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2011 SESSION

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11104271D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 55 Offered January 19, 2011 Amending and readopting Rules 18 and 18(a) of the Rules of the House of Delegates, relating to committee procedures. ---------- Patrons-- Armstrong and Plum ----------

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Rules 18 and 18(a) of the Rules of the House of Delegates are amended and readopted as follows:

I. Organization. Committees.

Rule 18. The several standing committees shall consider and report on matters specially referred to them and, whenever practicable, suggest such legislation as may be germane to the duties of the committee. The chairman shall have discretion to determine when, and if, legislation shall be heard before the committee. The chairman, at his discretion, may refer legislation for consideration to a subcommittee. If referred to a subcommittee, the legislation shall be considered by the subcommittee and a recorded vote shall be taken on any action recommended by the subcommittee. If the subcommittee does not recommend such legislation by a majority vote, the chairman need not consider the legislation in the full committee. It shall be the duty of each committee to inquire into the condition and administration of the laws relating to the subjects which it has in its charge; to investigate the conduct and look to the responsibility of all public officers and agents concerned; and to suggest such measures as will correct abuses, protect the public interests, and promote the public welfare.

Any committee of the House may, at its discretion, confer with a committee of the Senate having under consideration the same subject. No select committee shall be appointed to consider any subject falling properly within the province of a standing committee.

Rule 18(a). When a question is before the committee, no motion shall be received unless specially provided for, except to adjourn, to pass by indefinitely, to lay upon the table, to postpone for a specified time or purpose, to refer or rerefer, to amend, to strike from the docket, or report; which several motions shall have precedence in the order in which they are arranged and each such motion shall be required to be seconded.

The Committee on Rules may, on a vote of a majority of the members appointed plus one, send a bill, joint resolution, or resolution to the floor on a motion that "the bill, joint resolution, or resolution be reported to the floor by the committee without specific recommendation." This motion is a special motion and can only be made in the Committee on Rules.

When a question has been decided, it may be reconsidered on the motion of any member who voted with the prevailing side provided it be made on the same day or if such motion has not been communicated to the House, such motion may be made no later than the adjournment of the next regularly scheduled meeting of the full committee, except for those measures continued pursuant to Rule 22.