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.)
The bill's impact on state laws and legislative procedures could be significant, as it seeks to establish a more orderly process for the introduction of new legislation. By imposing a cap on the number of bills each member can introduce, this resolution may encourage legislators to prioritize their legislative initiatives and work collaboratively on fewer, more impactful bills. The elimination of excessive bill introduction could also lead to a more focused legislative agenda in both the House and the broader legislative assembly, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the state legislature.
House Bill 5008, or the House Resolution Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives for the years 2023 and 2024, proposes a restriction on the number of bills or resolutions that individual members can introduce during a legislative session. Specifically, it limits members to a total of eighteen (18) bills or resolutions, with certain exceptions outlined in the bill. These exceptions include city or town bills, bills reinstating corporate charters, ceremonial resolutions, appropriation and budget bills, and bills introduced on behalf of study commissions, among others. This change aims to streamline the legislative process and prevent an overwhelming number of bills from being introduced, which can complicate legislative work.
While proponents of H5008 may argue that limiting bill introduction will lead to greater efficiency and more meaningful contributions from legislators, there are potential points of contention. Critics may view the restriction as a limitation on lawmakers' abilities to represent their constituents effectively. Each member may have various local issues and interests that require legislative attention, and a cap could hinder their efforts to advocate for important community concerns. The delineation of exceptions also raises questions about the fairness and transparency of the rules, especially regarding what constitutes a 'ceremonial' resolution or a 'study commission' bill.