Committee asks staff to draft multiple rule updates, including workload definition and rules effective dates

Megan Bollin, legislative counsel, presented a list of potential rule changes for the committee to consider, including clarifying how to treat multiple minority parties, establishing a default effective date for rules resolutions, and revisiting the statutory definition of "increased workload." Bollin said one proposal would make the default effective date for rules the same as legislation (60 days after the session) unless sponsors specify an immediate effective date; staff noted that immediate changes sometimes require IT and database updates and a delayed default helps implementation. “When a rules resolution passes mid session ... we typically have to request a delayed effective date in order to have time to implement that,” Bollin said. On workload, Bollin explained that bills creating boards or placing duties on legislative members or staff are held for prioritization; members asked whether the current statutory definition is too broad. Senator Escamilla and Representative Wilcox suggested narrowing the definition so that only bills with substantial, quantifiable workload implications are held. The list also included housekeeping items such as automatic opening of companion bill files for proposed constitutional amendments when staff determine an implementing bill will be necessary, and minor process clarifications about committee motions and sponsor notifications. Committee members voiced support for several items and asked staff to prepare concrete draft language for the next meeting. No rule changes were adopted at the Aug. 22 meeting.