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House Rules committee holds resolution to let sponsors attach 500‑word statements to bill files
Summary
A proposed rule to allow sponsors to post a 500‑word “sponsor statement” on bill files was held after committee members raised concerns it could be treated as intent language or appear too official; the motion to hold passed 4–3.
The House Rules Standing Committee on Jan. 31, 2025, debated House Joint Resolution 1, a proposal from Representative Thurston that would allow bill sponsors to attach a 500‑word statement to a bill’s online file explaining what the bill does, why it was introduced and where it came from. Representative Thurston presented the resolution and described it as a tool to help both legislators and the public quickly understand legislation.
The measure would not alter bill text, Representative Thurston said; instead the sponsor statement would appear as a separate, side‑linked document on the bill page and would be limited to 500 words and required to be “factually correct.” The sponsor noted the statement is…
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