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House adopts new rules tightening decorum amid objections that change could curb speech
Summary
The Montana House approved House Resolution 1 adopting session rules that add a progressive disciplinary process for breaches of decorum. Supporters framed the changes as clarifying expectations; opponents said the rules risked silencing dissent and may conflict with the Montana Constitution. The measure passed second reading 58-42.
Representative Jay Fitzpatrick sponsored House Resolution 1, a package of rules for the chamber that includes a new definition of decorum, a progressive discipline process for violations, restrictions on intern access, an ethics complaint procedure adapted from the Senate rules, and language limiting off-topic remarks during second reading.
Fitzpatrick said the changes primarily clarify conduct that has been problematic in past sessions and provide a step-by-step disciplinary process: a warning for a first offense, a floor-recognition suspension of up to three days for a second offense, and…
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