House Resolution Amending The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2021 And 2022 (this Resolution Would Require The Clerk Of The House To Prepare And Publish In The House Journal An Index Of All Rulings Made By The Speaker.)
Impact
The amendment to the House rules will have significant implications for how legislative business is conducted in Rhode Island. By maintaining a comprehensive index of the Speaker's rulings, it not only improves accessibility to legislative records but also empowers representatives by providing them with a clearer understanding of the procedural decisions affecting their deliberations. This could potentially foster a more informed dialogue among members, as they would have greater access to each ruling's context and rationale.
Summary
House Bill 5135, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, amends the rules governing the House of Representatives for the years 2021 and 2022. Specifically, the bill introduces a requirement for the Clerk of the House to prepare and publish an index in the House Journal that documents all rulings made by the Speaker. This amendment aims to enhance transparency and accountability within legislative proceedings by ensuring that members of the House and the public can easily reference past decisions made by the Speaker.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention surrounding H5135 is the potential debate about the role of the Speaker in the legislative process. Some representatives may voice concerns regarding the authority held by the Speaker, arguing that increased scrutiny through an indexed journal could limit the Speaker's discretion in ruling on procedural matters. Conversely, proponents of the bill may argue that this level of transparency is necessary to uphold democratic principles within the House and to protect minority opinions against arbitrary rulings.
House Resolution Amending The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2021 And 2022 (require The House Clerk To Publish Certain Information Regarding Decisions Made By The Speaker And Appeals By Members To The Decisions.)
House Resolution Adopting The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2023 And 2024 (this Resolution Would Adopt The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2023 And 2024.)
House Resolution Amending The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2021 And 2022 (this Resolution Would Amend The House Rules By Providing Term Limits For House Leadership Positions.)
House Resolution Amending The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2021 And 2022 (this Resolution Would Permit Any Committee Member To Hold A Substitute Bill Which Is Moved For Consideration For A Period Of Twenty-four (24) Hours.)
House Resolution Amending The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2021 And 2022 (this Resolution Would Amend The House Rules To Enable Any Member To Have Up To 3 Bills During The 2nd Year Of A Legislative Session Held For Further Study Either Substituted In Committee Or A Committee Vote For Potential Placement On The Floor Calendar.)
House Resolution Amending The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2021 And 2022 (amends The House Rules On What Matters May Be Debated Or Spoken On The House Floor.)
HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2023 AND 2024 (Provides that members be limited to the introduction of 18 bills or resolutions during any legislative session with some exclusions.)
House Resolution Amending The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2021 And 2022 (this Resolution Would Amend The House Rules To Provide For The Electronic Recording Of Members Seconding A Motion Or Action When There Are More Than Five (5) Members Seconding The Motion Or Action.)