Rhode Island House Bill H5137

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/13/23

Caption

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.)

Note

Ultimately, H5137 reflects ongoing discussions about improving the legislative process within the House. The approved changes aim to create a more effective framework for navigating the complexities of lawmaking, balancing the need for careful evaluation of bills with the requirement for timely action within the legislative session.

Impact

The impact of H5137 on state laws is mainly procedural, as it alters how bills can be handled in the legislative process. By allowing for the holding of bills for further study, this resolution provides members with greater flexibility and control over their legislative agenda. It acknowledges the need for thorough consideration of bills that may require additional discussion or information before moving forward in the legislative process.

Summary

H5137 is a House Resolution introduced by Representative Teresa A. Tanzi, aimed at amending the rules governing the House of Representatives for the legislative sessions of 2021 and 2022. The primary objective of this resolution is to allow any member of the House to have up to three bills held for further study during the second year of a legislative term. This change would enable a member to request either a substitution in committee or a committee vote for possible placement on the House floor calendar.

Contention

While the resolution streamlines certain processes, it may also lead to concerns regarding transparency and the pace of legislative business. Some lawmakers may argue that allowing bills to be held for further study could slow down the legislative calendar, potentially delaying important legislation. Ensuring that sufficient committee hearings are conducted without creating bottlenecks will be essential for maintaining legislative efficiency.