Amending Senate Rule 14, further providing for committees.
Impact
If enacted, SR22 would significantly affect the legislative process in the Pennsylvania Senate. It would establish a clearer timeline for committee actions, potentially reducing delays in the passage of bills. This change may lead to a more efficient legislative session, where constituents and interested parties can engage in discussions about proposed legislation within a defined timeframe. The resolution promotes a proactive approach to governance, which could enhance legislative responsiveness to the public's needs and concerns.
Summary
Senate Resolution 22 (SR22) introduces an amendment to Senate Rule 14, which governs the operations of committees within the Pennsylvania Senate. The primary focus of this resolution is to mandate that any bill referred to a standing committee must receive a public hearing or be considered at a meeting no later than 60 calendar days after the bill's referral. This amendment aims to streamline the legislative process by ensuring timely consideration of important legislation, promoting accountability within the committee framework, and enhancing transparency for the public and stakeholders.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SR22 appears to be largely positive, with indications of bipartisan support for the resolution. Legislators view the amendment as a necessary step to refine the legislative process and ensure that important issues receive prompt attention. However, there could be concerns about the efficiency of implementing this new timeline, especially with complex bills that may require more in-depth discussion or analysis before a hearing is appropriate.
Contention
While the resolution aims to improve the committee process, there may be points of contention regarding the feasibility of adhering to the 60-day requirement. Some members could argue that this timeframe is too restrictive and does not account for the complexities of certain pieces of legislation. This concern highlights the balance that must be struck between maintaining an efficient legislative process and allowing adequate time for thorough consideration of bills by committees and stakeholders.
Amending House Rules 43 and 45, further providing for standing committees and subcommittees and for powers and duties of standing committees and subcommittees.
Amending the General Operating Rules of the House of Representatives and House Rule 18, further providing for definitions and for introduction and printing of bills.
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.