House Study Bill 145
PAG LIN
1 1 HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. ____
1 2 BY (PROPOSED COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATION AND RULES
1 3 RESOLUTION BY CHAIRPERSON WESSEL=KROESCHELL)
1 4 A Resolution relating to permanent rules of the House
1 5 for the eighty=third general assembly.
1 6 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
1 7 That the permanent rules of the House for the
1 8 eighty=second eighty=third general assembly be as
1 9 follows:
1 10 DIVISION I == GENERAL RULES
1 11 Rule 1
1 12 Call to Order and Order of Business
1 13 The speaker shall take the chair at the hour to
1 14 which the house has adjourned, and shall immediately
1 15 call the members house to order, correct the journal
1 16 of the previous day's proceedings, and proceed to
1 17 other business, including, but not limited to,
1 18 introduction of bills, reports, messages,
1 19 communications, business pending at adjournment,
1 20 announcements, resolutions and bills on their passage,
1 21 and points of personal privilege.
1 22 Rule 2
1 23 Quorum Call and Time of Convening
1 24 The house shall convene each Monday at 1:00 p.m.
1 25 and at 9:00 a.m. on all other legislative days, unless
1 26 otherwise ordered. The time of convening shall be
1 27 recorded in the journal. The house shall not convene
1 28 on Sunday during a regular or special session.
1 29 The speaker or a member may request a roll call to
1 30 determine if a quorum is present.
2 1 Rule 3
2 2 Absences from the House
2 3 No member shall be absent without leave while the
2 4 house is in session unless the member is sick or
2 5 unable to attend excused for good cause.
2 6 Rule 4
2 7 Preservation of Order
2 8 The speaker shall preserve order and decorum and
2 9 speak to points of order in preference to other
2 10 members. Subject to an appeal to the house by any
2 11 member, the speaker shall decide questions of order
2 12 which shall not be debated.
2 13 The speaker may have the chamber of the house
2 14 cleared in case of any disturbance or disorderly
2 15 conduct.
2 16 Only past legislators, state officials, persons
2 17 whose presence is deemed by the speaker to be of
2 18 special significance to the house, and school classes
2 19 accompanied by teachers and seated in the galleries
2 20 shall be introduced in the house.
2 21 No person other than a member of the house shall be
2 22 allowed to speak from the floor of the house without
2 23 prior permission of the speaker.
2 24 The public may take photographs from the galleries
2 25 at any time. However, the use of flash bulbs or any
2 26 other artificial lighting is prohibited. The
2 27 Members of the press may photograph from the press
2 28 section box, but may shall not use artificial lighting
2 29 except for live television crews who receive without
2 30 prior permission in advance from the chief clerk of
3 1 the house or the sergeant=at=arms. Photographic
3 2 instruments shall not be used Photographs shall not be
3 3 taken on the house floor at any time when the members
3 4 are voting on a question put before the house.
3 5 Photographic instruments may be used Photographs of
3 6 the voting boards shall not be taken while a nonrecord
3 7 roll call vote is displayed. Photographs may be taken
3 8 on the house floor at other times with the consent of
3 9 the subject or subjects of the photography.
3 10 Rule 4A
3 11 Use of Telephonic or Electronic Devices
3 12 in Chamber Restricted
3 13 1. In order to prevent the disruption of house
3 14 deliberations, a A person present in the house chamber
3 15 while the house is in order shall not do any of the
3 16 following in the chamber while the house is in
3 17 session:
3 18 a. Allow any audible signal to be continued to be
3 19 transmitted to or from a telephonic or electronic
3 20 device under the person's control.
3 21 b. Disrupt house deliberations by using a
3 22 telephonic or electronic device to audibly transmit or
3 23 receive communications mute any cell phone, computer,
3 24 or other electronic device under the person's control.
3 25 The speaker may remove from the chamber any person
3 26 acting in violation of this rule.
3 27 2. A member shall not use a telephonic cell phone
3 28 or other electronic device to audibly transmit or
3 29 receive communications while recognized by the
3 30 presiding officer to speak in debate.
4 1 3. The speaker or other presiding officer may have
4 2 the chamber cleared of any person acting in violation
4 3 of this rule.
4 4 Rule 5
4 5 Rules of Parliamentary Practice
4 6 The rules of parliamentary practice in Mason's
4 7 Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the house
4 8 in all cases where they are not inconsistent with the
4 9 standing rules of the house, or the joint rules of the
4 10 house and senate and house, or customary practice of
4 11 the house.
4 12 Rule 5A
4 13 House Budget
4 14 The speaker of the house shall annually prepare a
4 15 proposed budget for the house of representatives for
4 16 the payment of expenses, salaries, per diems, and
4 17 other items. The proposed budget shall be submitted
4 18 on the fourteenth day of each legislative session to
4 19 the house administration and rules committee in charge
4 20 of administration, which shall approve a proposed
4 21 budget in house resolution form within thirty days of
4 22 receiving the proposed budget from the speaker. The
4 23 house shall adopt a budget within thirty days of the
4 24 introduction of the house resolution prior to
4 25 adjournment.
4 26 Rule 6
4 27 The Speaker Pro Tempore
4 28 The house shall, at its pleasure, elect a speaker
4 29 pro tempore. When the speaker shall for any cause be
4 30 absent, the speaker pro tempore shall preside, except
5 1 when the chair is filled by appointment by either the
5 2 speaker or the speaker pro tempore. If a vacancy
5 3 occurs in the office of speaker, the speaker pro
5 4 tempore shall assume the duties and responsibilities
5 5 of the speaker until such time as the house shall
5 6 elect a new speaker. The speaker or the speaker pro
5 7 tempore shall have the right to name any member to
5 8 perform the duties of speaker, but such substitution
5 9 shall not extend beyond the adjournment. The acts of
5 10 the speaker pro tempore shall have the same validity
5 11 as those of the speaker. In the absence of both the
5 12 speaker and the speaker pro tempore, the house shall
5 13 name a speaker who shall preside over it and perform
5 14 all the duties of the speaker with the exception of
5 15 signing bills, until such time as the speaker or
5 16 speaker pro tempore shall be present, and the person's
5 17 acts shall have the same force and validity as those
5 18 of the regularly elected speaker.
5 19 Rule 7
5 20 Amendment and Suspension of Rules
5 21 A motion to change or rescind a standing rule or
5 22 order of the house requires one day's notice. A
5 23 motion to suspend a rule, or to table or take from the
5 24 table a matter, requires an affirmative vote of a
5 25 constitutional majority. Postponing or changing the
5 26 order of business requires an affirmative vote of a
5 27 constitutional majority.
5 28 Rule 8
5 29 Violation of House Rules
5 30 The speaker shall, or any member may, call to order
6 1 a member who transgresses violates the rules of the
6 2 house. With leave of the house, the member called to
6 3 order may be permitted to explain. If the case
6 4 requires it, the member shall be subject to censure of
6 5 the house.
6 6 Rule 9
6 7 Referral of Rule Violations
6 8 The speaker shall, upon complaint of a member, or
6 9 upon the speaker's own motion, refer any alleged
6 10 violation of house or joint rules by house members,
6 11 employees or staff to the house ethics committee upon
6 12 an initial finding that an investigation is warranted.
6 13 The ethics committee shall investigate such
6 14 allegations and report them back to the house with a
6 15 recommendation.
6 16 Rule 10
6 17 Recognition and Decorum in Debate
6 18 A member who wishes to speak in debate or deliver
6 19 any matter to the house shall be appropriately
6 20 attired, with male members wearing coat or tie, and,
6 21 after. After recognition by the chair, a member shall
6 22 respectfully address the presiding officer by saying
6 23 "Mr. or Madam Speaker",. A member shall confine all
6 24 remarks to the question under debate, shall be
6 25 respectful of other members, and shall avoid
6 26 personalities referencing or questioning the motives
6 27 of another member.
6 28 Rule 11
6 29 Limit on Debate
6 30 No member shall speak more than once on the same
7 1 question, without leave of the speaker, nor more than
7 2 twice until every member choosing to speak has spoken,
7 3 except as provided in Rule 81. A member shall be
7 4 limited to ten minutes debate on a bill being
7 5 considered prior to its last reading bills,
7 6 resolutions, and amendments, but may be granted an
7 7 extension of time by consent of the house. However,
7 8 the floor manager of a bill or resolution and the lead
7 9 sponsor of an amendment may exceed the ten=minute
7 10 limit on opening and closing remarks.
7 11 Rule 12
7 12 Decorum During Debate
7 13 No member shall leave the house while the speaker
7 14 is putting a question. No one shall pass between the
7 15 speaker and a member who is speaking or two members
7 16 who have been recognized by the speaker.
7 17 Rule 13
7 18 Stating the Question
7 19 When a motion is made, it shall be stated by the
7 20 speaker. A motion made in writing shall be passed to
7 21 the desk speaker's station before it is debated.
7 22 Rule 14
7 23 Putting the Question
7 24 Questions shall be distinctly put in this form:
7 25 "All those in favor of (the question) shall say
7 26 'aye';" and after the affirmative voice is expressed,
7 27 "All those opposed to (the question) shall say 'no'."
7 28 If the speaker is in doubt or a member of the house
7 29 requests, a nonrecord roll call vote shall be taken.
7 30 DIVISION II == EMPLOYEES OF THE HOUSE
8 1 Rule 15
8 2 Chief Clerk of the House
8 3 The chief clerk of the house shall serve as
8 4 parliamentarian and chief administrative officer of
8 5 the house under the direction of the speaker of the
8 6 house. The chief clerk shall supervise the chief
8 7 clerk's office; be responsible for the custody and
8 8 safekeeping of all bills, resolutions, and amendments
8 9 filed, except when they are in the custody of a
8 10 committee; have charge of the daily journal; have
8 11 control of all rooms assigned for the use of the
8 12 house; attest to the accuracy and correctness of text
8 13 and action on bills and resolutions; process the
8 14 handling of amendments when filed and during the floor
8 15 consideration of bills; insert adopted amendments into
8 16 bills before transmittal to the senate and prior to
8 17 final enrollment; supervise legislative printing and
8 18 the distribution of printed material; and perform all
8 19 other duties pertaining to the office of the chief
8 20 clerk.
8 21 Rule 16
8 22 Reserved
8 23 Legislative and Session Days
8 24 For purposes of these rules, a legislative day is a
8 25 day when the house is called to order. A legislative
8 26 day that runs past midnight is not considered a new
8 27 legislative day. A session day is any calendar day
8 28 beginning with the convening of the annual regular
8 29 session and ending with adjournment sine die.
8 30 Rule 17
9 1 Sergeant=At=Arms
9 2 The sergeant=at=arms shall execute all orders of
9 3 the house and the presiding officer; perform all
9 4 assigned duties related to the policing and good order
9 5 of the house; supervise the entrance and exit of all
9 6 persons to and from the chamber; promptly execute all
9 7 messages, etc.; provide that the chamber is properly
9 8 ventilated and open for the use of the members; and
9 9 perform all other services pertaining to the office of
9 10 sergeant=at=arms.
9 11 Rule 18
9 12 Secretaries
9 13 All secretaries of the house Each member may hire a
9 14 secretary for the legislative session who shall be
9 15 under the general direction of the speaker member and
9 16 the chief clerk. Secretaries shall be on duty at the
9 17 house from 8:30 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through
9 18 Thursday and on other legislative days when required
9 19 by the chief clerk, except when excused by the member
9 20 to for whom the secretary is assigned works.
9 21 Secretaries shall perform such additional duties as
9 22 may be assigned to them by the member or the chief
9 23 clerk.
9 24 Rule 19
9 25 Extra Compensation of Employees
9 26 No employee shall receive any extra compensation,
9 27 except as provided by the house, or tips for services
9 28 performed while on duty. Any violation of this rule
9 29 shall be grounds for removal.
9 30 DIVISION III == VISITORS AND LOBBYISTS
10 1 Rule 20
10 2 Admission to the House; Lobbying
10 3 The chamber of the house shall include the
10 4 vestibule, restrooms, cloak room, bill room, lounge,
10 5 visitors' galleries, and floor of the house.
10 6 The floor of the house shall consist of that the
10 7 area between the north and south walls, including the
10 8 representatives' desks, the press box, and the
10 9 speaker's station, and the south wall behind the last
10 10 row of desks occupied by representatives, but
10 11 excluding the visitors' galleries.
10 12 During a legislative day while the house is in
10 13 session order, and one=half hour before the house
10 14 convenes and one=half hour after the house recesses or
10 15 adjourns, no person shall be admitted to the floor of
10 16 the house except:
10 17 1. Members of the general assembly and authorized
10 18 house legislative employees in the performance of
10 19 their duties.
10 20 2. Former members of the general assembly who are
10 21 not registered lobbyists.
10 22 3. A general assembly member's family.
10 23 4. Representatives of the press, radio, and
10 24 television who shall go directly to and from the press
10 25 box.
10 26 5. Legislative interns approved by registered with
10 27 the chief clerk who shall go directly to and from the
10 28 seat of their assigned representative or to be seated
10 29 in the perimeter seating area.
10 30 6. Chair, co=chair, and the executive secretary
11 1 Designated representatives of a political party having
11 2 members serving in the general assembly house.
11 3 7. Personnel of the legislative services agency
11 4 and citizens' aide/ombudsman's office.
11 5 8. 7. The governor's executive assistants and
11 6 administrative assistants, members Members of the
11 7 state executive council, the lieutenant governor, the
11 8 attorney general, the governor's executive assistants
11 9 and administrative assistants, and the administrative
11 10 rules coordinator, all of whom shall be confined to
11 11 the perimeter area.
11 12 The current status of former members of the general
11 13 assembly shall govern their access to the floor under
11 14 these rules.
11 15 No other persons shall be allowed on the house
11 16 floor while the house is in order without permission
11 17 of the presiding officer of the house. When the house
11 18 is not in order, guests of a member of the general
11 19 assembly escorted by that member shall be allowed on
11 20 the house floor.
11 21 No person admitted to the floor of the house while
11 22 the house is in order, except members of the general
11 23 assembly, shall, while the house is in session, lobby
11 24 or attempt to exercise any influence with any member
11 25 for or against any matter then pending or that may
11 26 thereafter be considered by the house.
11 27 Notwithstanding the provisions of this rule
11 28 regarding admission to the floor of the house, a A
11 29 registered lobbyist shall not be admitted to the floor
11 30 of the house on any legislative day when the house is
12 1 in session or committees are scheduled to meet from
12 2 one=half hour before the house convenes or 9:00 a.m.,
12 3 whichever is earlier, until one=half hour after the
12 4 house adjourns or until 4:30 p.m., whichever is later,
12 5 except for ceremonial purposes. A registered lobbyist
12 6 or other person may be admitted to the house when the
12 7 house is not in session to gain access to a committee
12 8 room.
12 9 Each lobbyist shall be given a copy of this rule
12 10 when the lobbyist registers.
12 11 Each member, employee of the house, and registered
12 12 lobbyist shall report violations of this rule
12 13 immediately to the sergeant=at=arms.
12 14 Any person for cause may be summarily dismissed
12 15 from the chamber of the house, by action of the house,
12 16 and shall may forfeit that person's right to admission
12 17 thereafter.
12 18 Rule 20A
12 19 Legislative Interns
12 20 A member may appoint one or more interns who shall
12 21 register with the chief clerk. Only one legislative
12 22 intern per member of the house is allowed on the floor
12 23 of the house at any one time.
12 24
12 25 Rule 21
12 26 Distribution of Literature
12 27 No person except a member or employee of the house
12 28 of representatives shall generally distribute or cause
12 29 to be distributed any pamphlets, material, or other
12 30 printed literature, or any other items to the members'
13 1 desks in the house. An employee of the house shall
13 2 generally distribute or cause to be distributed such
13 3 literature or items only on behalf of the employee's
13 4 office or staff. Items which are permissible gifts
13 5 under chapter 68B of the Code may be distributed to
13 6 the members' desks with the authorization of the chief
13 7 clerk.
13 8 All copies of pamphlets, material, or printed
13 9 literature distributed by a member or employee of the
13 10 house of representatives shall bear the name of the
13 11 member or employee's office or staff.
13 12 Other distributions of pamphlets, material, or
13 13 other printed literature shall bear their source of
13 14 origin and be distributed through the legislative post
13 15 office by completing a form containing a member's or
13 16 the chief clerk's authorization, with the
13 17 authorization form attached to one copy of the
13 18 distribution. The copy with the attached
13 19 authorization form shall be retained for a reasonable
13 20 time period by the legislative post office.
13 21 Rule 22
13 22 Distribution of Materials
13 23 Printed by the State
13 24 A member of the house shall not distribute maps,
13 25 books, and pamphlets such as, but not limited to, How
13 26 a Bill Becomes Law, which have been printed by the
13 27 state of Iowa and upon which the name of the member of
13 28 the house has been affixed unless the member has
13 29 purchased the materials or unless the member has
13 30 affixed the words "Paid for by the citizens of Iowa
14 1 and distributed by representative (member's name)."
14 2 DIVISION IV == FORMS AND PROCEDURES
14 3 FOR BILLS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS
14 4 Rule 23
14 5 Documents Signed by the Speaker
14 6 All acts and joint resolutions shall be signed by
14 7 the speaker, and all writs, warrants, and subpoenas
14 8 issued by order of the house, shall be signed by the
14 9 speaker and attested by the chief clerk. The speaker
14 10 shall cause certificates of recognition or condolence
14 11 to be issued by the house which shall be signed by the
14 12 speaker and the chief clerk.
14 13 Rule 24
14 14 Presentation of Petitions
14 15 All petitions, memorials, and other papers
14 16 addressed to the house shall be signed by the member
14 17 and filed with the chief clerk or the chief clerk's
14 18 staff. The receipt of petitions shall be noted in the
14 19 journal and such petitions shall be available in the
14 20 office of the chief clerk.
14 21 Rule 25
14 22 Consideration of Simple and Concurrent Resolutions
14 23 Action on a simple or concurrent resolution, except
14 24 a memorial resolution, or a proposition requesting
14 25 information from a state official shall not be taken
14 26 until one day after the resolution has been placed on
14 27 the members' desks. After the resolution is adopted,
14 28 the chief clerk shall have the resolution printed in
14 29 the compiled journal and shall transmit certified
14 30 copies and have the resolution printed in the bound
15 1 journal of the resolution as directed. A resolution
15 2 may be printed in the daily journal upon the approval
15 3 of the speaker after consultation with the minority
15 4 leader.
15 5 Rule 26
15 6 Unanimous Consent Calendar
15 7 The speaker may, upon the request of three members,
15 8 place on a unanimous consent calendar any house
15 9 resolution or concurrent resolution which does not
15 10 contain an appropriation and which has been laid over
15 11 under Rule 25.
15 12 If such resolution is placed on the unanimous
15 13 consent calendar, it may be removed only upon a
15 14 written request submitted to the speaker by a member
15 15 of the house.
15 16 If not removed after five legislative days, the
15 17 chief clerk shall call up the resolution and without
15 18 debate the speaker shall pronounce that it has passed
15 19 by unanimous consent.
15 20 If the resolution is removed from the unanimous
15 21 consent calendar, the speaker may again lay the
15 22 resolution over under Rule 25, place it on a different
15 23 calendar, or refer the resolution to any of the
15 24 standing committees of the house.
15 25 Rule 26A
15 26 Senate Bills and Resolutions
15 27 A senate bill or resolution may be referred to a
15 28 standing committee or passed on file.
15 29 Rule 27
15 30 Forms of Bills and Joint Resolutions
16 1 Every house bill shall be introduced by one or more
16 2 members or by any standing or specially authorized
16 3 committee of the house, or the administrative rules
16 4 review committee or interim study committee. All
16 5 bills and joint resolutions introduced shall be
16 6 prepared by the legislative services agency with
16 7 title, enacting clause, text and explanation as
16 8 directed by the chief clerk of the house. One copy of
16 9 each bill shall be presented in a bill cover with the
16 10 number of copies of the bill and the title as directed
16 11 by the chief clerk.
16 12 Rule 28
16 13 Joint and Nullification Resolutions
16 14 Joint resolutions shall be framed and treated as
16 15 bills.
16 16 A "nullification resolution" is a joint resolution
16 17 which nullifies all of an administrative rule, or a
16 18 severable item of an administrative rule adopted
16 19 pursuant to chapter 17A of the Code. A nullification
16 20 resolution shall not amend an administrative rule by
16 21 adding language or by inserting new language in lieu
16 22 of existing language.
16 23 A nullification resolution may be introduced by an
16 24 individual, a standing committee or the administrative
16 25 rules review committee, and may be referred to a
16 26 standing committee. A nullification resolution is
16 27 debatable, but cannot be amended on the floor of the
16 28 house.
16 29 Rule 29
16 30 Time of Introduction of Bills
17 1 No bill or joint resolution under individual
17 2 sponsorship, other than a nullification resolution,
17 3 shall be read for the first time after 4:30 p.m. on
17 4 Friday of the 6th week of the first regular session of
17 5 the general assembly unless a formal request for
17 6 drafting the bill has been filed with the legislative
17 7 services agency before that time.
17 8 After adjournment of the first regular session,
17 9 bills may be prefiled at any time before the convening
17 10 of the second regular session. No bill or joint
17 11 resolution under individual sponsorship, other than a
17 12 nullification resolution, shall be read for the first
17 13 time after 4:30 p.m. on Friday of the second week of
17 14 the second regular session of the general assembly
17 15 unless a formal request for drafting the bill has been
17 16 filed with the legislative services agency before that
17 17 time.
17 18 However, bills or joint resolutions sponsored by
17 19 standing committees or the administrative rules review
17 20 committee, co=sponsored by the majority and minority
17 21 floor leaders, or companion bills sponsored by the
17 22 house majority leader and the senate majority leader
17 23 may be drafted and introduced at any time permissible
17 24 under Joint Rule 20. House, concurrent, and
17 25 nullification resolutions may be introduced at any
17 26 time.
17 27 Rule 30
17 28 Introduction and Reading of Bills
17 29 All bills and resolutions to be introduced in the
17 30 house shall be prepared in proper form and filed with
18 1 the chief clerk no later than 4:30 p.m. on the
18 2 legislative day preceding its introduction.
18 3 Every bill shall receive two readings but no bill
18 4 shall receive its first and last readings on the same
18 5 day.
18 6 A "reading of a bill" as required by these rules
18 7 shall consist of a reading of the title and enacting
18 8 clause unless otherwise demanded by a house member.
18 9 Rule 31
18 10 First Reading, Commitment, and Amendment
18 11 31.1. 1. A bill is introduced into the house by
18 12 an initial or "first reading of the bill".
18 13 31.2. 2. When the house is in session the first
18 14 reading shall consist of a "reading" as provided in
18 15 Rule 30.
18 16 31.3. 3. Upon a first reading of the bill, the
18 17 speaker shall state that it is ready for commitment or
18 18 amendment; and the speaker shall commit it to the
18 19 standing or select committee, or to a committee of the
18 20 whole house. If to a committee of the whole house,
18 21 the house shall determine on what day.
18 22 31.4. 4. On a nonlegislative day when the house
18 23 is not in session, the speaker shall may cause a
18 24 statement, which shall consist of the title, enacting
18 25 clause, bill number and committee to which the bill is
18 26 referred, to be published in the house journal. This
18 27 publication shall constitute a first reading and
18 28 commitment and shall contain the notation "read and
18 29 committed under Rule 31.4" 31".
18 30 31.5. 5. All amendments offered to bills on file
19 1 or on the regular calendar and resolutions shall be
19 2 accompanied by such copies as the chief clerk shall
19 3 direct.
19 4 31.6. 6. Such amendments shall give the number of
19 5 the bill sought to amend and the chief clerk shall
19 6 designate each such amendment thus: Amendment to
19 7 House File _________, or Senate File ________, by
19 8 ___________.
19 9 31.7. 7. A bill reported out by committee shall
19 10 go to the speaker who shall direct that the bill be
19 11 placed on the regular calendar unless it covers
19 12 subject matter more properly within the jurisdiction
19 13 of some other standing committee, in which case the
19 14 speaker shall refer the bill to the proper standing
19 15 committee. In order to expedite important business
19 16 and set a definite time for the bill's consideration,
19 17 the speaker may direct the bill to be placed on the
19 18 special order calendar.
19 19 31.8. 8. No amendment to the rules of the house,
19 20 to any resolution or bill, except technical amendments
19 21 and amendments to bills substituted for by senate
19 22 files containing substantially identical title,
19 23 language, subject matter, purpose and intrasectional
19 24 arrangement, shall be considered by the membership of
19 25 the house without a copy of the amendment having been
19 26 filed with the chief clerk by 4:00 p.m. or within
19 27 one=half hour of adjournment, whichever is later, on
19 28 the day preceding floor debate on the amendment. If
19 29 the house adjourns prior to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, the
19 30 final deadline is two hours after adjournment.
20 1 However, committee amendments filed pursuant to the
20 2 submission of the committee report may be accepted
20 3 after this deadline. This provision shall not apply
20 4 to any proposal debated on the floor of the house
20 5 after the fourteenth week of the first session and the
20 6 twelfth week of the second session. No amendment or
20 7 amendment to an amendment to a bill, rule of the
20 8 house, or resolution shall be considered by the
20 9 membership of the house without a copy of the
20 10 amendment being on the desks of the entire membership
20 11 of the house prior to consideration. However, after
20 12 the fourteenth week of the first session and the
20 13 twelfth week of the second session, the membership of
20 14 the house may consider an amendment or an amendment to
20 15 an amendment to a bill, rule of the house, or
20 16 resolution without a copy of the amendment being on
20 17 the desks of the entire membership of the house prior
20 18 to consideration if a copy of the amendment is made
20 19 available to the entire membership of the house
20 20 electronically.
20 21 Rule 32
20 22 Commitment of Appropriation and Revenue Bills
20 23 All bills to appropriate money shall be referred to
20 24 the appropriations committee, and all bills pertaining
20 25 to the levy, assessment, or collection of taxes shall
20 26 be referred to the committee on ways and means.
20 27 Rule 33
20 28 Regular Calendar
20 29 Bills, nullification resolutions, and joint
20 30 resolutions reported out for passage, or amendment and
21 1 passage, or without recommendation, by a committee, or
21 2 passed on file shall be arranged on a regular calendar
21 3 by the chief clerk each day in the order of the file
21 4 number of the bills and following the preceding
21 5 legislative day's regular calendar and electronically
21 6 distributed to the members at the opening of each
21 7 legislative day. Priority shall be given to house
21 8 over senate file numbers and to joint resolutions over
21 9 bills in the arrangement of the regular calendar. The
21 10 regular calendar shall include a list of bills,
21 11 nullification resolutions, and joint resolutions which
21 12 have been special ordered, including the date upon
21 13 which debate is scheduled to begin on each of them,
21 14 which shall be no sooner than five session days from
21 15 the first date of publication on the regular calendar.
21 16 Rule 34
21 17 Daily Debate and Special Order Calendars Calendar
21 18 The majority floor leadership shall cause to be
21 19 prepared and distributed to the members at the opening
21 20 of each session legislative day when floor action is
21 21 scheduled, a daily debate calendar consisting of
21 22 bills, nullification resolutions, and joint
21 23 resolutions from the regular calendar setting forth
21 24 the number and title of bills, nullification
21 25 resolutions, and joint resolutions for the next
21 26 session legislative day that floor action is
21 27 scheduled.
21 28 The majority floor leadership shall cause to be
21 29 prepared and distributed to the members at the opening
21 30 of each session day when floor action is scheduled, a
22 1 special order calendar setting forth the number and
22 2 title of bills, nullification resolutions, and joint
22 3 resolutions and the date upon which debate is
22 4 scheduled to begin on each of them, which can be no
22 5 sooner than five session days from the first date of
22 6 publication on the regular calendar.
22 7 This rule does not apply to bills which have passed
22 8 both houses in different forms, reconsiderations, or
22 9 veto reconsiderations.
22 10 Rule 35
22 11 Noncontroversial Calendar
22 12 Substitution of Bills
22 13 The majority floor leadership may cause to be
22 14 prepared a noncontroversial calendar consisting of
22 15 bills and joint resolutions from the regular calendar.
22 16 The noncontroversial calendar shall appear under
22 17 separate heading on the regular calendar.
22 18 Notwithstanding Rule 34, a bill or joint resolution
22 19 on the noncontroversial calendar may be called up for
22 20 debate at any time by the majority leader beginning
22 21 the third legislative day after it appears on the
22 22 noncontroversial calendar. A bill or joint resolution
22 23 shall be stricken from the noncontroversial calendar
22 24 if a written objection to the bill or joint resolution
22 25 is filed with the chief clerk prior to the time the
22 26 bill or joint resolution is called up by the majority
22 27 leader.
22 28 Debate on a bill or joint resolution from the
22 29 noncontroversial calendar shall be limited to ten
22 30 minutes. If debate exceeds ten minutes, the bill or
23 1 joint resolution shall be stricken from the
23 2 noncontroversial calendar.
23 3 A senate bill or resolution may be substituted for
23 4 an identical house bill or resolution which has been
23 5 called up for debate. An amendment to a senate bill
23 6 or resolution which has been substituted for an
23 7 identical house bill or resolution is out of order if
23 8 an identical amendment to the house bill or resolution
23 9 was considered.
23 10 Rule 36
23 11 Consideration of Committee Amendments
23 12 After a bill has been referred and reported back,
23 13 it shall be considered on its first reading after the
23 14 amendments of the committee have been read.
23 15 Rule 37
23 16 Amendments to Special Order Bills
23 17 All amendments to bills on the which have been
23 18 special order calendar ordered shall be filed at least
23 19 three session days prior to the date set for debate.
23 20 Amendments to an amendment shall be filed at least two
23 21 session days prior to the date set for debate.
23 22 However, corrective amendments and amendments
23 23 sponsored by either the majority floor leader or the
23 24 minority floor leader may be filed at any time. Rule
23 25 31.8 31, subsection 8, shall not apply to these
23 26 amendments.
23 27 A corrective amendment is an amendment which does
23 28 not substantively change the amendment or the bill.
23 29 Rule 38
23 30 Irrelevant Amendments
24 1 Germaneness
24 2 No motion or proposition on a subject different
24 3 from that under consideration shall be admitted under
24 4 color of an amendment. An amendment must be germane
24 5 to the subject matter of the bill it seeks to amend.
24 6 An amendment to an amendment must be germane to both
24 7 the amendment and the bill it seeks to amend. When a
24 8 member questions the germaneness of an amendment, the
24 9 speaker may invite members, who shall include the
24 10 majority and minority leaders, to the speaker's
24 11 station to discuss the objection.
24 12 Rule 39
24 13 Consideration of Bills
24 14 Bills, including committee bills, joint
24 15 resolutions, and nullification resolutions, reported
24 16 out for passage, for indefinite postponement, for
24 17 amendment and passage, or without recommendation by
24 18 the committee, are first eligible to be acted upon
24 19 beginning the third legislative day they appear on the
24 20 regular calendar.
24 21 The reports of the committees shall not be read
24 22 while the house is in session except as herein
24 23 provided. The Committee reports shall be printed in
24 24 the journal immediately after they are filed with the
24 25 chief clerk. Reports recommending bills, joint
24 26 resolutions, and nullification resolutions for
24 27 passage, for amendment and passage, or without
24 28 recommendation shall stand approved unless written
24 29 objections are filed during the first legislative day
24 30 following their printing in the journal. If
25 1 objections are filed, they shall be disposed of as
25 2 soon as possible. Reports recommending indefinite
25 3 postponement shall be governed by Rule 44.
25 4 Upon an affirmative vote of at least a
25 5 constitutional majority of the members, a report may
25 6 be read before it is printed in the journal and while
25 7 the house is in session, and acted upon at once.
25 8 Rule 40
25 9 Consideration of Bills Upon Last Reading
25 10 No amendment, unless by way of correcting an error
25 11 or omission, shall be received to any bill on its last
25 12 reading, and no debate shall be allowed on it.
25 13 Rule 41
25 14 Printing of Bills and Joint Resolutions
25 15 Bills and joint resolutions shall be printed in
25 16 form as provided by law and by rule. Each house may
25 17 direct the printing of an additional number of its own
25 18 bills.
25 19 Legalizing bills of a local or private nature shall
25 20 be printed in bill form and placed in the files of the
25 21 members, the same as other bills, in the order of
25 22 their introduction. The cost of printing shall be
25 23 deposited with the treasurer of state in advance at a
25 24 rate to be fixed, and the newspaper publication of the
25 25 bill shall be without cost to the state. No
25 26 legalizing act may be introduced until all provisions
25 27 of law have been complied with.
25 28 Rule 42
25 29 Certification and Engrossment of Bills
25 30 The chief clerk shall certify the passage of each
26 1 bill and note the date of its passage.
26 2 In engrossing a bill, the chief clerk shall correct
26 3 all obvious typographical, spelling, or other clerical
26 4 errors and change section subunit numbers and letters
26 5 and internal references as required to conform the
26 6 original bill to any amendments which have been
26 7 adopted. The chief clerk shall report all such
26 8 corrections or changes in the journal. The engrossed
26 9 bill shall be placed in the bill file with the
26 10 original bill and amendments.
26 11 Rule 43
26 12 Rereferral
26 13 A bill may be rereferred by the speaker or, upon
26 14 motion, by the house at any time before its passage
26 15 and after the report of its referral to committee.
26 16 Rule 44
26 17 Effect of Indefinite Postponement
26 18 When a question is indefinitely postponed, it shall
26 19 not be acted upon again during that session. Any bill
26 20 which receives a committee recommendation of
26 21 indefinite postponement shall be disposed of within
26 22 three legislative days after the printed journal
26 23 containing the report has been placed upon the desks
26 24 of the members of the house, or the committee
26 25 recommendation will be considered adopted.
26 26 Rule 45
26 27 Status of Bills Following
26 28 First Regular Session
26 29 Except for those bills which have been adopted by
26 30 both houses in different forms, all bills which have
27 1 not been withdrawn, defeated or indefinitely
27 2 postponed, shall be rereferred to committee upon
27 3 adjournment of the first regular session. Within
27 4 seven days after the first committee meeting following
27 5 convening of the second regular session, the committee
27 6 chair shall submit the bill to the full committee for
27 7 action or the chair shall reassign the bill to a
27 8 subcommittee.
27 9 DIVISION V == COMMITTEE PROCEDURES
27 10 Rule 46
27 11 Appointment of Committees
27 12 All committees shall be appointed by the speaker,
27 13 unless otherwise especially directed by the house.
27 14 Minority party members of a committee shall be
27 15 appointed by the speaker upon recommendation of the
27 16 minority leader.
27 17 Rule 47
27 18 Order on Question of Commitment
27 19 Reserved
27 20 When a resolution is offered or a motion made to
27 21 refer any subject, and different committees are
27 22 proposed, the question shall be taken in the following
27 23 order: The committee of the whole house; a standing
27 24 committee; a select committee.
27 25 Rule 48
27 26 Study Bills
27 27 A study bill is any matter which a member of the
27 28 house wishes to have considered by a standing
27 29 committee, other than appropriations, and which has
27 30 not been included in a previously introduced bill
28 1 without being introduced in the house by a first
28 2 reading. A study bill shall be prepared in proper
28 3 form by the legislative services agency prior to
28 4 submission.
28 5 PARAGRAPH DIVIDED. Upon taking possession of a
28 6 study bill, the committee chair shall notify the
28 7 speaker and then submit fifteen four copies of the
28 8 bill to the legal counsel's office for numbering.
28 9 A study bill shall bear the name of the member who
28 10 wishes to have the bill considered. A study bill
28 11 submitted by a state agency or board for consideration
28 12 shall bear the name of the state agency or board. A
28 13 committee chair may submit a study bill in the name of
28 14 that committee.
28 15 Final committee action on a study bill shall not be
28 16 taken until one day following the notation of the
28 17 study bill assignment in the house journal.
28 18 A study bill not prepared by the legislative
28 19 services agency may be submitted to a standing
28 20 committee, but shall not be considered by the full
28 21 committee unless reviewed and prepared in proper form
28 22 by the legislative services agency.
28 23 Rule 49
28 24 Committee Meetings
28 25 No committee, except a conference committee or the
28 26 administrative rules review committee, shall meet
28 27 while the house is in session without special leave.
28 28 Two committees Committees with overlapping memberships
28 29 shall not meet at the same time without special leave.
28 30 Rule 50
29 1 Smoking Prohibited
29 2 Smoking shall not be permitted in the house or in
29 3 any area of the capitol building controlled by the
29 4 house or controlled jointly by the house and senate.
29 5 Rule 50A
29 6 Nondegradable Polystyrene Cups
29 7 The use of nondegradable polystyrene cups shall not
29 8 be permitted on the floor of the house, at the
29 9 speaker's station, or in the press boxes.
29 10 Rule 51
29 11 Assignments to Subcommittee
29 12 The chair of the committee shall report to the
29 13 house the bill number of each bill assigned to
29 14 subcommittee and the names of the subcommittee
29 15 members. The report shall be printed in the journal.
29 16 All bills, prior to consideration by the committee,
29 17 shall be referred by the chair to a subcommittee,
29 18 unless acted upon by a committee of the whole.
29 19 The chair may assign bills to subcommittees without
29 20 a meeting of the committee, but the membership of the
29 21 subcommittee so appointed shall be reported at the
29 22 next meeting of the committee.
29 23 Rule 52
29 24 Open Meetings
29 25 Standing committee meetings shall be open, and
29 26 voting by secret ballot is prohibited. The committee
29 27 on administration and rules may close its meetings to
29 28 evaluate the professional competency of an individual
29 29 whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge
29 30 is being considered when necessary to prevent needless
30 1 and irreparable injury to that individual's reputation
30 2 on the request of the affected individual.
30 3 Rule 53
30 4 Quorum and Vote Requirements
30 5 The committee roll shall be taken at the convening
30 6 of each meeting to determine the presence of a quorum.
30 7 A majority of the committee membership shall
30 8 constitute a quorum.
30 9 An affirmative vote of a majority of the committee
30 10 membership is required to report a bill out of
30 11 committee or to suspend a committee rule.
30 12 A motion to reconsider may be made only by a
30 13 committee member who voted on the prevailing side of
30 14 the question sought to be reconsidered. A motion to
30 15 reconsider may only be made provided prior to the
30 16 adjournment of the committee meeting at which the bill
30 17 is still in possession of the committee was reported
30 18 out.
30 19 If a member, who is in the committee room when a
30 20 question to report a bill out of committee is put, has
30 21 not asked to be excused prior to commencing to take
30 22 the vote on the question, the member shall vote aye or
30 23 nay unless the committee has excused the member for
30 24 special reasons. However, a member may pass on the
30 25 first taking of the roll call on the question but
30 26 shall vote aye or nay when the member's name is called
30 27 for a second time.
30 28 Rule 54
30 29 Committee Attendance Record and Report
30 30 of Committee Form
31 1 1. A committee attendance record shall be filed
31 2 with the chief clerk no later than 10:00 a.m. or two
31 3 hours after the house convenes, whichever is later, of
31 4 the legislative day immediately following the day of
31 5 the committee meeting. The committee attendance
31 6 record is a public record and may be published in the
31 7 journal. The committee attendance record shall
31 8 include the following information:
31 9 a. The time the meeting convened.
31 10 b. The members present at the meeting.
31 11 c. The time the meeting adjourned.
31 12 d. A list of bills receiving final committee
31 13 disposition.
31 14 2. A report of committee form shall be filed with
31 15 the chief clerk no later than 10:00 a.m. or two hours
31 16 after the house convenes, whichever is later, of the
31 17 legislative day immediately following the day of the
31 18 committee meeting for each study bill, numbered bill
31 19 or resolution receiving final committee disposition.
31 20 The report of committee form is a public record and a
31 21 report of committee action shall be printed in the
31 22 journal. The report of committee form shall include
31 23 the following information:
31 24 a. The committee action taken, including each
31 25 nonrecord or record roll call vote on any amendment
31 26 considered by the committee.
31 27 b. The committee amendment number, if any.
31 28 c. The roll call vote of the committee on final
31 29 disposition.
31 30 d. The minority recommendation, if any.
32 1 3. Upon final adjournment of the first session and
32 2 final adjournment of the second session of the general
32 3 assembly, the chair of each committee shall have
32 4 placed the committee's book of record containing
32 5 minutes, roll calls, rules, etc., with the chief clerk
32 6 for access of any interested person.
32 7 Rule 55
32 8 Minority Recommendation
32 9 The minority of the members of a committee may
32 10 present its recommendations on the final disposition
32 11 of a bill to the house by attaching its recommendation
32 12 to the committee report and the same shall be printed.
32 13 The minority recommendation shall be noted in the
32 14 journal along with the committee report.
32 15 Rule 56
32 16 Committee Amendment
32 17 Whenever a committee amendment is proposed which
32 18 would amend another committee amendment, the amendment
32 19 shall be drafted in the form of a substitute amendment
32 20 and shall be considered as such.
32 21 Rule 57
32 22 Committee Notice and Agenda
32 23 Each committee shall prepare and publish a notice
32 24 and agenda of each committee meeting at least one
32 25 legislative day prior to the meeting. The notice and
32 26 agenda may be placed on the desks of or transmitted
32 27 electronically to committee members.
32 28 The notice shall contain the committee name, the
32 29 date, time, and location of the meeting.
32 30 The agenda shall contain the matters to be
33 1 discussed, including a list of bills, joint
33 2 resolutions, nullification resolutions, and study
33 3 bills by number. The agenda should contain the names
33 4 of individuals who are scheduled to appear before the
33 5 committee and the organization which they represent.
33 6 A bill, joint resolution, nullification resolution,
33 7 or study bill shall not be reported out of committee
33 8 if the bill was not included in the published notice
33 9 and agenda unless this rule is suspended by a majority
33 10 of the total membership of the committee.
33 11 A committee chair may call a meeting without
33 12 providing the required notice and agenda upon leave of
33 13 the house if a notice is either electronically
33 14 transmitted to committee members and placed on the
33 15 bulletin board or placed on the desks of committee
33 16 members.
33 17 Rule 58
33 18 Clearing of Committee Room
33 19 The chair of a committee may clear the committee
33 20 room in case of any disturbance or disorderly conduct.
33 21 Rule 58A
33 22 Use of Telephonic or Electronic Devices
33 23 in Committee Rooms Restricted
33 24 1. In order to prevent the disruption of committee
33 25 deliberations, a person shall not do any of the
33 26 following in any committee room while a standing
33 27 committee is in session:
33 28 a. Allow any audible signal to be continued to be
33 29 transmitted to or from a telephonic or A person shall
33 30 mute any cell phone, computer, or other electronic
34 1 device under the person's control.
34 2 b. Use a telephonic or A person shall not use a
34 3 cell phone or other electronic device to audibly
34 4 transmit or receive communications.
34 5 2. The chair or acting chair of a standing
34 6 committee may clear the committee room of any person
34 7 acting in violation of this rule.
34 8 Rule 59
34 9 Committee Amendments
34 10 All amendments to a bill or resolution adopted in
34 11 committee shall be incorporated in a single committee
34 12 amendment or incorporated in a new committee bill.
34 13 Rule 60
34 14 Withdrawal of Bills, Joint Resolutions,
34 15 or Nullification Resolutions
34 16 From Committee
34 17 A bill, joint resolution, or nullification
34 18 resolution which has been in committee for eighteen
34 19 legislative days following notation of such referral
34 20 in the journal may be withdrawn from the committee and
34 21 placed on the calendar by an affirmative vote of not
34 22 less than fifty=one members of the house.
34 23 Rule 61
34 24 Committee Public Hearings
34 25 The chair of a committee may call a public hearing
34 26 for the purpose of receiving public comment on any
34 27 matter within the purview of the committee.
34 28 The chair shall call a public hearing upon the
34 29 written request of committee members according to
34 30 committee rules, but no more than one=third of the
35 1 committee members shall be required.
35 2 A public hearing shall not be called or requested
35 3 after final action on the bill, joint resolution, or
35 4 nullification resolution has been taken by the
35 5 committee. However, a public hearing called or
35 6 requested before final action has been taken by the
35 7 committee may be held after final action on the bill,
35 8 joint resolution, or nullification resolution has been
35 9 taken by the committee.
35 10 The chair shall designate a time and place for a
35 11 public hearing and provide public notice at least five
35 12 days prior to a public hearing.
35 13 A bill, joint resolution, or nullification
35 14 resolution for which a public hearing has been called
35 15 can be voted to the calendar but cannot be debated
35 16 until after the public hearing has been held.
35 17 However, public hearings which have been requested
35 18 during or after the 9th week of the first session and
35 19 during or after the 7th week of the second session
35 20 must be held within four legislative days of the date
35 21 of the request.
35 22 Rule 62
35 23 Limitation on Filing of Claims
35 24 All claims shall be referred to the appropriations
35 25 committee. A claim or claim bill, the subject matter
35 26 of which has been considered or filed for
35 27 consideration in the house or any of its committees,
35 28 in two or more prior sessions of the general assembly,
35 29 referred to the appropriations committee in a prior
35 30 session of the general assembly shall not be
36 1 considered by any the appropriations committee or by
36 2 the house unless it has been specifically referred to
36 3 this session by a prior general assembly vote of the
36 4 appropriations committee. The appropriations
36 5 committee on appropriations is authorized to set a
36 6 definite date each session after which it will not
36 7 receive claims or claim bills for consideration.
36 8 DIVISION VI == COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
36 9 Rule 63
36 10 Organization of Committee of the Whole
36 11 In forming the committee of the whole house, the
36 12 speaker shall appoint a member to preside in committee
36 13 and then leave the chair.
36 14 Rule 64
36 15 Rules in Committee of the Whole
36 16 The rules of the house shall be observed in
36 17 committee of the whole house, so far as they are
36 18 applicable.
36 19 Rule 65
36 20 Bills in Committee of the Whole
36 21 Bills committed to the committee of the whole house
36 22 shall first be read in their entirety by the chief
36 23 clerk or chair and then read again or debated by
36 24 section, leaving the preamble to be considered last.
36 25 After the report of the committee of the whole, the
36 26 bill shall again be subject to debate and amendment
36 27 before a vote is had on its last reading and passage.
36 28 Rule 66
36 29 Amendments by Committee of the Whole
36 30 All amendments made to a report committed to a
37 1 committee of the whole house shall be noted and
37 2 reported as in the case of bills.
37 3 DIVISION VII == MOTIONS
37 4 Rule 67
37 5 Order and Precedence of Motions
37 6 The following order and precedence of motions,
37 7 listed in order of precedence, shall govern when a
37 8 question is under debate:
37 9 11. 1. Adjourn.
37 10 10. 2. Recess.
37 11 9. 3. Questions of privilege.
37 12 8. 4. Lay on the table.
37 13 7. 5. Previous question.
37 14 6. Limit debate.
37 15 6. 7. Postpone definitely or to a certain time.
37 16 5. 8. Refer or commit rerefer.
37 17 4. 9. Defer.
37 18 3. 10. Amend an amendment.
37 19 2. 11. Amend.
37 20 1. 12. Postpone indefinitely.
37 21 These motions are listed in descending order of
37 22 precedence.
37 23 A motion to postpone definitely or to a certain time, to
37 24 refer or commit, or to postpone indefinitely a particular
37 25 question shall not be considered more than once on the same day.
37 26 Adoption of a motion to strike the enacting words is equivalent
37 27 to rejection of the question.
37 28 Rule 68
37 29 Order of Consideration of Amendments
37 30 Amendments shall be considered by earliest position
38 1 in the bill. Amendments to the same place in the bill
38 2 shall be considered by the lowest amendment number.
38 3 An amendment which inserts language after a line and
38 4 an amendment which inserts language before the
38 5 succeeding line shall be considered amendments to the
38 6 same place in the bill.
38 7 However, an amendment to strike the enacting clause
38 8 shall always be considered first. An amendment filed
38 9 by a committee shall have the next highest order of
38 10 priority, followed by an amendment to strike
38 11 everything after the enacting clause and insert new
38 12 language. An amendment to strike language or to
38 13 strike and insert new language, except an amendment to
38 14 strike everything after the enacting clause and insert
38 15 new language, shall not be considered before
38 16 amendments to perfect all or part of the same portion
38 17 of the bill.
38 18 Rule 69
38 19 Motions Not Debatable
38 20 The motions to lay on the table, to adjourn, to
38 21 adjourn to a time certain, for the previous question,
38 22 to defer, to rerefer, and appeals of a ruling of the
38 23 presiding officer shall be decided without debate.
38 24 The following motions are not debatable:
38 25 1. Adjourn.
38 26 2. Adjourn to a certain time.
38 27 3. Suspend house rules.
38 28 4. Previous question.
38 29 5. Close debate at a certain time.
38 30 6. Recess.
39 1 7. Defer.
39 2 8. Refer or rerefer.
39 3 9. Lay on the table.
39 4 10. Take from the table.
39 5 11. Call of the house.
39 6 12. Withdraw a bill or resolution from committee.
39 7 13. Appeal a decision of the chair.
39 8 14. Immediately message a bill or resolution.
39 9 Rule 69A
39 10 Constitutional Majority
39 11 1. The following motions require a constitutional
39 12 majority for approval:
39 13 a. Final passage of a bill, joint resolution, or
39 14 nullification resolution.
39 15 b. Lay on the table.
39 16 c. Take from the table.
39 17 d. Suspend house rules.
39 18 e. Previous question.
39 19 f. Withdraw a bill or resolution from committee.
39 20 g. Reconsider a bill, joint resolution, or
39 21 nullification resolution.
39 22 h. Immediately message a bill or resolution.
39 23 2. A division must be taken on any motion which
39 24 requires a constitutional majority.
39 25 Rule 70
39 26 Motion to Adjourn
39 27 A motion to adjourn shall always be in order,
39 28 except when a member is speaking or the house is
39 29 voting.
39 30 Rule 71
40 1 Withdrawal of Motions
40 2 After a motion is stated by the speaker, or read by
40 3 the chief clerk, it shall be deemed to be in
40 4 possession of the house, but may be withdrawn by leave
40 5 of the house.
40 6 Rule 72
40 7 Referral and Rereferral
40 8 Unanimous Consent
40 9 Motions and reports may be referred and rereferred
40 10 at the pleasure of the house.
40 11 Unanimous consent of the members may be asked for
40 12 suspension of any rule of the house. If there is no
40 13 objection to the request, the rule shall be considered
40 14 suspended.
40 15 Rule 73
40 16 Reconsideration
40 17 1. A motion to reconsider may be made only by a
40 18 member who voted on the prevailing side of the
40 19 question sought to be reconsidered.
40 20 2. A motion to reconsider may be made not later
40 21 than adjournment on the legislative day following the
40 22 legislative day of the action sought to be
40 23 reconsidered. Where the floor manager voted on the
40 24 prevailing side, the floor manager has the prior right
40 25 to make the motion, until adjournment on the
40 26 legislative day of the action sought to be
40 27 reconsidered. A motion to reconsider a nullification
40 28 resolution shall be acted upon not later than
40 29 adjournment on the legislative day following the
40 30 legislative day of the action sought to be
41 1 reconsidered.
41 2 3. A motion to reconsider made following the
41 3 ninety=seventh calendar day beginning the fifteenth
41 4 week of the first regular session, or the
41 5 eighty=seventh calendar day thirteenth week of the
41 6 second regular session, may be taken up when made. A
41 7 motion made at any other time may be taken up prior to
41 8 the third legislative day succeeding the legislative
41 9 day of the action sought to be reconsidered only if
41 10 called up by the mover, and after the second
41 11 legislative day succeeding the legislative day of the
41 12 action sought to be reconsidered if called up by any
41 13 member.
41 14 4. The making of a motion to reconsider takes
41 15 precedence over all other questions.
41 16 5. No motion to reconsider passage, adoption or
41 17 failure of any bill, nullification resolution or joint
41 18 resolution shall prevail unless it obtains a
41 19 constitutional majority. When passage, adoption, or
41 20 failure of any bill, joint resolution, or
41 21 nullification resolution is reconsidered, questions on
41 22 amendments may also be reconsidered and shall be
41 23 disposed of immediately.
41 24 6. A motion that the motion to reconsider be laid
41 25 on the table is in order. The effect of laying the
41 26 motion to reconsider on the table is to cause the bill
41 27 or joint resolution to proceed on its regular course
41 28 immediately.
41 29 7. 6. In the event that a motion to reconsider is
41 30 pending at the end of the first session or any
42 1 extraordinary session of any general assembly, or the
42 2 general assembly adjourns sine die, and the motion to
42 3 reconsider has not been voted upon by the house, the
42 4 motion shall be determined to have failed.
42 5 DIVISION VIII == VOTING
42 6 Rule 74
42 7 Manner of Voting
42 8 Members present may cast their votes, either by
42 9 operating the voting mechanism located at their
42 10 assigned desk or by signaling the speaker from the
42 11 floor of the house or from the south visitors' gallery
42 12 if they are unable to vote at their assigned desk.
42 13 The speaker shall enter announce the votes of members
42 14 signaling their votes. Upon direction of the speaker
42 15 or upon request of two members during the taking of
42 16 the vote of the house on any question, only those
42 17 members at their desks and voting shall be counted.
42 18 Members who are not present shall not cast their votes
42 19 except:
42 20 1. Members who have not voted may record their
42 21 votes on any record roll call vote except quorum calls
42 22 within ten minutes after the outcome of the vote has
42 23 been announced, providing the vote does not change the
42 24 outcome of the vote on that question. Members shall
42 25 initial their recorded votes on a copy of the record
42 26 roll call at the speaker's station. However, if the
42 27 aggregate of votes cast under this rule would change
42 28 the outcome of the vote on a question, then none of
42 29 the votes cast on the question under this rule shall
42 30 be recorded. A member may request announcement of the
43 1 names of members so recorded after the ten=minute
43 2 period.
43 3 2. Members meeting in a conference committee or in
43 4 administrative rules review committee at the time a
43 5 vote is taken on a question may have their vote
43 6 recorded within thirty minutes or adjournment,
43 7 whichever is first, of that same legislative day,
43 8 providing the vote provided the aggregate of votes
43 9 cast does not change the outcome of the vote on that a
43 10 question.
43 11 Rule 75
43 12 Duty of Voting
43 13 Except as limited in Rule 74 76, every member who
43 14 is in the house when a question is put shall vote
43 15 unless the house has excused that member from voting
43 16 for special reasons; however, such member must have
43 17 asked to be excused from voting prior to commencing to
43 18 take the vote on the main the time the speaker puts
43 19 the question.
43 20 Rule 76
43 21 Limitation on Right to Vote
43 22 No member shall vote on any question in which that
43 23 person is financially interested the member or the
43 24 member's immediate family member, as defined in
43 25 chapter 68B of the Code, has a direct financial
43 26 interest different from other similarly situated
43 27 persons or classes of persons of the general public.
43 28 Rule 77
43 29 Call of the House
43 30 Upon written request of five members, the presiding
44 1 officer shall compel attendance of absent and
44 2 unexcused members for the consideration of specified
44 3 bills, or resolutions, or amendments.
44 4 A call of the house shall specify the propositions
44 5 to which it is to apply, and must be put into effect
44 6 before roll call is taken on the proposition. The
44 7 request may be filed with the chief clerk at any time
44 8 before final action upon the propositions with the
44 9 chief clerk, who shall notify the house immediately.
44 10 Rule 78
44 11 Method of Calling the House
44 12 Upon a call of the house, the names of the members
44 13 shall be called by the chief clerk and the absentees
44 14 noted, after which the names of the absentees shall
44 15 again be called. The sergeant=at=arms shall be
44 16 directed by the speaker to compel the attendance of
44 17 absent members, unless they are previously excused.
44 18 Any member occupying the member's seat during a call
44 19 of the house shall be counted by the speaker and that
44 20 person's name entered in the journal as being present
44 21 for the purpose of making a quorum.
44 22 Rule 79
44 23 Method of Calling the Roll
44 24 The electrical voting machine shall be used for a
44 25 call of the house, a quorum call or a roll call vote
44 26 on any question. If the electrical voting machine is
44 27 not in operating order when it is necessary to take a
44 28 record roll call vote, the presiding officer shall
44 29 order the vote to be taken by calling the roll in
44 30 alphabetical order, except the name of the presiding
45 1 officer shall be called last.
45 2 During the casting of the vote with the voting
45 3 machine, the individual votes and the vote totals
45 4 shall be shown on the display boards. Before the
45 5 voting machine is closed, the presiding officer shall
45 6 inquire of the house, "Have you all voted?"
45 7 Rule 80
45 8 Quorum and Record Roll Call Votes
45 9 A majority of the members shall constitute a
45 10 quorum.
45 11 A record roll call vote shall be ordered upon
45 12 request of any two members. The names of the members
45 13 requesting the record roll call shall be entered in
45 14 the journal.
45 15 Rule 81
45 16 Previous Question
45 17 When a member moves for a the previous question,
45 18 that the member shall state whether the motion will
45 19 apply to the main question, to all the amendments, or
45 20 to particular amendments. The motion requires an
45 21 affirmative vote of at least a constitutional majority
45 22 of the members. If the motion for a previous question
45 23 is not adopted, the house shall proceed in the same
45 24 manner as before the motion was made.
45 25 If the motion is adopted, all debate must end and
45 26 the house will vote upon the question except:
45 27 1. If the motion applies to the main question, the
45 28 member in charge of the measure will have ten minutes
45 29 to speak for the purpose of closing discussion before
45 30 the vote on the measure is taken.
46 1 2. If the motion applies to an amendment, the
46 2 member proposing the amendment will have five minutes
46 3 to speak for the purpose of closing discussion before
46 4 the vote on the amendment is taken.
46 5 3. If a member has filed a written request with
46 6 the chief clerk of the house indicating the member's
46 7 desire to speak on a particular question. The request
46 8 must be filed before the motion is made by the movant.
46 9 The request allows a member to speak on a particular
46 10 question before the closing discussion by the member
46 11 who is in charge of the measure or who is proposing
46 12 the amendment.
46 13 Rule 82
46 14 Division of the Question
46 15 Any member may call for a division of the question,
46 16 which shall be divided if it comprehends questions so
46 17 distinct that one being taken away, the remainder may
46 18 stand separately for discussion by the house. A
46 19 motion Upon request to divide an amendment, the chief
46 20 clerk shall restate the division and note the divided
46 21 amendment in the house journal. An amendment to
46 22 strike out being lost shall not preclude either an
46 23 amendment or a motion to strike out and insert. A
46 24 motion An amendment to strike out and insert shall be
46 25 deemed indivisible.
46 26 LSB 1605YC 83
46 27 rj/nh/14.1
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