Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR168

Introduced
6/27/23  
Refer
6/27/23  

Caption

Amending House Rules 43 and 45, further providing for standing committees and subcommittees and for powers and duties of standing committees and subcommittees.

Impact

The proposed changes in HR168 could have significant implications for how standing committees operate. By clarifying the roles and responsibilities of subcommittees, the amendments aim to improve organizational efficiency and ensure adherence to standardized practices within the legislative process. This could lead to a more structured approach to addressing bills and issues, potentially alleviating bottlenecks that may arise when committees are tasked with various legislative functions. Moreover, the amendment could enhance transparency in how committees interact with each other and with the broader legislative framework.

Summary

House Bill 168 focuses on amending House Rules 43 and 45, which pertain to standing committees and subcommittees, along with the powers and duties conferred upon them. The intent of this bill is to refine the operational framework of legislative committees within the House, ensuring that their functions are more clearly defined and efficient. Highlighted within the amendments are adjustments to the established protocols that govern committee operations, potentially streamlining legislative processes and enhancing the ability to handle pending matters more effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR168 appears to be generally positive among those within legislative circles who recognize the need for procedural clarity and enhanced functionality of committees. Supporters believe that these amendments will contribute to a more efficient legislative process, facilitating better governance. However, there may be opposing views among those who feel that such amendments could impose limitations on the flexibility traditionally afforded to committees in handling unique legislative needs.

Contention

While amendments to existing rules typically are met with consensus, there is potential contention regarding the specific adjustments proposed in HR168. Concerns may arise over the degree of control and rigidity introduced through clearer definitions of powers, with apprehensions that these changes could constrain the adaptive nature of committees to emerging legislative challenges. Moreover, the discussions around these amendments may lead to differing opinions on the balance between order and flexibility within legislative processes, highlighting a key tension in governance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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.

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 HR2

Adopting, with exceptions, the General Operating Rules of the House of Representatives (2021-2022) as the Rules of the House of Representatives for Special Session No. 1 (2023), further providing for debate, for time of meeting, for order of business, for standing committees, for powers and duties of standing committees and for Committee on Rules.

PA HR21

Adopting, with exceptions, the General Operating Rules of the House of Representatives (2021-2022) as the Rules of the House of Representatives for Special Session No. 1 (2023), further providing for supervision of Hall of the House and committee rooms, for debate, for time of meeting, for order of business, for standing committees, for powers and duties of standing committees and for Committee on Rules.

PA HJM2

Combine Standing & Interim Committees

PA HB1573

To Reorganize The Standing Committees And The Subject Matter Interim Committees Of The House Of Representatives.

PA HR185

Amending House Rule 45 (a), further providing for government oversight committee.

PA HR22

Providing for the appointment of members to the Standing Committees of the House of Representatives.

PA SR19

Modifies Senate Rules 25 and 28 regarding standing committees of the Senate

PA SR3

Modifies Senate Rules 6, 25, and 28 relating to standing committees of the Senate

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