House panel approves committee substitute for HR 7, changes house rules and committee structure

Representative Alex Riley, the sponsor and a state representative from the 130 Fourth District, presented a package of proposed changes to House rules and a House Committee Substitute for HR 7 during the Committee on Consent and House Procedure on Jan. 8.

Riley said the changes are intended to let committees and members “hit the ground running,” and described several substantive edits: removing committee bill slot limits and the 20‑bill filing cap; requiring distribution of amendments to the amendment before a member may be inquired of or speak on the bill or underlying amendment; requiring that amendments to an amendment be germane to the underlying amendment; and cutting third‑reading speaking time on House bills from 10 minutes to five minutes. He also said the committee substitute alters standing committee organization, reducing the total number of standing committees and adding a Commerce Committee.

The nut graf: The committee approved the substitute by roll call after extended discussion, 7 ayes to 2 nos. Supporters said the package will let more bills proceed and reduce end‑of‑session omnibus practices; opponents and some members of both parties raised concerns about possible limits on members’ ability to offer…