Committee recommends amended rule change on committee reports and referrals (Resolution 2026‑05)

The Assembly of Delegates' standing committee on governmental affairs and rules recommended to the full assembly an amended change to the Manual of Governance and Procedure aimed at clarifying how and when a committee delivers a final report on proposed ordinances and resolutions.

Sponsor Delegate Killian said his objective is to ensure committee review produces thoroughly vetted proposals before referral. "My goal here is is 2 objectives. 1 is to give the committees more responsibility to ensure that what they review is done thoroughly and that there is a majority in agreement with what goes forth," Killian said, describing the rationale for the proposed change.

Committee members debated whether the language would prevent the full assembly from hearing items a committee judged unfavorable. Several delegates noted legislative practice where committees can report unfavorably yet still transmit items to the floor. The clerk explained that, under current rules, committees can issue partial reports, retain items in committee, or the full assembly can later move to discharge an item.

To clarify the text, the committee adopted an amendment to change the phrase to read that "the committee submits its final report, which has been affirmatively approved by a majority of the voting members." Delegates discussed the meaning of "affirmatively approved" — whether it requires a majority of the full committee membership, a majority of those present, or other quorum considerations. The clerk noted that quorum rules and the possibility of abstentions affect how majorities are counted under current practice.

Following the amendment's adoption, the committee voted 5‑0 to recommend Resolution 2026‑05 as amended to the full assembly. The chair said the item will appear on the assembly docket for Aug. 5 for a full hearing and potential floor amendments.