Committee approves rule change removing requirement to print members’ addresses in rulebook

The Legislative Rules Committee voted to amend joint rule 602 to remove the requirement that members’ names, addresses and phone numbers be printed in the hard-bound rulebook. The change follows recent decisions to strip addresses from the online rulebook's digital copy and concerns about members’ safety and privacy.

Emily of Legislative Council explained that while digital rulebooks remain the official, living copy, the printed rulebook currently contains names, addresses and telephone numbers for members and staff. After recent high-profile incidents in other states, addresses were already removed from the digital copy; the committee’s amendment removes the printing requirement so Legislative Council retains flexibility to omit personal addresses in printed copies. Emily said the committee could instead state that printed rules must be made available upon request rather than specify an exact number of copies.

Committee members discussed accessibility for members who prefer paper copies and options to reduce the total number printed; several suggested allowing legislators to opt in for printed copies. On a recorded vote the committee approved the revised rule language. Staff will draft the final text for inclusion in the rules packet and incorporate any follow-up language on the number of printed rulebooks as directed by the committee.

The committee also earlier adjusted the required number of distributed journals in standing rules (House and Senate rules 204) to account for the possible statutory change to State Library deposits. Both actions aim to balance member privacy, public access, and prudent use of state resources.