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Rules committee recommends HJR 1 to let LRGC open bill files and allow cross‑house cosponsorship
Summary
The committee recommended first substitute HJR 1 unanimously; the joint rules changes permit Legislative Research and General Counsel to open bill files for constitutional joint resolutions and remove a barrier to cosponsoring bills in the opposite house.
The House Rules Standing Committee unanimously favorably recommended the first substitute to House Joint Resolution 1, which aligns joint rules with recent house rule clarifications and includes two practical changes for sponsors and staff.
Representative Dunnegan, sponsor of the first substitute, said the amendment authorizes Legislative Research and General Counsel (LRGC) to open a bill file automatically when a constitutional joint resolution is filed so sponsors are not later contacted to begin follow‑up work. "If you're requesting a constitutional joint resolution, you're also authorizing LRGC to open up this, a bill file as needed," he said.
The first substitute also strikes language that had prevented a legislator from cosponsoring legislation in the opposite chamber; Dunnegan told the committee the system can now accommodate cross‑house cosponsors. Committee members did not request further clarification and there was no public comment on the measure.
Outcome: The committee moved and favorably recommended the first substitute to HJR 1 by voice vote; the motion passed unanimously. The sponsor waived summation and the measures were sent to the House third‑reading calendar.
