House of Delegates; amending and adopting Rule 81.
Impact
By establishing a clear procedural framework for rule amendment and adherence, HR72 aims to streamline legislative processes. This promotes greater accountability, as any new propositions concerning rules must be printed and available for thorough review by all members. The bill fortifies the governance of the House by preventing arbitrary or abrupt changes to its operational rules and establishing a fixed period for legislative consideration. This may also reduce the frequency of last-minute rule changes that can disrupt House proceedings.
Summary
House Bill HR72 pertains to amending and adopting Rule 81 of the Rules of the House of Delegates. The bill mandates that the rules of the House be adopted every even-numbered year with a majority vote from the elected members, ensuring conformity with their two-year terms. The amendment emphasizes the process for amending House rules, requiring a thorough procedural approach including a five-day period for consideration prior to voting. The purpose is to enhance transparency and order within legislative operations, allowing members to familiarize themselves with proposed changes.
Contention
Although the bill promotes structured legislative governance, potential areas of contention could arise regarding the length of the five-day consideration period. Some members might argue this timeframe could delay urgent legislative actions. Conversely, supporters of HR72 may assert that the structured approach is vital for ensuring all members are adequately informed prior to voting on amendments, ultimately serving the integrity of the legislative process. Overall, it sets a tone of formality and process-driven governance that some may view positively while others could perceive as impediments to swift legislative actions.