Rules committee debates committee roles, frequency and where housing policy should live

The Rules Committee spent a portion of its May 8 meeting discussing the structure and purpose of assembly committees, how often they should meet, and which committees should handle housing policy and homelessness.

Committee member Anna Broly led an overview, saying committees should be tools the assembly controls and can reconfigure as needed. "We should feel the flexibility and empowerment to make these committees useful for us," she said, noting that some committees are required (for example, audit) and others can be adapted.

Members debated meeting frequency and depth. Daniel Ballas and others said some committees should meet less often (quarterly or ad hoc) so more members can participate; Daniel said he would like to continue as chair of the transportation committee and to remain an AMATS policy committee member. Several members said they want committees to be action‑oriented rather than purely report‑based.

The committee also discussed where housing policy and homelessness work belong. Carrie (assembly member) said housing policy has not become central to the housing and homelessness committee and suggested treating housing as a higher assembly priority that should have dedicated space in the committee structure. George Martinez and others noted that the Community and Economic Development Committee (CEDC) historically handled housing and land‑use policy and that the committee meets early to accommodate permitting staff.

Members identified several specific leadership needs: a co‑chair or chair for the budget committee and a new chair for the legislative committee (Anna said she intends to step back from legislative committee leadership at the end of the session). Several members volunteered or said they would remain on committees: Daniel (transportation and AMATS), Scott Myers (CDEC/CEDC and legislative topics), Keith McCormack (public health and safety, housing/homelessness), and others.

Chair Christopher Constant and staff asked members to send the clerk their committee preferences; if members do not respond, leadership will proceed with assignments. Committee membership does not prevent members from attending other committees' public meetings, and some bodies (AMATS) have formal membership rules.

Why it matters: Committee assignments determine where the assembly shapes policy, holds staff accountable and prepares ordinances. The placement of housing work affects which staff and consultants are engaged, the timing of reviews and how the assembly coordinates on housing, homelessness and land use.