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House Education chair outlines amendment and public comment rules, panel limits and hearing schedule
Summary
Chair Andres Romero reviewed committee procedures: a 24'hour amendment filing rule, 2'minute public comments per side, limit of two experts per panel, and preference for thematic grouping of bills; committee will focus on the SEG and categorical budget items on Wednesday.
House Education Committee Chair Representative Andres Romero opened the session'orientation by reviewing procedural rules members are expected to follow during the session. Romero emphasized the committee'level expectation that members provide amendments at least 24 hours in advance so LESC analysts can review proposed changes.
"In this committee, we abide by the 24 hour rule, for amendments," Romero said, adding that late amendments typically cause the bill to be rolled to a future meeting so staff have time to analyze changes.
Nut graf: The rules affect how quickly bills move through committee and the quality of staff analysis available to legislators. Romero also outlined decorum expectations for members and audience members and set limits for presenters.
Details and effects
- Amendment filing: Amendments must be filed 24 hours before a bill hearing to allow staff to review and advise; otherwise the bill will generally be postponed.
- Public comment: The committee will permit two'minute public comments on each side of a bill (in favor and opposed). Romero said he will monitor the clock and asked commenters and presenters to keep remarks brief.
- Panel limits: Presenters should limit themselves to no more than two experts on a bill or panel at a time because space and time are constrained.
- Bill scheduling: Romero said the committee favors grouping bills thematically where appropriate but will follow House rules if members request individual scheduling. Members were told hearings will start promptly at 8:00 a.m. (the committee expected floor session at 10:00 a.m.).
- Materials and resources: Romero and LESC staff distributed a yellow folder to members with contact information, a primer on the funding formula and a high'level side'by'side budget reference to help members track appropriations.
Ending
Romero said LESC staff will be present through the week to answer follow'up questions and reiterated that the committee will review SEG and categorical items on Wednesday and perf/GROW funds on Friday.
