Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5008

Introduced
1/10/25  

Caption

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.)

Impact

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.

Summary

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.

Contention

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5051

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.)

RI H5137

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.)

RI H5135

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.)

RI H6257

House Resolution Amending The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2023 And 2024

RI H5136

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.)

RI H5134

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.)

RI H5054

House Resolution Amending The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2021 And 2022 (amends Section (45)(d) Of The House Rules Regarding Caucuses Organized Around A Political Party Affiliation And Membership Thereto.)

RI H5052

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.)

RI H5132

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.)

RI H5133

House Resolution Amending The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2021-2022 (requires That All Legislative Grants Allocated To The Senate Be Distributed In Accordance With The Rules Of The Senate And That All Legislative Grants Allocated To The House Of Representatives Be Divided Equally Among The 75 Legislative Districts.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.