Senate adopts expedited rules for special session, appoints joint policy and appropriations committees

The North Dakota Senate on Jan. 21 adopted a procedural committee report that temporarily adjusts legislative rules to speed consideration of appropriation measures during a special session.

Senator Klein, chairman of the procedural rules committee, told the Senate the changes include procedures for introducing appropriation-related bills (introduction would require a two-thirds vote) and allow, in Section 3 of the recommended rules, second reading and final passage of a bill on the same day during this special session. Klein said the changes are intended to expedite action because the Legislature has a narrow timeframe to act under the governor's executive order.

Klein also described structural changes for the special session: eliminating the delayed-bills committee and standing committee meeting times for this extraordinary session, shifting some agency pre-filing deadlines for the next regular session, and establishing a Joint Appropriations Committee and a Joint Policy Committee to perform work normally handled by standing committees. He said the Appropriations and Policy Committees will allow remote testimony and that committee members may participate remotely with approval from the majority leader or the Speaker of the House.

The Senate adopted the procedural rules report by voice vote after Senator Klein moved the report and it was seconded.

Committees appointed: pursuant to joint rule 304.2 the secretary read the names of senators appointed to the Joint Policy Committee and the Joint Appropriations Committee, naming Senator Lee as cochair of the Joint Policy Committee; the Senate adopted both committee appointment reports by voice vote. The full lists of appointed members were read into the record and are part of the official journal.