House adopts special-session rules to speed consideration; joint appropriations and policy committees named

Representative Hager reported the rules committee's packet ("version 0.4") to the House after a 7:30 a.m. meeting and summarized the proposed changes intended to expedite special-session business.

Key changes Hager described include allowing a bill's second reading on the same day it is reported from committee without the necessity of a two-thirds vote; allowing a bill to have its second reading and final passage one day after its first reading; and permitting a bill to be transmitted to the second chamber immediately after second reading unless either majority leader provides notice of intent to reconsider. Hager also said the rules eliminate the regular standing committees for the special session and replace them with two standing joint committees: the Joint Appropriations Committee (39 members: 23 House, 16 Senate) and the Joint Policy Committee (28 members: 14 House, 14 Senate). The rules set appointments to be made by each chamber's majority leader and provide for co-chairs from each chamber.

Representative Hager described operational details: a joint committee report is issued first to the chamber of introduction and joint committees require a majority of joint committee members from each chamber to pass an amendment and issue a joint report. Hager also noted joint committees may receive testimony remotely and that committee members may participate remotely with approval from the Senate majority leader or the Speaker of the House.

Representative Bosch moved to adopt the rules committee report, a second was called, there was no discussion and the Speaker put the question; the ayes carried and the Speaker declared the motion carried and the report adopted.

What happens next: the Chief Clerk announced the membership rosters for both joint committees and scheduled a Highway Patrol safety briefing in the Rough Rider Room at 11:00 a.m.