Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR1

Introduced
3/1/23  

Caption

Adopting permanent rules for the House of Representatives.

Impact

The impact of HR1 on state laws is significant, as it alters the legislative procedures surrounding budgetary considerations. By mandating that all amendments to spending bills must not lead to a net increase in the proposed spending, the bill reinforces a tighter control over fiscal policy. This move could lead to greater accountability among legislators regarding budget allocations, potentially resulting in more transparent and responsible governance.

Summary

House Bill HR1 introduces new permanent rules for the House of Representatives, aiming to streamline legislative processes within the chamber. A critical focus of the bill is on managing amendments to the General Appropriation Bill, stipulating that any proposed increase in state spending must be counterbalanced by equivalent reductions in other areas of the budget. This approach seeks to enforce fiscal discipline and prevent unchecked expenditure growth, fundamentally changing the way lawmakers interact with financial appropriations.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HR1 appears to be mixed. Proponents of the bill argue that it enhances accountability and promotes responsible fiscal management within the legislature. They posit that by requiring offsets for spending increases, the rules will help mitigate the risk of overspending and encourage a more careful approach to budgetary amendments. Conversely, critics express concerns that these stringent requirements may hinder legislative flexibility, limiting lawmakers' ability to respond to pressing financial needs swiftly.

Contention

Notable points of contention within the discussions surrounding HR1 include debates over the potential rigidity of the new rules. Some members argue that while fiscal responsibility is essential, the stringent requirements could prevent timely funding for vital programs or initiatives that may not fit neatly within the offset framework. This perspective highlights the challenge of balancing fiscal prudence with the practical needs of governance, indicating a broader conversation on the limits of legislative control over appropriations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

PA HR21

Adopting permanent rules for the House of Representatives, further providing for questions of order, for supervision of Hall of the House and committee rooms, for members' and employees' expenses, for order of business, for general appropriation bill and non-preferred bills, for consideration of bills, for third consideration and final passage bills, for hospital and home appropriations or acquiring lands of the Commonwealth, for House and concurrent resolutions, for standing committees and subcommittees, for powers and duties of standing committees and subcommittees, for Committee on Rules, for discharge of committees, for lay on the table, for previous question, for members required to be present and vote and for financial interests in gaming entities, providing for vote by designation and further providing for Committee on Ethics.

PA SR3

Adopting the Rules of the Senate for the 207th and 208th Regular Session.

PA SR3

Adopting the Rules of the Senate for the 209th and 210th Regular Session.

PA SR6

Adopting the Rules of the Senate for the 209th and 210th Regular Session.

PA SR7

Adopting the Rules of the Senate for the 207th and 208th Regular Session.

PA HR1

Adopting permanent rules for the House of Representatives, further providing for definitions, for order of business, for fiscal notes, for consideration of bills, for third consideration and final passage bills, for House and concurrent resolutions, for standing committees and subcommittees, for powers and duties of standing committees and subcommittees, for public hearings, for discharge of committees, for lay on the table and for previous question.

CA AR1

Relative to the Standing Rules of the Assembly for the 2017–18 Regular Session.

CA AR4

Relative to the Standing Rules of the Assembly for the 2025–26 Regular Session.