Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5052

Introduced
1/11/23  

Caption

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.)

Impact

The proposed amendments are designed to streamline discussions within the House, creating a more orderly process during debates. By limiting the scope of permissible discussions, the resolution seeks to enhance efficiency and ensure that the legislative agenda remains a priority during sessions. This change aims to reinforce a structured environment conducive to relevant discourse and decision-making, thereby potentially reducing disruptions caused by off-topic discussions.

Summary

House Bill H5052 is a resolution aimed at amending the rules of the House of Representatives for the years 2021 and 2022. The central focus of the bill is to establish clearer guidelines on what matters may be debated or discussed on the House floor. Specifically, the resolution emphasizes that any debate must be confined to the matter at hand and restricts members from bringing up topics unrelated to legislative business during sessions. This includes prohibiting discussions that involve reciting poetry, singing, or broadcasting material using electronic devices, thereby focusing debate strictly on legislative issues.

Contention

While the bill has been introduced with the intention of enhancing order and focus in legislative proceedings, it could face challenges from members who feel that restrictions may limit their ability to express broader concerns or engage in civil discourse on various issues. As with any changes to procedural rules, there may be debates over the balance between maintaining decorum and allowing for a diversity of voices within the legislative process. Ensuring that all members have the opportunity to participate meaningfully in discussions, without excessive restrictions, may be a point of contention moving forward.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H8122

HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2025 AND 2026 (Amends the House rules to mandate that all lobbyists vacate the House floor twenty (20) minutes prior to the beginning of the scheduled House session.)

RI H5009

HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2023 AND 2024 (House Resolution providing certain plastic and single-use plastic cutlery and beverage containers would not be permitted on the House floor.)

RI H5007

HOUSE RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2025 AND 2026

RI H5011

HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2023 AND 2024 (Prohibits flags or banners of any size from being displayed on any member's desk within the House chamber.)

RI H5015

HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2023 AND 2024 (Requires that the bill sponsor or another member of the House be present in order to formally present a bill to a committee before any testimony is taken on the bill.)

RI H5008

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.)

RI H5036

HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2023 AND 2024 (Amends the House Rules to enable any member to have up to 3 bills that are held for further study either substituted in committee or allowed to have a committee vote for placement on the floor calendar exclusively at the discretion of the Speaker.)

RI H7569

HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2025 AND 2026 (Amends the House Rules to enable any member to have up to three (3) bills that are held for further study either substituted in committee or allowed to have a committee vote for placement on the floor calendar exclusively at the discretion of the Speaker.)

RI H5013

HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2023 AND 2024 (Requires the presiding officer to publish and provide to the House, a compilation of House procedures not addressed in the House rules or in Mason's manual of Legislative Procedures.)

RI H5014

HOUSE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE YEARS 2023 AND 2024 (Requires that members receive five (5) days advance notice when their bill is being heard before a committee.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.