2338	2328completed. Upon instruction from the Speaker, the Clerk shall display the tally of the vote on the
2339	2339	23292 monitors in the House Chamber. The Speaker shall then announce the vote.
2340	2340	2330 (d) If a member doubts the presence of a quorum, the Speaker shall order the division monitors
2341	2341	2331to ascertain the number of members within in their divisions who are present. Any member 110 of 141
2342	2342	2332confirmed by the division monitor to be participating remotely shall be considered present. The
2343	2343	2333division monitors shall report the total number of members present to the Speaker. After
2344	2344	2334receiving the reports of the total number of members present from each of the division monitors,
2345	2345	2335the Speaker shall tally the numbers and then announce the number of members present. If, after
2346	2346	2336tallying the numbers from each of the division monitors a quorum is not present, the Speaker
2347	2347	2337shall order a roll call vote pursuant to subsection (c).
2348	2348	2338 (e) The call for yeas and nays shall be decided without debate. If the yeas and nays have been
2349	2349	2339ordered before the question is put, the proceedings under subsection (b) shall be omitted.
2350	2350	2340(f) Except as heretofore provided, any member who shall vote or attempt to vote for another
2351	2351	2341member or any person not a member who votes or attempts to vote for a member, or any member
2352	2352	2342or other person who willfully tampers with or attempts to impair or destroy in any manner
2353	2353	2343whatsoever the voting equipment used by the House, or change the records thereon shall be
2354	2354	2344punished in such manner as the House determines; and provided further, that such a violation
2355	2355	2345shall be reported to the committee on Ethics.
2356	2356	2346 Remote Rule 6. No consolidated amendment to any bill offered by the committee on Ways
2357	2357	2347and Means shall be considered by the House until the expiration of at least 30 minutes after the
2358	2358	2348consolidated amendment shall have been first filed with the Clerk and made available
2359	2359	2349electronically to the members. This rule shall not be suspended unless by unanimous consent of
2360	2360	2350the members present.
2361	2361	2351 Remote Rule 7. No consolidated amendment to any bill offered by the committee on Ways
2362	2362	2352and Means shall be adopted except by a roll call vote. 111 of 141
2363	2363	2353 Remote Rule 8. Notwithstanding any standing rule to the contrary, with the approval of the
2364	2364	2354Speaker, a member, officer or employee may take photographs and videos of, and in, the House
2365	2365	2355Chamber provided said photographs or videos are to facilitate the remote participation in the
2366	2366	2356formal session by a member.
2367	2367	2357 Remote Rule 9. (a) Notwithstanding any standing rule to the contrary, unless authorized
2368	2368	2358pursuant to subsection (b) or subsection (c), no member participating in a formal session shall be
2369	2369	2359recognized more than once on any question before the House without unanimous consent or on
2370	2370	2360any question before the House for more than 10 minutes without unanimous consent.
2371	2371	2361(b) The following members may, notwithstanding subsection (a), be recognized more than once
2372	2372	2362on any question before the House: (1) the Minority Leader; (2) the member carrying the report of
2373	2373	2363the committee; (3) and the Ranking Minority Member of the committee reporting the bill.
2374	2374	2364(c) Notwithstanding subsection (a), after all members have been recognized pursuant to Remote
2375	2375	2365Rule 4, a member who is the primary sponsor of a bill, resolve or an amendment, or a designee
2376	2376	2366of said member, may, in addition to being recognized pursuant to Remote Rule 4, be recognized
2377	2377	2367for purposes of providing rebuttal or further explanation. If a member who is the primary sponsor
2378	2378	2368of a bill, resolve or amendment or their designee is recognized pursuant to this subsection a
2379	2379	2369member from the opposite political party designated by the member carrying the report of the
2380	2380	2370committee or the Ranking Minority Member of the committee reporting the bill may also be
2381	2381	2371recognized in addition to being recognized pursuant to Remote Rule 4. No member shall be
2382	2382	2372recognized pursuant to this subsection for more than 5 minutes without unanimous consent.
2383	2383	2373 Remote Rule 10. Notwithstanding any standing rule to the contrary, any formal session where
2384	2384	2374members are participating remotely shall be livestreamed on the General Court website. Audio or 112 of 141
2385	2385	2375video recordings of all such sessions shall be made available to the public on the General Court
2386	2386	2376website. All House sessions conducted by electronic means shall be broadcast on House
2387	2387	2377television.
2388	2388	2378 Remote Rule 11. Notwithstanding any standing rule to the contrary, no technical failure that
2389	2389	2379breaks the remote connection of a member or members of the House of Representatives
2390	2390	2380participating remotely in a formal session shall invalidate any action taken by the House of
2391	2391	2381Representatives.
2392	2392	2382 Remote Rule 12. Notwithstanding Standing Rule 49, members participating remotely may
2393	2393	2383vote in a quorum roll call.
2394	2394	2384 Remote Rule 13. Except as otherwise indicated, Remote Rules 1 through 16, inclusive, shall
2395	2395	2385not be suspended unless by a 2/3 vote of the members present and voting. Debate upon a motion
2396	2396	2386for the suspension of Remote Rules 1 through 16, inclusive, shall be limited to 15 minutes and
2397	2397	2387no member shall speak for more than 3 minutes.
2398	2398	2388 Remote Rule 14. The provisions of any standing or remote rules pertaining to procedures of
2399	2399	2389the House may be suspended and alternative procedures may be used if said alternative methods
2400	2400	2390are approved by a 2/3 majority of the committee on Rules and approved, in writing, by the
2401	2401	2391Speaker and the Minority Leader. The Clerk shall enter any such approvals in the House Journal
2402	2402	2392for the formal session required to be kept by the Clerk pursuant to Standing Rule 10.
2403	2403	2393 Remote Rule 15. Except to the extent that they conflict with Remote Rules 1 through 16,
2404	2404	2394inclusive, the standing rules shall remain in full force and effect. 113 of 141
2405	2405	2395 Remote Rule 16. Remote Rules 1 through 16, inclusive, shall remain activated for no longer
2406	2406	2396than 30 days after being activated by the Speaker; provided, that the House of Representative
2407	2407	2397shall not operate under remote rules beyond 30 days without the adoption of an Order by a
2408	2408	2398majority of the House.
2409	2409	2399 [Emergency remote rule historical notes: See House document numbered 4690 of the 191st
2410	2410	2400General Court; also see House documents numbered 59 and 3929 of the 192nd General Court;
2411	2411	2401Added to Rules Jul. 7, 2021; Amended Feb. 1, 2023.]
2412	2412	House of Representatives, February 1, 2023.
2413	2413	A D O P T E D
2414	2414	, Clerk 114 of 141
2415	2415	193nd GENERAL COURT (2023-2024 SESSION).
2416	2416	INDEX TO THE HOUSE RULES
2417	2417
2418	2418	[The figures refer to the numbers of the Rules.]
2419	2419	Adjourn, motion to, 55, 64, 65, 82.
2420	2420	Adjournment at hour of midnight, unless by unanimous consent, 1A.
2421	2421	Admission to the floor, 80.
2422	2422	Advance Calendar, 12.
2423	2423	Advertising, Joint Rule 9, 85.
2424	2424	Advisory opinions of the Ethics Committee, 16.
2425	2425	AMENDMENTS:
2426	2426	amendment to amendment, etc., 72.
2427	2427	bill may be moved as, 36.
2428	2428	committee changes, twenty-four hours, 33A.
2429	2429	consolidated, 20A, 33E.
2430	2430	engrossed bill not to be amended, except, 40.
2431	2431	from Senate, sent back for concurrence, 22, 35, 40.
2432	2432	in filling blanks, largest sum, etc., 75.
2433	2433	motions to amend, 65, 72 to 75. 115 of 141
2434	2434	not to be admitted of a different subject, 73.
2435	2435	of rules, 84.
2436	2436	striking out enacting clause, 40.
2437	2437	submission to Clerk, 33A.
2438	2438	to be reduced to writing, 62.
2439	2439	to be referred to committee on Bills in the Third Reading, 22.
2440	2440	to be reported by committee on Bills in the Third Reading, 22.
2441	2441	to General Appropriation Bill, 20A.
2442	2442	when previous question is in order, 66, 67.
2443	2443	when question is divided, 74.
2444	2444
2445	2445	Appeals from the decision of the Speaker, 2, 55, 59, 77.
2446	2446	Appropriation bill, general, available seven days prior to debate, 20.
2447	2447	Appropriation bill, general, procedures for consideration, 20A, 20B.
2448	2448	Appropriation bill, general, time for reporting, 27.
2449	2449	Appropriation bills, explanations, 20B, 21.
2450	2450	Appropriation bills returned by the Governor, 30. 116 of 141
2451	2451	Attire, dress in proper and appropriate for all sessions, 2.
2452	2452	Audio/visual reproduction of
2453	2453	committee meetings, 17A.
2454	2454	House Chamber, 2.
2455	2455	Auditing of House accounts, 85A.
2456	2456
2457	2457	Ballot or acclamation ratification in caucus, 18B.
2458	2458	BILLS:
2459	2459	1. Preliminary.
2460	2460	accompanying petitions, 24.
2461	2461	availability electronically and on General Court website, of, 13A, 20B (GAB).
2462	2462	for special legislation, not to be reported if object is attainable by
2463	2463	general or existing laws, 26.
2464	2464	how to be drafted, 31.
2465	2465	how to be introduced, 36.
2466	2466	motions contemplating legislation, etc., to be founded upon petition
2467	2467	or upon bill or resolve, 30. 117 of 141
2468	2468	summaries of to be made available prior to roll call, 33A
2469	2469	to be deposited with Clerk, 24.
2470	2470	to be read by titles only, unless, etc., 37.
2471	2471	2. As reported by committees.
2472	2472	copies, twenty-four hour availability, 17A, 33A.
2473	2473	general rather than special, 26.
2474	2474	restriction or regulation of reports, 17, 17B, 26, 33A, 38.
2475	2475	3. Before the second reading.
2476	2476	from the Senate, or from committees, 7A, 41.
2477	2477	if opposed, question on rejection, etc.; otherwise, second reading,
2478	2478	32, 41.
2479	2479	involving expenditures of public money, referred to committee on
2480	2480	Ways and Means, 33.
2481	2481	involving policy changes, availability, 33A.
2482	2482	referred to committee, etc., 34.
2483	2483	4. Before the third reading.
2484	2484	duties and powers of committee on Bills in the Third Reading, 22, 118 of 141
2485	2485	79(1).
2486	2486	referred to said committee, 22.
2487	2487	placed in Orders of the Day, 43.
2488	2488	5. After the third reading.
2489	2489	not to be engrossed unless read on three several days, 39.
2490	2490	6. After engrossment.
2491	2491	certified by Clerk for final passage, 23.
2492	2492	not to be amended, except, 40.
2493	2493	returned by Governor with recommendations of amendment, 40.
2494	2494	7. Provisions applicable at several stages.
2495	2495	arrangement of matters in Orders of the Day, 12, 46.
2496	2496	consideration of matters in Orders of the Day, 45.
2497	2497	final disposition precludes renewal of subject, 38.
2498	2498	matters not to be discharged from Orders of the Day, 47.
2499	2499	motion to strike out enacting clause, when receivable, 40.
2500	2500	provisions respecting bills also applicable to resolves, 78.
2501	2501	Bills in the Third Reading, committee on, 17, 18A, 22, 28, 28A, 35, 45, 79(1). 119 of 141
2502	2502	floor amendments, 73A.
2503	2503	motion to discharge or report, 28, 55, 64.
2504	2504	time for reporting, 28A.
2505	2505	written explanation of changes, 22.
2506	2506
2507	2507	Blanks, filling of, 75.
2508	2508	Business Manager of the House
2509	2509	financial account audits, 85A.
2510	2510	procurement of goods and services, 87.
2511	2511
2512	2512	Calendar, 12, 13, 28A, 45, 46, 47.
2513	2513	Calendar, dispense with printing of, 12.
2514	2514	Capital outlay bills, 20, 21.
2515	2515	Caucuses and caucus groups, 17C, 18, 18A, 18B, 19, 19A, 19B.
2516	2516	Chairpersons and ranking members, appointment, etc.
2517	2517	nomination and caucus approval, 18, 18A.
2518	2518	removal of if criminally indicted, 18., 18A. 120 of 141
2519	2519	Chaplain, may be appointed by Speaker, 7.
2520	2520	Charitable and community service, 16A, 17C, 90.
2521	2521	Charts, displays, posters and visual aids, regulate use, 2.
2522	2522	CLERK, 7A, 10, 10A, 11, 12, 13A, 14, 16A, 17A, 17C, 20, 23, 24, 28, 30, 33B, 42A, 48, 79(1),
2523	2523	84, 85A, 87A.
2524	2524	amendments, submission to, 33A.
2525	2525	announce members not voting prior to roll calls, 48.
2526	2526	availability of bills, etc., by the, 7D, 10, 12, 17A, 20, 20A, 20B, 21, 24(5), 33A, 37, 42A, 84A,
2527	2527	85A.
2528	2528	cast votes for members due to malfunction of voting station, 49.
2529	2529	certifying bills for final passage, 23.
2530	2530	disable voting station of certain absent members, 48.
2531	2531	keeper of records, 10B.
2532	2532	Website of the General Court, internet posting, 12, 13A, 17A, 20B.
2533	2533	Code of Ethics, 16A, 16B.
2534	2534	Commit, motion to, 64, 65, 71.
2535	2535	COMMITTEES:
2536	2536	Audio/visual reproduction of meetings of, 17A. 121 of 141
2537	2537	bill summaries to be made available prior to roll calls, 33A.
2538	2538	chairpersons of, ratification, 18.
2539	2539	conference, minority member, 18A.
2540	2540	duty of committee on Ways and Means, 20, 20A, 21, 27, 28, 30, 33.
2541	2541	hearings and House sessions, scheduling, 7B, 7D, 17.
2542	2542	Human Services and Employee Engagement committee, 16A, 16B, 17, 17C, 18A.
2543	2543	members of, ratification, 18A.
2544	2544	motions to discharge, etc., 28, 55, 64.
2545	2545	no member to serve where their private right, etc., 16A(14).
2546	2546	office space, 17C.
2547	2547	on Bills in the Third Reading, 17, 18A, 22, 28, 28A, 45, 79(1).
2548	2548	on each Floor Division, 9A, 17.
2549	2549	on Ethics, 16, 16A.
2550	2550	on Rules, 7B, 7C, 7D, 17, 85.
2551	2551	on Steering, Policy and Scheduling, 7A, 7D, 17, 41, 42, 42A.
2552	2552	open meetings, 17A.
2553	2553	ought not to pass reports on bills, question on rejection, 32. 122 of 141
2554	2554	ranking members of, appointment, etc., 18.
2555	2555	records of to be maintained, 17A.
2556	2556	records of to be published in LAWS and on website, 17B.
2557	2557	remote participation in, 17A.
2558	2558	reports, 17B.
2559	2559	reports on local matters, 7A.
2560	2560	staff directory, 91, 92.
2561	2561	staffing, 17C.
2562	2562	standing, to be appointed, 17.
2563	2563	Testimony solicitation, 17A
2564	2564	time for reporting appropriation bill, 27.
2565	2565	to be appointed by Speaker and Minority Leader, 18.
2566	2566	to discharge or direct to report, 7A, 28, 42A, 55, 64.
2567	2567	to make report on all matters, except, 27.
2568	2568	to report adversely in certain cases, 26, 32, 85.
2569	2569	Travel, propositions for, to committee on Rules, 85.
2570	2570	voting, 16A, 17B. 123 of 141
2571	2571	Voting in House Chamber, period of time if committees are meeting, 52.
2572	2572	Community and charitable service, 16A, 17C, 90.
2573	2573	Conduct, standards of, 88 to 100.
2574	2574	Consolidated amendments, 20A, 33E, 33F.
2575	2575	Constitution, proposals for amendment, 42.
2576	2576	COUNSEL TO THE HOUSE
2577	2577	Appointment, duties, removal and service of, 13B.
2578	2578	Audits of House financial accounts, 85A.
2579	2579	Procurement of goods and services, 87.
2580	2580	Standards of conduct responsibilities, 88 to 91, 93, 94 to 100.
2581	2581	Credit, pledging of, 22, 23, 17A.
2582	2582
2583	2583	DEBATE, RULES OF, 57 to 61, 64.
2584	2584	during informal sessions, prohibit, 44.
2585	2585	matters to be disposed of without debate, 45, 47, 48, 50, 53, 56, 61,
2586	2586	64, 66 to 69, 77, 83.
2587	2587	motions for suspension of rules, 83. 124 of 141
2588	2588	motions to be decided without debate, 64, 83.
2589	2589	motions to close debate, 55, 64, 65, 69.
2590	2590	motions to commit or recommit, 64.
2591	2591	motions to discharge or direct committee to report, 64.
2592	2592	motions to postpone to a time certain, 55, 64, 70.
2593	2593	motions to reconsider, 56.
2594	2594	second, etc., legislative days, 55, 64A.
2595	2595	Speaker may speak to points of order, etc., 2.
2596	2596	thirty minute limit, 61, 77.
2597	2597	yielding, 60.
2598	2598	Disabled members, voting by, 49.
2599	2599	Discharge of a committee, 7A, 24(6), 28, 55, 64.
2600	2600	Discharge reports, 7A, 42, 42A.
2601	2601	Discharges from Orders of the Day, 47.
2602	2602	Discrimination complaints, 99.
2603	2603	Displays, charts, posters and visual aids, regulate use, 2.
2604	2604	Division of a question, 74. 125 of 141
2605	2605	Dockets, 13A, 24(7),
2606	2606	Elections, to fill vacancies, 6.
2607	2607	Electronic devices, 2.
2608	2608	Electronic mail and Legislative Web Page, 7D, 12, 17A, 42A.
2609	2609	Electronic voting system, 15, 49, 52.
2610	2610	Emergency preamble, 22, 23, 40.
2611	2611	Emergency Remote Rules, 101 (Historical note: see House document numbered 4690 of the
2612	2612	191st General Court, and House documents numbered 59 and 3929 of the 192nd General Court).
2613	2613	Employee Engagement Officer, 92
2614	2614	Employees,
2615	2615	committee staff directory, 91.
2616	2616	charitable and community service, 16A.
2617	2617	classification plan, 17C(b).
2618	2618	partnerships with national trade organizations, 92.
2619	2619	training opportunities and professional development, 91, 92.
2620	2620	Enacting clause, when motion to strike out, receivable, 40.
2621	2621	Engrossed bills, 23, 28(6), 40.
2622	2622	Equal employment complaints, 99. 126 of 141
2623	2623	Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer, 13B, 89 to 100.
2624	2624	Ethics,16, 16A
2625	2625	advisory opinions, 16.
2626	2626	training, 16B.
2627	2627	Ethics, code of, 16A.
2628	2628	Ethics committee, 16, 16C, 17, 52.
2629	2629	bills pertaining to certain subjects referred to after first reading, 16C.
2630	2630	candidacy for state or federal office, 16.
2631	2631	create committee bills, 16, 24(1).
2632	2632	voting violations, referred to, 52.
2633	2633	Excused from voting, time for application for, 48.
2634	2634	Executive conference, 17A.
2635	2635	Executive session, 17A.
2636	2636
2637	2637	Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight committee, 17.
2638	2638	Files, taking of matters from, 24.
2639	2639	Final passage, to be certified by Clerk, 23. 127 of 141
2640	2640	Financial accounts, auditing, 85A.
2641	2641	Fiscal note, (on bills) 33. (on consolidated amendments) 20A.
2642	2642	Floor leaders, 18.
2643	2643	Formal session to consider veto, petition for, 44.
2644	2644	Formal sessions, dress code and cellular telephones, 2.
2645	2645
2646	2646	General appropriation bill, 20, 20A, 27.
2647	2647	General bill rather than special, 26.
2648	2648	Global Warming and Climate Change, committee on, 17.
2649	2649	GOVERNOR:
2650	2650	messages from, to be referred, unless, 30.
2651	2651	messages setting terms of de-authorizing or authorizing bonds and notes, 17A.
2652	2652	messages or recommendations from, to be filed in a format determined by the Clerk, 30.
2653	2653	return of appropriation bills by, 30.
2654	2654	return of bills and resolves by, 40.
2655	2655	Session to consider vetoes of, 44.
2656	2656	Harassment policies, complaints, etc., 88-100 128 of 141
2657	2657	Home rule matters, reports on to be considered, 7A.
2658	2658	House Chamber, photography or video recording, 2.
2659	2659	Hours of meetings, 1A.
2660	2660	Human Resources and Employee Engagement, committee on, 16A, 16B, 17, 17C, 18A, 89, 90,
2661	2661	92, 98.
2662	2662	Human Resources Director, 13B, 88, 90, 92, 94.
2663	2663
2664	2664	Informal sessions, 12, 44, 54, 81.
2665	2665	Investigations, propositions involving special, by committees, to be
2666	2666	referred to committee on Rules, 85.
2667	2667
2668	2668	Journal, 10, 11, 24.
2669	2669
2670	2670	Leadership positions, removal upon indictment, 18.
2671	2671	Legal Counsel of the House, advisory opinions by, 16.
2672	2672	Legal counsel representation at executive conferences, 17A.
2673	2673	Legislative days, second or subsequent, 55, 64A.
2674	2674	Legislative or executive agents or counsels, 16A, 80, 81. 129 of 141
2675	2675	Legislative web page or Internet, 13A, 17A, 20B, 81, 84A.
2676	2676	Loan bills, 22, 23.
2677	2677	Local matters, reports on to be considered and to be filed in paper and electronic form, 7A.
2678	2678
2679	2679	Majority Leader, etc., Acting Speaker, 5.
2680	2680	Majority leaders, 18.
2681	2681	Meetings
2682	2682	definition of, 17A.
2683	2683	regulating hours of, 1A.
2684	2684	MEMBERS, 14, 15.
2685	2685	about to speak, to rise and address the Speaker, etc., 57.
2686	2686	attire of, 2.
2687	2687	desiring to be excused from voting, etc., 48.
2688	2688	first named, to be chair of committee, etc., appointment, 18A.
2689	2689	journal, 10.
2690	2690	may request an enactment, 28(6).
2691	2691	may request the taking of matters from the files, 24. 130 of 141
2692	2692	medical concerns, remote voting, 49.
2693	2693	military obligations, remote voting 49.
2694	2694	monitors, regulating voting, 9.
2695	2695	naming or seating, 59.
2696	2696	not to interrupt another, etc., 60.
2697	2697	not to speak more than once, etc., 61.
2698	2698	not to stand at Clerk's desk during roll call, 14.
2699	2699	not to stand up, etc., 14.
2700	2700	not to serve on committee where their private right, etc., 16A(14).
2701	2701	not to vote for other members, 16A.
2702	2702	not to vote where their private right, etc., 16A(14).
2703	2703	notify Clerk of absences, 48.
2704	2704	number of, on each standing committee, 17.
2705	2705	photography during session, 2.
2706	2706	privilege of the floor, 80. See Voting.
2707	2707	ranking members, appointment, etc., 18.
2708	2708	ratification and removal, 18. 131 of 141
2709	2709	remote voting, 49.
2710	2710	seats, 79.
2711	2711	Speaker, recognition of members, 58.
2712	2712	stipends, prohibit more than one, 18.
2713	2713	to deposit petition, etc., with the Clerk, 24.
2714	2714	to endorse name on certain papers, 29.
2715	2715	video recording during session, 2.
2716	2716	voting, recording within five minutes, 52.
2717	2717	Messages from the Governor
2718	2718	to be filed in a format determined by the Clerk, 30
2719	2719	to be referred, etc., 30.
2720	2720	MINORITY LEADER:
2721	2721	to call a caucus, 19.
2722	2722	to nominate Assistant Minority Floor Leader, etc., 18.
2723	2723	to nominate committee members, 18A.
2724	2724	Minority party, caucus rules, 19A.
2725	2725	Minority party, percentage of committee membership, 18A. 132 of 141
2726	2726	Mobile devices, 2.
2727	2727	Monitors, 8, 9.
2728	2728	Motions, 62 to 75, 83, 85.
2729	2729	to be reduced to writing, 62.
2730	2730
2731	2731	Naming of members, 59.
2732	2732	Notice to parties, 85.
2733	2733
2734	2734	Office space, 17C.
2735	2735	Open meetings, 17A.
2736	2736	Operations, Facilities and Security committee, 17.
2737	2737	Order. See Questions of Order.
2738	2738	Orders:
2739	2739	filing of, 24.
2740	2740	involving expenditures for special committees, 33.
2741	2741	once rejected or disposed of, not to be renewed, 38.
2742	2742	providing that information be transmitted to the House, 85. 133 of 141
2743	2743	reported by committees, 42.
2744	2744	Orders of the Day, 12, 13, 28, 41 to 47.
2745	2745
2746	2746	Parliamentarian, 10A.
2747	2747	Parliamentary inquiry, 60.
2748	2748	Personal privilege, 60.
2749	2749	PETITIONS, 24, 25, 29, 30.
2750	2750	final disposition precludes renewal, 38.
2751	2751	Petitions and other papers, availability, 12, 20, 20A, 24, 33A.
2752	2752	Petition for formal session to consider veto, 44.
2753	2753	Petitions to discharge a committee, 28(6).
2754	2754	Photographs, taking of during session, 2.
2755	2755	Placed on file, 24(4), 42.
2756	2756	Pledging credit, bills providing for, 22, 23, 17A.
2757	2757	Points of order, 2, 11, 60, 77.
2758	2758	Political subdivisions, 17A.
2759	2759	Postage, regulating, 23A. 134 of 141
2760	2760	Post Audit and Oversight, committee on, 17.
2761	2761	Posters, charts, displays and visual aids, regulate use, 2.
2762	2762	Postpone to a time certain, motion to, 55, 64, 65, 70.
2763	2763	"Present", recording of members as being, 52.
2764	2764	Previous question, 55, 65 to 68.
2765	2765	Privilege of the floor, 80.
2766	2766	Procurements, 85A, 87.
2767	2767
2768	2768	Question of order, 2, 11, 60, 77.
2769	2769	Quorum, 1, 15, 17A, 49, 51, 82.
2770	2770
2771	2771	Radio, television broadcasting and web-broadcasting and access of sessions, 81.
2772	2772	Ratification in caucus, by ballot or acclamation, 18B.
2773	2773	Reading of papers, 24, 29, 37.
2774	2774	Recess, 55, 64, 65, 76, 82.
2775	2775	Recommendations and reports of state officials, etc., to be referred,
2776	2776	etc., 24, 30. 135 of 141
2777	2777	Recommit, motion to, 42, 64, 65, 71.
2778	2778	Reconsideration, 54, 55, 56.
2779	2779	Records, Clerk official keeper of, 10B.
2780	2780	Redrafted bills to be voted on by Ways and Means, availability, 17A.
2781	2781	Rejected bills, 32, 38, 41.
2782	2782	Remote participation,
2783	2783	Committee meetings, 17A.
2784	2784	House sessions, 49.
2785	2785	Repealed laws not to be re-enacted by reference, 31.
2786	2786	Reporters' gallery, 80, 81.
2787	2787	Reports of committees, 17B, 26, 27, 41, 42. See Bills.
2788	2788	Representatives' Chamber and adjoining rooms, 80, 81.
2789	2789	Resolutions, 22, 24(2), 41, 85.
2790	2790	Roll calls, availability on website, 52.
2791	2791	Rules, observance, suspension or transgression of, 8, 9, 24, 55, 83,
2792	2792	84, 86.
2793	2793	Rules, committee on, 7B, 7C, 7D, 17, 24(2,3), 27, 28, 81, 85. 136 of 141
2794	2794	motion to discharge, 24, 28.
2795	2795	Rules, violations of, 59.
2796	2796	Rulings of the Chair, 2, 55, 77.
2797	2797
2798	2798	Schedule, House sessions, 7A, 7B, 7D, 44.
2799	2799	Seating of a member, 59.
2800	2800	Seats, 79.
2801	2801	Second, etc., legislative days, 55, 64A.
2802	2802	SENATE, papers from, 22, 34, 35, 36, 41, 42.
2803	2803	Sessions
2804	2804	informal, 44, 54.
2805	2805	radio, television and web broadcasting of, 81.
2806	2806	regulating hours of, 1A.
2807	2807	Sessions and committees, scheduling, 7A, 7B, 7D, 44.
2808	2808	SPEAKER, 1 to 7.
2809	2809	adjourn or recess, 2, 82.
2810	2810	appeal of decisions, 77. 137 of 141
2811	2811	Calendar of House, 12.
2812	2812	casting of vote for, 49
2813	2813	committee scheduling, 7D.
2814	2814	consultation with Clerk, bill format and availability, 33A.
2815	2815	consultation with Clerk, budget amendment format, 20A.
2816	2816	consultation with Clerk, budget availability format, 20B.
2817	2817	decorum and order, 2.
2818	2818	income, earned and unearned, 4B.
2819	2819	may declare a recess, 76.
2820	2820	may direct motion to be reduced to writing, 62.
2821	2821	may invite visitors to seats on the floor, 80.
2822	2822	remote rules activation, 101.
2823	2823	shall assign seats, 79.
2824	2824	to appoint monitors, 8.
2825	2825	to approve reference of petitions, etc., and printing of certain
2826	2826	documents, 24.
2827	2827	to call a caucus, 19. 138 of 141
2828	2828	to declare informal sessions, 44.
2829	2829	to name member entitled to floor, 58.
2830	2830	to nominate committee members, 18A.
2831	2831	to nominate Majority Leader, etc., 18.
2832	2832	Speaker pro Tempore, 4A, 5, 18, 23A, 49.
2833	2833	Special bills reported by committee, 26.
2834	2834	Standing committees, staffing, 17C.
2835	2835	State Ethics Commission, 16B.
2836	2836	State finances, 33.
2837	2837	Steering, Policy and Scheduling, committee on, 7A, 42A.
2838	2838	Stenographers, employment of, by committees, 85.
2839	2839	Stipends, prohibit more than one, 18.
2840	2840	Strike out and insert, motion to, 74.
2841	2841	Strike out enacting clause, 40.
2842	2842	Summaries of bills, availability prior to roll calls, 33A.
2843	2843	SUSPENSION OF RULES, 55, 83, 84.
2844	2844	limit of debate on motion for, 83. 139 of 141
2845	2845
2846	2846	Tampering with electronic voting system, 52.
2847	2847	Tape recordings, committees, 17A.
2848	2848	Television, radio and web broadcasting of all sessions and access, 81.
2849	2849	Third Reading, Bills in the, committee on, 17, 18A, 22, 28, 43, 45, 79(1).
2850	2850	motions to discharge or report, 28, 55, 64.
2851	2851	time for reporting, 28A.
2852	2852	Title, bills to be read by title only, 37.
2853	2853	Travel, orders authorizing committees to, referred to committee on Rules, 85.
2854	2854
2855	2855	Undebatable matters and motions, 64. See Debate, Rules of.
2856	2856	Unfinished business, 46.
2857	2857
2858	2858	Vacancies, filling of, 5, 6, 7.
2859	2859	Veto of bill or resolve, printing of Calendar, 12.
2860	2860	Veto, petition for formal session to consider, 44.
2861	2861	Videos/audio 140 of 141
2862	2862	radio and television access, 81.
2863	2863	recording of during session, 2.
2864	2864	reproduction of committee meetings, 17A
2865	2865	Violations of rules and questions of conduct, 16, 52 (voting), 59.
2866	2866	Visual aids, charts, displays and posters, regulate use, 2.
2867	2867	Votes, roll calls made available on website, 52.
2868	2868	VOTING, 3, 4, 9, 16A, 48 to 53.
2869	2869
2870	2870	Warning a member, 59.
2871	2871	Ways and Means, committee on, 17, 17A, 20, 20A, 21, 27, 28, 30, 33, 45.
2872	2872	consolidated amendments, 20A, 33E.
2873	2873	Floor amendments, 73A.
2874	2874	Motions directing, to report, etc., 28, 55, 64.
2875	2875	Redrafts of, availability, 17A.
2876	2876	Web-broadcasting, 81.
2877	2877	Website availability of bills and notices, 13A, 17A, 20B, 84A. 141 of 141
2878	2878	Yeas and nays, 33F, 48 to 53.
2879	2879	Yeas and nays, during informal sessions, prohibition, 44.
2880	2880	Yielding floor in debate, 60.