AR 3

This resolution makes the following changes to the assembly rules:

Scheduling time limits for floor debate

The resolution provides that before the Committee on Rules establishes a

calendar for any session day, the majority leader and the minority leader must meet

to adopt reasonable recommendations for time limits and schedules for floor debate

on all proposals on the proposed calendar for that day. If the majority leader and the

minority leader reach agreement, the Committee on Rules must include the time

limits and schedules for floor debate in the recommendations on the calendar for that

day. The schedules and time limits must be announced by the presiding officer before

floor consideration of the proposals.

Voting immediately; time limits on debate

The resolution creates an alternative procedure for ending debate in the

assembly, which may be used only if time limits for floor debate on a proposal

established by the majority leader and the minority leader or by a privileged

resolution have expired. Under this new procedure, when a proposal is under

consideration a member may move that all pending amendments and substitute

amendments be tabled en masse. The motion is not debatable and if carried by a

majority debate is ended on the question then before the assembly and the assembly

must move immediately to the main question without debate on any pending

amendments and substitute amendments. A motion that carries under this

procedure prohibits the offering of new amendments or substitute amendments to

the proposal. In addition, a motion to table the proposal to which the main question

relates is not in order after a motion under this procedure has been made.

Definition of partisan caucus

The resolution creates a definition of "partisan caucus" that is identical to the

one in the senate rules. A partisan caucus is defined as "a conference convened by

2 or more members of a political party to discuss business related to the organization

or agenda of that party within the legislature or to discuss any matter pending in or

proposed for introduction in the legislature. To facilitate bipartisan leadership

meetings, a partisan caucus may also include a conference convened by the members

of the elected leadership of one political party with the members of the elected

leadership of another political party."

Membership of Committee on Rules

The resolution gives the speaker two additional majority party appointments

to the Committee on Rules.