precedents - 57th oklahoma legislature (2019-2020) · precedents of the oklahoma house of...
TRANSCRIPT
PRECEDENTS
OF THE
OKLAHOMA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE PRECEDENTS, 50TH - 57TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURES
(2005-2019)
STARE DECISIS ET NON QUIETA MOVERE
Compiled by C.J. Cavin, Parliamentarian of the House and Emily Giles, Interim Clerk of the House
173
CITATION FORMAT:
Prec. Okla. H. of Rep., § 8.14(2.), 55th Leg., 1st Reg. Sess. (April 23, 2015).
Prec. Okla. H. of Rep., § 9.2(27.), 55th Leg., 2nd Reg. Sess. (March 7, 2016).
175
HOUSE PRECEDENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page PREFACE................................................................................................................190
RULE FOUR MEMBERS
§4.4-1DisciplineDeterminedbyHouseof Representatives....................................................................195
RULE SIX
BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS §6.1-1FormofTitleduringStagesofLegislation....................197§6.2-1MeasuresIntroducedbySpeakerandPresident ProTemafterRegularLegislativeDeadlines,
PresumptionofEmergencyCircumstances....200§6.4-1AppropriationShellBillsExemptedfromEight-BillLimit
...........................................................................................................201§6.4-2BillsinExcessofEight-BillLimitScheduledon FloorAgendaPresumedtobeAuthorizedby Speaker.......................................................................................202
Table of Contents – House Precedents
176
§6.6-1ConsiderationofMeasureswithPendingPrincipalSenateAuthor....................................................................204
§6.8-1BillUnavailablefor“FurtherConsideration” AfterFinalActionOccurs...............................................205§6.8-2VetobyGovernornotFinalAction.................................207§6.8-3BillReceivingFinalActionMayNotBeOfferedas
InstructionstoConferenceCommittee...........209§6.8-4MotiontoRescindMayNotBeUsedtoAvoidFinal
Action.......................................................................................210§6.8-5FailureofMotiontoAdoptConferenceCommittee
ReportNotFinalAction..............................................211§6.8-6Failed“DoPass”MotioninCommitteeNotFinalAction
.......................................................................................................212§6.11-1ChaircannotDeterminewhetherBillContainsFeeor
Tax..............................................................................................214§6.11-2MajorityRequirementnotAnnouncedunless
MeasureisDesignatedasRevenue-raising........... .......................................................................................................215§6.11-3QuestionsDirectedtoMajorityFloorLeaderasto
whetherBillisRevenue-raisingNotinOrder...... .......................................................................................................217
RULE SEVEN
COMMITTEES §7.3-1CognizanceofConveningTimesof CommitteesnotTakenby PresidingOfficer........................................................... 221§7.4-1CognizanceofCommitteeProceduresby PresidingOfficer........................................................... 222§7.11-1FiscalImpactStatements........................................... 224
Table of Contents – House Precedents
177
§7.11-3AvailabilityofFiscalAnalysisinSecond SessionofLegislature.......................................... 225§7.11-4NoRequirementforBillSummaryfor AppropriationMeasures................................... 226§7.11-6DeterminationofNeedforFiscal SummarytoAccompanyMeasure............ 227§7.11-7FormattingofBillSummaryIrrelevant ifFiscalAnalysisPresent................................... 229§7.11-8PotentialConstitutionalDefectNot RelevanttoAccuracyofFiscalImpact Analysis.......................................................................... 229§7.19-1GermanenessofCCRDeterminedon BasisofSubjectMatter,NotTitleof Law.................................................................................... 231§7.19-2GermanenessofCCRNotOpento QuestionOnceDebateinProgress............. 232§7.19-3NoRestrictiononNewLanguage InCCRs........................................................................... 233§7.19-4GermanenessRequirement ApplicableOnlytoHouseCCRs.................... 235§7.19-5NoRequirementtoRepublish
SenateAmendments(SAs)PriortoUnanticipatedMotiontoReject....................................................... 236
§7.20-1DeterminationofNeedforFiscal SummarytoAccompanyConference CommitteeReport(CCR).................................. 238§7.20-2BillSummariesNotRequiredfor Senate..ConferenceCommitteeReports 240§7.22-1NoRequirementBeyond SimpleMajoritytoAdoptSpecialRule.... 242§7.22-2SpecialRuleMayBe AppliedtoMoreThanOneMeasure........ 243
Table of Contents – House Precedents
178
RULE EIGHT ORDER OF BUSINESS AND LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
CHAPTER B. BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS ON GENERAL ORDER
§8.5-1 ReferencingDiscussioninCommittee DuringFloorConsideration............................ 247§8.6-1 RecommendationofRulesCommittee andMotiontoStrikeTitle................................. 248§8.6-3 TitleStrickenPriortoFloor Consideration............................................................ 250§8.6-4 AmendmentLackingSubstantive ChangeOutofOrder............................................. 251§8.6-5 AmendmentsOfferedtoUntimelyFiled MainFloorAmendments.................................. 253§8.6-5.A AdditionalUntimelyMainFloor AmendmentsOfferedAfterFirst RuleSuspension...................................................... 255§8.6-6 VerbalizationofMotiontoStrikeTitle byAppropriationsChair.................................... 258§8.6-7 AuthoritytoStrikeTitleonRetirement MeasuresAffectingRevenue.......................... 259§8.6-8 AuthorityofChairtoOfferAmendment toStrikeTitleRegardlessofStatements PublishedinBillSummary............................... 260 §8.7-2 OrderofPresentationofFloor Amendments............................................................. 261§8.7-3 AmendmentofLanguagePreviously AmendedProhibited............................................ 262§8.7-5 PresentationofFloorAmendmentby MemberotherthanAuthorof Amendment................................................................ 264§8.8-1 ProposedAmendmentNotFloor
Table of Contents – House Precedents
179
SubstituteifaSectionofMeasurein QuestionRemainsafterAdoption ofAmendment.......................................................... 266§8.8-2. ProposedSenateAmendments(SAs) PresentedinFormofFloorSubstitutenot
ProhibitedbySection8.8ofHouse Rules................................................................................. 267§8.9-1 AmendmentsOfferedtoaProposed MainAmendmenttoaGeneral AppropriationBill.................................................. 268§8.10-2 DeterminationofNeedforFiscalSum- marytoAccompanyFloorAmend- ment................................................................................. 270§8.11-1 GermanenessofCommitteeAmend- ments............................................................................... 273§8.11-2 GermanenessofMotiontoReject SenateAmendments............................................ 274§8.11-3 GermanenessofFloorAmendment OfferedtoProposedConstitutional Amendment................................................................ 275§8.11-4 GermanenessofLegislationItself.................... 277§8.11-5 ControllingFactorofGermanenessis SubjectMatter........................................................... 278§8.11-6 MethodofDeterminingGermaneness ofFloorAmendments......................................... 279§8.11-7 ProposedAmendmentContainingOnly EmergencyClauseGermanetoSubject ofMeasure................................................................... 281§8.12-1 ImproperFloorAmendments............................ 284§8.12-2 FloorAmendmentsMirroringHouse BillsinPossessionofSenate........................... 285§8.12-3 HouseRule8.12NotApplicableto ConferenceCommitteeSubstitutes........... 286
Table of Contents – House Precedents
180
§8.14-1MotiontoCommitAfterThirdReading Deadline...................................................................... 288§8.14-2UnlessInstructionsSubmitted,Motion
..toCommitUnderstoodtobeWithoutInstructions.............................................................. 289
§8.16-1RecognitionforDebateAfterThird Reading........................................................................ 290§8.16-1.A DebateinOppositionPermittedEven ifDebateinFavorNotRequested............. 292§8.18-1 RequestforDebateinOppositionto EmergencyClauseMustGiveRiseto ActualDebate.......................................................... 293§8.18-2 QuestionsMustPertaintoAdoption ofEmergency.......................................................... 294§8.18-3 AppropriatenessofEmergencySection DeterminedbyHouseItself.......................... 295§8.18-4 ConsiderationofEmergencyClauseon BillErroneouslyPassedbeforeConclu- sionofAmendmentCycle.............................. 296
RULE NINE
CHAMBER PROTOCOL §9.2-2ImpugningotherMembersDuring Debate.......................................................................... 301§9.2-3InterruptionofDebateNotPermitted forMotionto‘LaytheBillOver’.................. 303§9.2-4 PointofOrderPertainingtoanAmend- mentmustbeRaisedbeforeAmendment isAdopted.................................................................... 304§9.2-6 RegulationofQuestionsandAnswers.......... 305§9.2-7 PresidingOfficerMayDeferRulingon PointofOrder............................................................ 308
Table of Contents – House Precedents
181
§9.2-8 TemporaryPostponementforReview ofAmendmentNotPreviouslyDistri- buted................................................................................ 310§9.2-9 ImpugningNonmembersinDebate.............. 310§9.2-10 PointofOrderMustBeRaisedin TimelyManner......................................................... 312§9.2-12 DelayorObstructionofBusiness..................... 315§9.2-13 MemberNotRequiredtoExplain MotionorYieldtoQuestions.......................... 318§9.2-14 PresidingOfficerMayPutQuestionof OrderDirectlytoVoteoftheHouse.......... 319§9.2-15 ProposedActioninConflictwith HouseRuleTreatedasDilatory Motion............................................................................. 320§9.2-16 MemberPermittedtoExplainPurpose forMotiontoSuspendRules.......................... 324§9.2-17 PrerogativeofChairtoDetermine OrderofRecognition............................................ 325§9.2-18 AppellantNotPermittedto
YieldtoQuestionsatConclusionof ExplanationofAppeal......................................... 326
§9.2-19 RecognitionofQuestionsafter DebateRequestedisQuestionof
OrderforPresidingOfficer.............................. 328§9.2-20 SecondAppealonSameQuestionPreviously DecidedConsideredDilatory......................... 329§9.2-21 PresenceofOtherMembersatDaisduring StatementofAppealnotPermissible....... 331§9.2-22UseofPropsandExhibitsduring PresentationofBills.............................................. 331§9.2-23PresidingOfficerwillnotEntertain QuestionsDirectedtoMemberProposing
MotiontoLimitDebate....................................... 332
Table of Contents – House Precedents
182
§9.2-24.RulingofChairnotSubjecttoAppeal duringVote.................................................................. 333§9.2-25.ReferencetoPersonsinGalleryduring Questions,AnswersandDebate.................. 336§9.2-26.PresidingOfficerdoesnotCustomarily SolicitQuestionsduringPresentation ofBill................................................................................. 337§9.2-27.NotPermissibleforPresidingOfficerto DetermineExistenceofMultiple SubjectsinBill........................................................... 338§9.2-28 AuthorityofChairtoDeterminetheDilatory
ActionsofaMember.................................................. 339§9.3-1 PresidingOfficerdoesnotDeterminewhether AmendmentsAreGermanePriortoFloor Consideration............................................................ 342§9.4-1 DebateMayBeExtendedbutNot Limited........................................................................... 343§9.4-2 DebateNotinProgressUntilFirst MemberRecognized............................................ 344§9.4-3 MotiontoExtendDebateImmediately afterAdoptionofMotiontoLimit DebateNotinOrder.............................................. 346§9.4-4 DebateMustbeConfinedtoSideof QuestionRequestedbyDebating Member......................................................................... 347§9.4-5 DebateMustbeConfinedtotheMerits oftheMeasureUnderConsiderationandthe
PresidingOfficerhastheAuthoritytoInterruptMembersDuringDebate................................... 349
§9.5-1 ResignationSpeechPermittedasPointof PersonalPrivilege................................................... 351§9.6-1 MembersPresentinChamberButNot VotingMayBeNamedUponClosing
Table of Contents – House Precedents
183
ofVote............................................................................. 353§9.6-2 CorrectionofVoteMistakenlyCaston BehalfofMember................................................... 357§9.6-3 DivisionoftheQuestion.......................................... 358§9.7-1 PointofOrderMustPertaintoVote ItselfOnceVoteisOpen...................................... 360§9.7-2 MotiontoTableNotinOrderOnce VoteisOrdered........................................................ 361§9.8-1 PreviousQuestionApplicableOnly toImmediatelyPendingQuestion.............. 362§9.8-2 RecognitionofPreviousQuestion afterAdoptionofMotiontoAdvance Question........................................................................ 363§9.9-1 AdoptionofMotiontoAdvanceQuestion MustHaveaProceduralEffect...................... 366§9.10-1 ElectronicAvailabilityuponMotionto Reconsider................................................................... 368§9.10-2 ConsiderationofOtherBusinessPrior toReconsiderationNotice............................. 369§9.10-3 NoticetoReconsiderMeasureItselfMay NotBeLodgedOnceEmergencyis UnderConsideration......................................... 370§9.10-4 UseandDistinctionofMotionto Rescind........................................................................ 372§9.10-5 MotiontoReconsiderMustBeEx- haustedPriortoUseofMotionto Rescind........................................................................ 374§9.10-6 PrincipalAuthorFavoredtoLodge NoticeofReconsideration............................. 376§9.10-7 MainQuestionOpentoDebate uponReconsideration...................................... 379§9.10-8 FinalActionStayedUntilConclusion ofReconsiderationPeriod............................. 380
Table of Contents – House Precedents
184
§9.10-9 MotiontoReconsiderOfferedImmed- iatelyNotItemofNewBusiness................ 382§9.10-10 NoRequirementtoLodgeNotice whenMotiontoReconsiderOffered ImmediatelyafterFinalPassage............... 384§9.10-11 NoticeisLodgedonImmediatelyDisposedof Motion............................................................................... 385§9.11-1 VetoOverrideMotionSubjecttoMotion toLayonTable....................................................... 387§9.12-1 MemberMustPersonallyAnswer QuorumCall............................................................. 388
RULE TEN
MOTIONS §10-2 NoRequirementforFiscalImpactState- mentforOtherMotions..................................... 391§10-3 RenewalofMotiontoAdvancefrom GeneralOrder............................................................ 392§10-4 RenewalofMotiontoSuspendHouse Rules................................................................................. 394§10-5 TimingofObjectiontoConsideration ofQuestion................................................................... 395§10-6 IdenticalAmendmentOfferedtoMore ThanOneMeasure................................................. 396§10-7 PointofOrderYieldstoMotionshaving Higher..PrecedencethanMotionOutof whichPointofOrderArose............................. 397§10.1-3 RenewalofMotiontoAdoptSenate AmendmentsonSubsequentLegis- lativeDay...................................................................... 400§10.1-4 VoteonFailedMotiontoAdopt(JCR) MayBeRescinded.................................................. 403
Table of Contents – House Precedents
185
§10.4-2 WithdrawalofAmendmentafterAdoption ofMotiontoReconsiderAmendment..... 405§10.4-3 WithdrawalofMotiontoReconsider PriortoActionorDebate.................................. 407§10.4-4 WithdrawalofMeasureItselfduring ConsiderationofanAmendment................ 410§10.4-5 AbilitytoWithdrawMeasureupon SuccessfulReconsiderationofMeasure. 411§10.4-6 AuthorMayWithdrawMeasureduring Author’sDebate....................................................... 412§10.4-7 WithdrawalofMeasureafterFailed MotiontoAdoptJointCommittee Report(JCR)............................................................... 414§10.4-8 WithdrawalofMeasureafterFailedMotion toAdoptConferenceCommittee Report(CCR).............................................................. 416§10.4-9 ReturntoSameProceduralPointwhere PreviousConsiderationCeased................... 424
RULE TWELVE
ADJOURNMENT OR RECESS §12.3-1 EarlySineDieAdjournmentDetermined byHouse....................................................................... 427
RULE FOURTEEN
RULES §14.1-1 PreviousRuleSuspensionStillEffect- iveAfterTemporaryPostponement ofQuestion................................................................... 429§14.1-2 ApplicabilityofRuleSuspensionover MultipleDays........................................................ 430
Table of Contents – House Precedents
186
§14.1-3 QualifiedMotiontoSuspendRulesin Order........................................................................... 432§14.1-4 MotionstoSuspendRulestoAllowfor AmendmentstoSenateAmendmentsNotin Order........................................................................... 433§14.2-3 HouseRulesPrevailinConflictwith ParliamentaryAuthority.............................. 435§14.2-4 AuthorityandEffectofHouse Precedents.............................................................. 437
JOINT RULE THREE
AVAILABILITY OF LEGISLATION (JointRule)3-1LayoverRequirementApplic- abletoSenateAmendments(SAs).................... 440(JointRule)3-2LayoverRequirementNot ApplicabletoMotiontoRejectwith Instructions......................................................................... 441
JOINT RULE FOUR
JOINT COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS AND BUDGET (JointRule)4.4-1ModificationofMeeting NoticeRequirement..................................................... 443(JointRule)4.4-2QuestionofProperNoticeof CommitteeMeetingNottobeRaised ProspectivelyonHouseFloorbutrather withChairatTimeofCommitteeMeeting... 446(JointRule)4.11-1CognizanceofJurisdictional QuestionbytheChair.................................................. 447(JointRule)4.11-2JCABBillsmusthaveFiscal ImpactDiscernableinWrittenAnalysis........ 449
Table of Contents – House Precedents
187
(JointRule)4.14-1ConsiderationofJCABBillbySectionOutofOrderduetoProhibitionagainstFloorAmendments.................................... 450
JOINT RULE FIVE
CONFERENCE COMMITTEES (JointRule)5.1-1RejectionofSenateAmend- ments(SAs)notPermittedAfterInternal HouseDeadline................................................................ 453
JOINT RULE EIGHT
ADOPTION, AMENDMENT OR SUSPENSION OF JOINT RULES
(JointRule)8-1ChairwillnotTakeCognizanceof WhetherSenateisConvenedWhen EntertainingMotiontoSuspend JointRules............................................................................... 457
Table of Contents – House Precedents
188
GENERAL PRECEDENTS
GP-1 MeasureLackingExpressEffectiveDate.... 459GP-2 PossessionbyHouseRequiredbefore FinalVoteonBillmaybeRescinded.... 460GP-3 ModificationofVoteNotPermitted afterResultAnnouncedbyPresiding Officer......................................................................... 462GP-4 SuccessfulMotiontoTableAmendment SimilarinEffecttoFinalAction................ 463
ORGANIZATIONAL PRECEDENTS
ORGANIZATION OF THE HOUSE
OP-1 UntilQuorumEstablishedQuestions notDirectlyRelatedOutofOrder.......... 465OP-2 AppealofChairnotRecognizedbefore HouseFormallySeated................................. 468OP-3 ConstitutionalityofMotionAuthorizing PostageandSupplieson “OrganizationalDay”....................................... 472
ADOPTION OF HOUSE RULES
OP-4 AdoptionofHouseRules........................................ 474OP-5 RelianceonGeneralParliamentaryLaw PriortoAdoptionofHouseRules.......... 485OP-6 MotiontoExtendDebatenotinOrder ImmediatelyAfterAdoptionofMotion toLimitDebate.................................................... 486OP-7 ConsiderationofProposedHouseRules onSameDayasIntroduction.................... 488
Table of Contents – House Precedents
189
OP-8 ElectronicPublicationofAmendments PriortoAdoptionofHouseRules.......... 491OP-9 FloorAmendmentsPresentedto HousePublishedinHouseJournal.......... 492APPENDIXA:Codified,Discarded,Modified,or OverruledHousePrecedents................................... 495 INDEX ................................................................................................. 515
190
Preface Priorto2002,thepresidingofficersoftheOklahomaHouseofRepresentativessimplyreliedon“institutionalmemory”whenmakingtheirrulingsonquestionsoforder.Specifically,itwastheunwrittencustomsandprecedentsoftheHousethatthepresidingofficerlookedtoforguidance.Astimepassed,thenumberof“rulings”toberecalledincreasedsignificantly,makingitdifficultforthepresidingofficerstorememberandaccuratelyapplythe“precedents”oftheHouse.InthecourseoftheForty-EighthOklahomaLegislature,RepresentativeFredMorganofOklahomaCityofferedamotion,which,asadopted,requiredtheChiefClerktorecordallrulingsoftheChairbasedon“Houseprecedent.”Forthefirsttime,theOklahomaHouseofRepresentativesbegantoformallynotetheparliamentaryrulingsmadeonsuchabasis.DuringtheForty-NinthOklahomaLegislature,theChiefClerk’sofficecompiledacollectionof“pointsoforder”and“rulingsbytheChair.”TheproceduralrulesadoptedbytheHouseatthebeginningoftheFiftiethOklahomaLegislatureexplicitlycalledfora“bookofprecedents”providingthat“theSpeakermaypublish…substantiverulingsinavolumeofprecedents.”TherulesoftheHouseadoptedfortheFifty-SixthOklahomaLegislatureandpresentlyineffectsaythat“theSpeakershallpublish…substantiverulingsinavolumeofprecedents”.IntheOklahomaHouse,aprecedentmayariseinoneofthreeways:(1)therulingsordecisionsoftheSpeakerarisingfromapointoforderorapointofinquiry;(2)thedecisionsorconclusionsmadebytheHouseitselfonaquestion;and(3)precedentssubsilentio.Precedentsofthethirdtypecouldariseinthecaseofsomepracticeorprocedurebeingfollowed
Preface – House Precedents
191
bytheHouseasamatterofcourseandwithoutobjection.Fromthepointofviewofthemembersandthepublic,themostvisibleprecedentsarethose,whichresultfromaninterpretationoftheHouserulesbythepresidingofficerinthecourseofrulingonapointoforder.Theformatfortheheadingofeachprecedentistypicallypresentedasfollows:first,asectionnumberfromHouserulesindicatingwhichHouseRuletheprecedentisinterpreting;second,anumberwillfollowtheHouserulesectionshowinghowmanyprecedentshavebeenmadeinterpretingthatspecificHouseRule;ifneeded,theprecedentnumberwillbefollowedbyaletterindicatingwhetherthatprecedentitselfisinterpretinganearlierprecedentpreviouslypublishedbytheHouse;next,eachprecedentwillincludetheyearinwhichtheprecedentwaspublishedandfinally,theheadingwillincludeadescriptivephraseindicatingthesubjectmatteroftheprecedent.Customarily,thebodyoftheprecedentconsistsofthefollowing:thefirstparagraphwillcontaineitherthefullHouseruleorasufficientportionoftheHouseruletoallowthereadertoeasilycomprehendwhatlanguageintheruleisbeinginterpreted;followingthe“rule”paragraph,thenextparagraphwillcontainthehistoryoftheruling;followingthe“history”paragraph,thenextparagraphwillprovidetheactualrulingorprecedent;andfinally,ifappropriate,thereasoningbehindtherulingwillbeprovidedwithsufficientdetailtoguideafuturepresidingofficerfacedwiththesameorsimilarcircumstances.Ifavailable,aHouseprecedentwillincludecitationtotheHouseJournalaswellascitationtotheaudioorvideorecordingcreatedbytheHouseeachday.BeginningwiththeFifty-SixthOklahomaLegislature,anewcategoryofprecedentscalled“organizationalprecedents”hasbeenincludedamongthepublishedHouseprecedents.The
Legislative Manual
192
intentofthisnewlydefinedcategoryofprecedentsistorecordrulingsmadeinthecourseof“organizing”theHouseatthebeginningofabienniumaswellasrecordrulingsmadepriortotheadoptionofHouserules.Thepurposeofthe“bookofprecedents”istoreinforcetheruleoflawthroughadherencetothetime-honoredcommonlawprincipleofstaredecisis–quiteliterally,“tostandbythatwhichisalreadydecided”.
193
PRECEDENTS for
RULE ONE DUTIES AND RIGHTS
OF THE SPEAKER
§ 1.2 PRESERVATION OF ORDER AND DECORUM
1.2 - 1. (2010) Distribution of Literature on House
Floor1
1Codified:seeSection11.3ofHouseRulesfor53rdthrough55thOklahomaLegislatures(2011-2016)andSection11.2ofHouseRulesfor56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018).
195
PRECEDENTS for
RULE FOUR MEMBERS
§ 4.4 DECORUM 4.4 – 1. (2011) Discipline Determined by House
of Representatives Rule – HouseRule4.4,paragraph(d)states: Profane, obscene or indecent language is prohibited in the House and in all committees and subcommittees of the House. History – RepresentativeOrtegamovedthatRepresentativeTerrillbepubliclyreprimandedforthecommentsmadeintheofficeoftheMajorityFloorLeader. RepresentativeRitzeraisedapointoforderstatingthatpursuanttoHouseRule4.4themotionwasoutoforder.Thepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltakenandthemotiontobeinorder.
House Precedents
196
RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointofinquirypursuanttoHouseRule4.4,paragraph(c)astowhetherspeechwithinprivateHouseofficesisactionable.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatitwasuptotheHousetodeterminewhethertoreprimandamemberandruledtheobjectionoutoforder. RepresentativeBlackwellraisedapointofinquiryastowhetheranyconductorspeechintheHouseofficeswouldbesubjecttoreprimandontheHousefloor.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatitwouldbeuptotheHousetodetermine.1Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatthequestionofwhetherornottodisciplineamemberforconductorspeechistobedeterminedbytheHouseofRepresentatives.
1Okla.H.Jour.,57753rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March14,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,MotiontoReprimand,03:23:05-03:37:06(March14,2011);Okla.H.Jour.,578,57953rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March14,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,MotiontoReprimand,03:37:11-04:11:47(March14,2011);seealsoOKCONSTV,30;Okla.H.Jour.,1195,119653rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May2,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,MotiontoReprimand,01:53:48-02:00:25(May2,2011);Okla.H.Jour.,1242,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May13,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,locatedwithinvideorecordofHB1313,01:25:11-01:35:37(May13,2013).
197
PRECEDENTS for
RULE SIX BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
§ 6.1 DEFINITION OF THE TERM “BILL” 6.1 - 1. (2009) Form of Title during Stages of
Legislation Rule –HouseRule6.1statesinpart: The term “bill”, as used in these Rules, shall mean proposed legislation which in order to become law must pass through the Legislature according to the procedures established by the Oklahoma Constitution… History –WhileHouseBill1958wasunderconsideration,SpeakerBengemovedtoamendHouseBill1958byadoptingafloorsubstituteinlieuofthebill.RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwasinordertoconsiderthefloorsubstitutebecauseifadopted,thebillasamended
House Precedents
198
wouldnotmeetthedefinitionofabillasestablishedinHouseRule6.1.Specifically,ifadopted,thefloorsubstitutewouldnothaveacompletetitlerenderingitconstitutionallydefectiveandoutoforderfortheHousetoconsider. ThepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltakenandstatedthatthefloorsubstitutedidconformtothedefinitionofabillasprovidedinHouseRule6.1andthatitwouldbeappropriatefortheHousetoconsiderwhethertoadopttheamendment.1Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatasubstituteamendmentlackingacompletetitledoesnotviolateHouseRule6.1andmaybeconsideredbytheHouse.Reasoning –Indefiningtheterm“bill”inHouseRule6.1,therulealludestothefactthatthereareconstitutionalproceduresthatmustbefollowedinorderforproposedlegislationtobecomelaw.Impliedinthephrase“proceduresestablishedbytheOklahomaConstitution”istheideathattobeconstitutionallysoundabillmusthaveafulltitle.2ArticleV,Section57saysinrelevantpart: Every act of the Legislature shall embrace but one subject, which shall clearly be expressed in its title… WhenSection57usestheterm“act”,itisspeakingofproposedlegislationthathasproceededthroughtherequiredstagesof
1Okla.H.Jour.,721,722,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March3,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:29,1:12-7:41(March3,2009);seealso,Okla.H.Jour.,1133,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May20,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,00:32:46-00:36:40(May20,2014);inthisincident,theChairrefusedtoruleonthequestionofwhetherthetitleofthemeasurehadbeenproperlydrafted.2OKCONSTArt.V§57.
Rule 6. Precedents
199
legislationandupontheGovernor’sapproval,wouldbecomelaw.AslongasproposedlegislationpassedbytheLegislaturemeetstherequirementthat“everyactshallembrace…onesubject…clearly…expressedinitstitle”,thereisnoConstitutionalmandatethataproposedmeasurehaveaspecificformoftitleoranytitleatallasitpassesthroughthelegislativeprocess.ThemeasuremustonlypossessafulltitlewhenthemeasurehascompletelypassedthroughtherequiredstagesoflegislationandarrivesattheGovernor’sdeskforconsideration.3Onthequestionofwhatformthetitlemusthaveasameasurepassesthroughthestagesoflegislation,theapplicableconstitutionalprovisionisArticleV,Section30.Section30saysinrelevantpart,“EachHousemaydeterminetherulesofitsproceedings…”AlthoughotheradoptedHouserulesdoaddressthequestionofwhatformatitlemusthaveasameasureundergoesconsiderationintheHouseofRepresentatives,4HouseRule6.1expressesnorequirementsastotheformameasure’stitlemustpossessasitpassesthroughthestagesoflegislation,meaningthatnoviolationoftheruleoccurredwhentheHousetookupconsiderationofasubstituteamendmentthoughttobelackingafulltitle.Finally,itisnotappropriateforthepresidingofficerneithertomakeadeterminationregardingtheconstitutionalityofa
3Id.;OKCONSTArt.VI§11.4Forrequirementsattimeof“introduction”seeOkla.H.Rules,§6.4(52ndLeg.);whenreportedfromHousecommitteesseeOkla.H.Rules,§7.5(52ndLeg.);foramendmentsoftitleduringGeneralOrderseeOkla.H.Rules,§8.6(52ndLeg.).
House Precedents
200
proposedamendmentnortodeterminetheconstitutionalsufficiencyoftheamendment’stitle.5§ 6.2 FILING DEADLINES 6.2 - 1. (2014) Measures Introduced by Speaker
and President Pro Tem after Regular Legislative Deadlines, Presumption of Emergency Circumstances
Rule – HouseRule6.2,paragraph(b),subparagraph(3)states: Legislative deadlines previously agreed to by the House of Representatives shall be inapplicable to: measures authored by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and which are deemed by them to be necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety. History – DuringconsiderationofHouseBill3510,RepresentativeSherrerraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwasinordertoconsiderHouseBill3510,unlessexistenceofanemergencycouldbeestablished.ThepresidingofficerruledthatbecausetheSpeakerhadintroducedanddirectedschedulingofHouseBill3510ontheHouseFloor6,theChairwouldpresumethatconsiderationofthemeasurewasincompliancewithSection6.2(b)(3)ofHouse
5Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure518,519§729(paras.3and4)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure503§728(paras.3and4)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).6SeeOkla.H.Rules,§7.21(54thLeg.,2ndSess.).
Rule 6. Precedents
201
RulesandthatwhethertheHouseadoptedtheemergencysectionwouldbeuptotheHouseitself.7Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatwhentheSpeakerintroducesanddirectsschedulingofaHousemeasure,theChairwillpresumethatsuchameasureisincompliancewithSection6.2ofHouseRules.§ 6.4 INTRODUCTION 6.4 - 1. (2010) Appropriation Shell Bills Exempted
from Eight-Bill Limit Rule –HouseRule6.4,paragraphs(b)and(c)state:(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, no Member of the House of Representatives shall be the principal author of more than eight (8) bills or joint resolutions during a session of the Legislature. (c) The provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall not apply to:
1. bills containing appropriation matters of which the principal author is the Chair of the Appropriations and Budget Committee of the House…
History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill2350,RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderthatHouseBill2350wasnotinordertoconsiderpursuanttoHouseRule6.4,paragraph(c)becauseitlackedpublishedappropriations
7Okla.H.Jour.,1106,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May15,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB3510,00:56:05-01:00:31(May15,2014).
House Precedents
202
numberstherebyremovingitfromtheexceptiontotheeight(8)billlimitcontainedinparagraph(c).RepresentativeMorrissetterequestedthatthemeasurebewithdrawnfromconsiderationuntilspecificappropriationswerepublishedinthemeasure.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatashellbillstyledasanappropriationbillfallswithintheexceptionsenumeratedinHouseRule6.4,paragraph(c).WhileHouseBill2350didnotyetcontainactualappropriations,itwasclearlyintendedforuseasanappropriationmeasureandthereforewouldbeinorderfortheHousetoconsider.Thepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltaken.RepresentativeMorrissetteappealedtherulingofthepresidingofficerandthedecisionofthepresidingofficerwasuphelduponarollcallvote.8Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatashellbillstyledasanappropriationbillfallswithintheexceptionenumeratedinHouseRule6.4,paragraph(c)exceptingappropriationbillsauthoredbytheAppropriationsandBudgetchairpersonfromtheeight(8)billlimitation.6.4 - 2. (2014) Bills in Excess of Eight-Bill Limit
Scheduled on Floor Agenda Presumed to be Authorized by Speaker Rule –HouseRule6.4,paragraph(b)andparagraph(c),subparagraph(7)stateinrelevantpart:
8Okla.H.Jour.,402,403,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.10,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,0:47:51-1:03:15(Feb.10,2010).
Rule 6. Precedents
203
(b) No member of the House of Representatives shall be the principal author of more than eight (8) bills or joint resolutions during a session of the Legislature. (c) The provisions of paragraph (b) of this section shall not apply to: …
7. any other measure authorized by the Speaker. History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill2828,RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwasoutoforderfortheHousetoconsiderHouseBill2828,pursuanttoHouseRule6.4,paragraph(b),towhichthepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltakenpursuanttoHouseRule6.4,paragraph(c),subparagraph(7). ThepresidingofficerstatedthatwhenscheduledontheFloorAgenda,ameasureispresumedbytheChairtohavebeenauthorizedbytheSpeakerpursuanttoHouseRule6.4(c)(7).RepresentativeMorrissetteappealedtherulingofthePresidingOfficerwhichwasupheldbytheHouseuponrollcallvote.9Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatabillscheduledontheFloorAgendainexcessoftheeight-billlimitispresumedbytheChairtohavebeenauthorizedbytheSpeaker.
9Okla.H.Jour.,554,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March11,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2828,03:51:31-04:00:05(March11,2014).
House Precedents
204
§ 6.6 PRINCIPAL SENATE AUTHOR OF A HOUSE BILL OR RESOLUTION
6.6 - 1. (2010) Consideration of Measures with
Pending Principal Senate Author Rule –HouseRule6.6saysinpart:…no bill or resolution lacking a principal Senate author shall be scheduled for floor consideration… History –DuringthecourseofconsideringHouseBill2654,RepresentativeLamonsraisedapointoforderinquiringwhetherHouseBill2654wasoutoforderforconsiderationbytheHousepursuanttoHouseRule6.6becausethemeasureonitsfacedidnotreflectaSenateauthor.ThepresidingofficerstatedthattheSenateauthorwasbeingheldintheelectronicauthor/coauthorsystemandtheprincipalSenateauthorwouldbereflectedoncethemeasurehadbeenconsideredandpassedonThirdReadingandfinalpassage.Thepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltaken.10Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatameasuremaybetakenupforconsiderationontheHouseFloorwhenthemeasure’sprincipalSenateauthorhasbeendesignatedandispendingintheHouse’selectroniccoauthorsoftware.§ 6.7 PROCEDURES GOVERNING SIMPLE AND
CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS
10Okla.H.Jour.,439,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.15,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,1:33:58-1:35:32(Feb.15,2010).
Rule 6. Precedents
205
6.7 - 1. (2005) Form of Amendments11 § 6.8 FINAL ACTION 6.8 - 1. (2005) Bill Unavailable for “Further
Consideration” After Final Action Occurs Rule –HouseRule6.8,paragraph(a)statesinpart:(a) The following action shall constitute final action on any bill or resolution:
1. committee recommendation of "Do Not Pass"… History –RepresentativeHamiltonmovedtosuspendHouseRules7.11and7.13towithdrawHouseBill1699fromtheBusinessandEconomicDevelopmentCommitteeandsenditdirectlytothecalendar.ThepresidingofficerruledthemotionoutoforderpursuanttoHouseRule6.8sinceHouseBill1699wasreported“DoNotPass”fromtheBusinessandEconomicDevelopmentCommitteewhichconstitutesfinalaction.12Ruling – ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatHouseRule6.8shallbeinterpretedtomeanthat“finalactiononanybillorresolutionarisingfromacommitteerecommendationof“DoNotPass”shallresultinthatbillbeingunavailableforretrieval
11Codified:seeSection6.7,paragraphs(c)and(d)ofHouseRulesforthe53rdthrough56thOklahomaLegislatures(2011-2018).12Okla.H.Jour.,1020,50thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March17,2005);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,50thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:13,0:00-9:55(March17,2005);affirmedatOkla.H.Jour.,1542,1543,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April27,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:14,3:13-9:42(April27,2009).
House Precedents
206
outofcommitteebyanymethodincludingasuspensionofHouserules.Reasoning –Intheaboveruling,theunderlyingquestioniswhatdoes“finalaction”underHouseRule6.8trulymean.Basedontherecord,itseemstheappealingpartyinterpretedthelanguageofRule6.8(a)(1)tomeanthatbysuspendingtherule,thebillinquestioncouldmerelybewithdrawnfromcommitteeandthenproceedthroughthelegislativeprocess.Immediately,twodifficultandseriousquestionspresentthemselves;firstthequestionoffinalitywithintheHouserulesandsecondthequestionoforderlinesswithinthelegislativeprocess.WhenconsideringtheissueoffinalityonemustrememberthatwhileitistruethatmostrequirementsordirectiveswithinHouserulesmaybesuspendedbytherequisitetwo-thirdsmajorityunderHouseRule14.1(c),therearecertainactionsthatcannotbeundoneandarenotthereforesusceptibletosuspension.Rule6.8isanexampleofonesuchprovision.Oncefinalactionoccurs,thebillinquestionnolongerexists.Itisdead,finalmeansfinal.BesidesthequestionoffinalitywithinHouserules,thepresentrulingalsoimplicatesamoregeneral,yetlongstandingprincipleoforderlinesswithinthelegislativeprocess.WhencompilinghisManualofParliamentaryPracticeThomasJeffersonstated:…it is more material that there should be a rule to go by, than what that rule is; that there may be an uniformity of proceeding in business, not subject to the caprice of the Speaker, or captiousness of the members…it is very material
Rule 6. Precedents
207
that order, decency and regularity be preserved in a dignified public body.13Clearly,orderistheseminalprincipletobeobservedinallthingspertainingtothelegislativeprocess.TheideaofsuspendingtherulesinordertoresurrectabillthatmetitsendforreasonsprovidedinRule6.8,notonlyviolatesthesupremeprincipleoforder,butinfact,wouldcreatedisorderintheimmediatecaseinaverypracticalway.Specifically,wherewouldthenewlyrevivedbillappearwithinthelegislativeprocess?WhiletheappearanceofHouseBill1699ontheHousecalendarbysuspensionofRule6.8seemsinnocuousenough,theunavoidableimplicationofsuchanactionwouldbethatanybill,evenafterreceivingfinalaction,couldberesurrectedanywherewithinthelegislativecycle.Sucharesultwouldcreateunnecessarychaosinanalreadycomplexlegislativeprocess.WhilemanyrequirementsintheHouserulesmaybesuspended,itisparamountthatcertainconstraintsremainfirmlyinplacesothatorderandpredictabilitymightprevailoverchaosandconfusion.TherulingoftheChairregardingthe“finalaction”provisionofRule6.8achievesjustthat.6.8 - 2. (2008) Veto by Governor not Final Action Rule –HouseRule6.8,paragraph(a)states:The following action shall constitute final action on any bill
or resolution: 1. committee recommendation of “Do Not Pass”,
13ThomasJefferson,AManualofParliamentaryPractice2§1(WashingtonCity:S.H.Smith,1801).
House Precedents
208
2. if a motion to reconsider the vote on Third Reading or
Fourth Reading fails to prevail, 3. if a motion to table the motion to reconsider prevails, or 4. if a vote is taken on Third Reading or Fourth Reading
and no notice is served to reconsider the vote. History – RepresentativeGilbertrequestedarulingoftheChairastowhetherornot,underthetermsofHouseRule6.8,considerationofHouseBill2547bytheHousewasinorder.AccordingtoRepresentativeGilbert,themeasurecontainedthesamesubjectmatterasameasurevetoedbytheGovernorinthecourseofthepreviouslegislativesession.ThepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltakenpursuanttoHouseRule6.8becausetheRuleonlyapplieswhentheactiontakenwastodefeatameasurewithinthelegislativeprocessoftheHouseofRepresentativesandwasnotapplicableinthecaseofagubernatorialveto.Assuch,thepresidingofficerruledconsiderationofHouseBill2547inorder.RepresentativeGilbertappealedtherulingoftheChairandthedecisionofthepresidingofficerwasupheldbytheHouseuponrollcall.14Ruling – ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatvetoofameasurebytheChiefExecutivedoesnotconstitutefinalactionunderthetermsofHouseRule6.8.
14Okla.H.Jour.,678,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March6,2008);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.Track10:16,6:33-13:10(March6,2008);affirmedatOkla.H.Jour.,1593,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May4,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:27,1:29-3:09(May4,2009).
Rule 6. Precedents
209
6.8 - 3. (2009) Bill Receiving Final Action May Not Be Offered as Instructions to Conference Committee
Rule –HouseRule6.8,paragraph(a),subparagraph(1.)andparagraph(b)state:The following action shall constitute final action on any bill
or resolution: 1. committee recommendation of "Do Not Pass",
(b) If final action is such as to defeat a bill or resolution, no other bill or resolution having the same effect and covering the same specific subject matter shall be considered by the House during either session of the current Legislature. History –DuringconsiderationoftheConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill135,RepresentativeBrownmovedtorejecttheconferencecommitteereportwiththefollowinginstructions:1. Replace the existing content of the entire measure with the content of the introduced version of HB 1312 of the First Session of the Fifty-second Oklahoma Legislature; 2. Amend the dollar figure in subsection G of Section 1 of HB 1312 from Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) to Thirty-six Thousand Dollars ($36,000.00). RepresentativeSullivanraisedapointoforderstatingthatHouseBill1312hadbeenreportedoutoftheEconomicDevelopmentandFinancialServicesCommitteewitha“DoNotPass”reportandassuch,RepresentativeBrown’smotiontorejecttheconferencecommitteereportonSenateBill135withattachedinstructionswasoutoforder.Thepresidingofficerruledthepointoforderwelltakenandthemotiontoreject
House Precedents
210
withattachedinstructionsoutoforderpursuanttoHouseRule6.8,paragraph(b).15Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatabillthatpreviouslyreceivedfinalactionmaynotbeofferedasattachedinstructionstoaconferencecommittee.6.8 - 4. (2010) Motion to Rescind May Not Be
Used to Avoid Final Action Rule –HouseRule6.8,paragraph(a)statesinpart:The following action shall constitute final action on any bill or resolution:
…a motion to reconsider the vote on Third Reading or Fourth Reading [that] fails to prevail… History –RepresentativeNelsonmovedtoreconsiderthevotewherebySenateBill2207failed,whichmotionfailedofadoption.RepresentativeNelsonmovedtorescindthevotewherebythereconsiderationmotionfailed.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderstatingthatthemotiontorescindwasdilatory.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatthemotiontorescindthevotetoreconsiderwasnotinorderbecausewhenamotiontoreconsiderfailsonameasurewhichitselfpreviouslyfailed,the
15Okla.H.Jour.,1542,1543,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April27,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:14,3:13-9:42(April27,2009).
Rule 6. Precedents
211
failedmotiontoreconsiderconstitutesfinalactiononthemeasureandthereforeisnotinordertoconsiderfurther.16Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatamotiontorescindcannotbeusedtonegateanactionwhichwouldotherwiseconstitutefinalaction.6.8 - 5. (2010) Failure of Motion to Adopt
Conference Committee Report Not Final Action Rule –HouseRule6.8,paragraph(a)states:(a) The following action shall constitute final action on any bill or resolution:
1. committee recommendation of "Do Not Pass", 2. if a motion to reconsider the vote on Third Reading or Fourth Reading fails to prevail, 3. if a motion to table the motion to reconsider prevails, or 4. if a vote is taken on Third Reading or Fourth Reading and no notice is served to reconsider the vote.
History –TheConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill2033wascalledupforconsideration.RepresentativeSearsmovedthattheHouseadopttheconferencecommitteereport,whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.Laterintheday,TheConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill2033wasagaincalledupforconsideration. 16Okla.H.Jour.,1442,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April22,2010);DailyH.Sess.
VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,1:54:57-2:01:10(April22,2010).
House Precedents
212
RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointofinquiryastowhetheritwasinorderfortheHousetoproceedwithconsideringtheconferencecommitteereportagainsincethemotiontoadopttheconferencecommitteereporthadpreviouslyfailed.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatfailureofamotiontoadoptaconferencecommitteereportdidnotconstitute“finalaction”underHouseRule6.8andthereforeconsiderationofthereportwasinorder.UponmotionofRepresentativeSears,theconferencecommitteereportwasadopteduponadivisionofthequestion.17Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatfailureofamotiontoadoptaconferencecommitteereportdoesnotconstitute“finalaction”.6.8 - 6. (2013) Failed “Do Pass” Motion in
Committee Not Final Action Rule –HouseRule6.8,paragraph(a)states:(a) The following action shall constitute final action on any bill or resolution:
1. committee recommendation of "Do Not Pass", 2. if a motion to reconsider the vote on Third Reading or Fourth Reading fails to prevail,
17Okla.H.Jour.,1753,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May25,2010);Okla.H.Jour.,1772,1773,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May26,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,06:07:48-06:08:21;06:18:07-06:19:04(May26,2010).
Rule 6. Precedents
213
3. if a motion to table the motion to reconsider prevails, or 4. if a vote is taken on Third Reading or Fourth Reading and no notice is served to reconsider the vote.
History –DuringconsiderationoftheConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill2097,RepresentativeSherrerraisedapointoforderastowhethertheConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill2097wasinorderpursuanttoHouseRule8.12.RepresentativeSherrerstatedthatthelanguageintheconferencecommitteereportwassimilartothelanguagepresentinSenateBill802whichfailedinaHousecommittee.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatHouseRule8.12governsconsiderationofflooramendmentsduringtheGeneralOrderphaseofthelegislativeprocessandthattheConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill2097wasnotpresentlyonGeneralOrderandthatnoflooramendmentwaspresentlyunderconsideration.ThepresidingofficerstatedfurtherthatSenateBill802didnotreceivefinalactioninaHousecommitteebutratherunderwentafailed“DoPass”motion.Assuch,thepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltaken.18Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatfailureofa“DoPass”motioninaHousecommitteedoesnotconstitute“finalaction”.§ 6.11 REVENUE RAISING MEASURES
18Okla.H.Jour.,1321-1322,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May21,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,CCRtoSB2097,01:44:55-01:53:54(May21,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,1322,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May21,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,CCRtoSB2097,02:13:49-02:17:08(May21,2013).
House Precedents
214
6.11 - 1. (2017) Chair Cannot Determine whether Bill Contains Tax or Fee
Rule – HouseRule6.11,paragraph(c)says: The presiding officer shall not entertain points of order or points of inquiry pertaining to whether a bill or joint resolution pending before the House is a revenue-raising measure. History – DuringconsiderationofHouseBill1844,RepresentativePerrymanraisedapointoforderastowhetherHouseBill1844constitutedataxorafee,towhichthepresidingofficerruledthatpursuanttoSection6.11,paragraph(c)ofHouseRules,theChaircannotentertainpointsoforderpertainingtowhetherabillorjointresolutionpendingbeforetheHouseisarevenue-raisingmeasure. RepresentativePerrymanthenraisedapointoforderastowhethertheChairshouldannouncethemajorityrequirementforpassageofHouseBill1844,towhichthepresidingofficerrespondedandruledthatpursuanttoSection6.11,paragraph(a)ofHouseRules,abillispresumednottobearevenue-raisingmeasureunlessithasbeendesignatedasarevenue-raisingmeasurebytheMajorityFloorLeader.19Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthattheprohibitionagainstentertainingpointsoforderastowhetherabillisarevenue-raisingmeasurealsoprecludestheChairfromdeterminingwhetherabillcontainsafeeoratax.
19Okla.H.Jour.,520,56thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March7,2017);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,56thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1844,04:01:53-04:05:08(March7,2017).
Rule 6. Precedents
215
Reasoning –Whetherameasurecontainsafeeoratax20isfundamentaltowhetherthebillfallswithinthepurviewofArticleV,Section33oftheOklahomaConstitution,theconstitutionalprovisionthatprovidesthespecificproceduralrequirementsforconsideringrevenue-raisinglegislation.21 Paragraph(c)ofSection6.11ofHouseRulesprohibitsthepresidingofficerfromentertainingpointsoforderastowhetherabillorjointresolutionisarevenue-raisingmeasure.WhenadoptingSection6.11initsrules,theHouseessentiallydecidedthatitdidnotwishforitspresidingofficerstowadeintothehighlytechnicalandpoliticallyfraughttaskofdeterminingwhetherornotaparticularbillwasarevenue-raisingmeasure. Forthepresidingofficertoberesponsivetoarequesttodeterminetheexistenceofataxversusafeeinapendingmeasurewouldbetoessentiallyenterintoadeterminationofwhetherornotthependingbillwasarevenue-raisingmeasurewhichisprohibitedbySection6.11,paragraph(c)ofHouseRules.6.11 - 2. (2017) Majority Requirement not Announced unless Measure is Designated as Revenue-raising Rule – HouseRule6.11,paragraph(c)says: The presiding officer shall not entertain points of order or points of inquiry pertaining to whether a bill or joint resolution pending before the House is a revenue-raising measure.
20Naifehv.Stateexrel.OklahomaTaxCommission,400P.3d759(2017). 21OKCONSTV,33,asamendedbyStateQuestionNo.640,March10,1992.
House Precedents
216
History – DuringconsiderationofHouseBill1844,RepresentativePerrymanraisedapointoforderastowhetherHouseBill1844constitutedataxorafee,towhichthepresidingofficerruledthatpursuanttoSection6.11,paragraph(c)ofHouseRules,theChaircannotentertainpointsoforderpertainingtowhetherabillorjointresolutionpendingbeforetheHouseisarevenue-raisingmeasure. RepresentativePerrymanthenraisedapointoforderastowhethertheChairshouldannouncethemajorityrequirementforpassageofHouseBill1844,towhichthepresidingofficerrespondedandruledthatpursuanttoSection6.11,paragraph(a)ofHouseRules,abillispresumednottobearevenue-raisingmeasureunlessithasbeendesignatedasarevenue-raisingmeasurebytheMajorityFloorLeader.22Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatthepresidingofficerwillnotannouncethemajorityrequirementforpassageunlessthemeasurewaspreviouslydesignatedasarevenue-raisingmeasurebytheMajorityFloorLeader.Reasoning –Unlessabillisdesignatedasarevenue-raisingmeasurebytheMajorityFloorLeaderpriortobebeingtakenupforconsiderationontheHouseFloor,itispresumedunderthetermsofSection6.11ofHouseRulesnottobea“revenue-raising”measurewithinthemeaningofArticleV,Section33oftheOklahomaConstitution.23
22Okla.H.Jour.,520,56thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March7,2017);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,56thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1844,04:01:53-04:05:08(March7,2017).23OKCONSTV,33,asamendedbyStateQuestionNo.640,March10,1992.
Rule 6. Precedents
217
Ifapendingbillisnotarevenue-raisingmeasure,thenthereisnoneedtoannouncethemajorityrequirementforpassageofthemeasure.Theregularordefaultmajorityrequirementforfinalpassageremainsapplicable.24 ApointoforderrequestingthattheChairannouncethemajorityrequirementforpassageisconstructivelyarequestforarulingonwhetherthebillisarevenue-raisingmeasure–anactionexplicitlyprohibitedbySection6.11,paragraph(c)ofHouseRules.Asoccurredinthisinstance,thepresidingofficermustdeclinesuchrequestsandproceedundertheregularprocedureforbillsorjointresolutionsnotdesignatedasrevenue-raisingmeasuresbytheMajorityFloorLeader. 6.11 - 3. (2017) Questions Directed to Majority
Floor Leader as to whether Bill is Revenue-raising Not in Order
Rule – HouseRule6.11,paragraph(a)says: A bill or joint resolution under consideration by the House shall be presumed not to be a revenue-raising measure within the meaning of Article V, Section 33 of the Oklahoma Constitution unless the bill or joint resolution has been designated as a revenue-raising measure by the Majority Floor Leader. History – DuringconsiderationofHouseBill1449,RepresentativePerrymanraisedapointoforderpursuanttoHouseRule6.11seekingrecognitiontoposethequestiontotheMajorityFloorLeaderastowhetherHouseBill1449wasarevenue-raisingmeasurepursuanttotheOklahomaConstitution. 24OKCONSTV,34.
House Precedents
218
ThepresidingofficerstatedthatpursuanttoSection6.11,paragraph(a)ofHouseRules,abillunderconsiderationispresumednottobearevenue-raisingmeasureunlesstheMajorityFloorLeaderdesignatesthebillasarevenue-raisingmeasureandthatatthistimetheMajorityFloorLeaderhadnotdesignatedthebillasarevenue-raisingmeasure. Thepresidingofficeralsoruledthatquestionsaboutthetypeofbillunderconsiderationshouldberaisedduringquestionsanddebate. RepresentativePerrymanappealedtherulingoftheChairwhichwasupheldbytheHouseuponrollcallvote.25Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatwhenabillisnotdesignatedasarevenue-raisingmeasurebytheMajorityFloorLeader,theChairwillnotentertainquestionsdirectedtotheMajorityFloorLeaderastowhetherthebillisarevenue-raisingmeasure.Reasoning –Section6.11oftheHouseRulesestablishesapresumptionthatnobillisarevenue-raisingmeasurewithinthemeaningofArticleV,Section33oftheOklahomaConstitution,unlessitissodesignatedassuchbytheMajorityFloorLeaderpriortoitsconsiderationontheHouseFloor. Thus,whentheMajorityFloorLeaderhasnotdesignatedabillasarevenue-raisingmeasure,thepresidingofficershouldnotentertainquestionsfromothermembers,directedtotheMajorityFloorLeader,astowhetherthebillinquestionisorisnotinfactarevenue-raisingmeasure.IftheMajorityFloorLeaderdidnotdesignatethebillasa“revenue-raising”
25Okla.H.Jour.,530,56thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March8,2017);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,56thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1449,10:34:36-10:48:43(March8,2017).
Rule 6. Precedents
219
measure,itispresumednottobearevenue-raisingmeasureandtimeshouldnotbeconsumedpursuingthislineofquestioning. BecauseoftheministerialnatureoftheMajorityFloorLeader’sdutyundertherule,theproceduralmethodologyprovidedinSection6.11doesnotcontemplatedirectquestioningoftheMajorityFloorLeaderregardingthedecisiontodesignate(ornotdesignate)abillasarevenue-raisingmeasure.Thereisnoobligationundertheruletoexplainordefendwhyameasurewasorwasnotdesignatedasarevenue-raisingmeasure. Questionsaboutthetypeofbillunderconsiderationmaybeproperlydirectedtotheauthororpresenterofthebillattheappropriatetimeduringconsiderationormayberaisedrhetoricallyinthecourseofdebateonfinalpassage.AttemptstodirectsuchquestionstotheMajorityFloorLeadershouldnotbeentertainedbythepresidingofficer.TheobviousexceptiontothisrulingisaninstancewheretheMajorityFloorLeaderistheactualmemberpresentingthebillorjointresolutionontheHouseFloor.
221
PRECEDENTS for
RULE SEVEN COMMITTEES
§ 7.3 TIMING AND LOCATION OF MEETINGS 7.3 - 1. (2014) Cognizance of Convening Times of
Committees not Taken by Presiding Officer Rule –HouseRule7.4,paragraph(a)states:Committees shall meet at the call of the committee Chair within the dates, times and locations designated by the Speaker. History –Duringthetimeforannouncementsorintroductions,RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderastowhethertherewasaconflictinthestatedtimesthatvariouscommitteesweretoconveneafteradjournmentofthe
House Precedents
222
dailyFloorsession,towhichthepresidingofficerruledthattheChairwouldnotaddresssuchmatters.1Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatthepresidingofficerwillnotaddresspotentialconflictsbetweenthestatedtimesthatvariouscommitteeswillconveneafteradjournmentofthedailyFloorsession.§ 7.4 AUTHORITY OF THE CHAIR 7.4 - 1. (2008) Cognizance of Committee
Procedures by Presiding Officer Rule –HouseRule7.4,paragraph(b)statesinpart:Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, the Chair has all authority necessary to ensure the efficient operation of the committee or subcommittees, including, but not limited to, presiding over the committee or subcommittees, establishing the agenda for the committee or subcommittees, recognition of members or presenters, deciding all questions of order in committee or subcommittees and determining the order in which matters are considered in committee or subcommittees… History –RepresentativeCoveyraisedapointoforderpursuanttoHouseRules7.2(a)and(b)concerninglackofnoticeforacommitteemeetingconductedonthepreviousday.Specifically,hispointoforderincludedaquestionoftheChairastowhetherornotameetingnoticeshouldincludeattached
1Okla.H.Jour.,723,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April2,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,locatedafterSB1418,01:42:21-01:43:51(April2,2014).
Rule 7. Precedents
223
languageforlegislationtobeconsideredatthecommitteemeetingannouncedinthepublishednotice.Thepresidingofficer,RepresentativeArmes,heldthatitwasnotwithinthejurisdictionofthepresidingofficerontheHouseFloortoaddressamember’sconcernsregardingapossibleviolationofcommitteeproceduresandthatsuchcomplaintsorconcernsshouldbetakenupwiththerelevantcommitteechairperson.RepresentativeCoveyappealedtherulingoftheChairandtheHouseupheldtherulinguponrollcall.2Precedent – ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatthepresidingofficerwillnottakecognizanceoforattempttoexercisejurisdictionoverallegedviolationsofcommitteeprocedurewhilepresidingontheHouseFloor.Reasoning –Inpracticalterms,thepresidingofficerisnotinapositiontoeffectivelyhandlecomplaintspertainingtocommitteeprocedure.Thereare,however,otherappropriatewaysforamembertoraiseconcernsregardingcommitteeprocedurewithintheHouse.UndertherulesandtraditionsoftheOklahomaHouseofRepresentatives,theconcernedmemberhasseveraloptionsavailabletothemiftheybelieveacommitteechairpersonisviolatingHouserulespertainingtocommitteeoperations.
2Okla.H.Jour.,587,588,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March4,2008);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.Track10:20,10:45-15:25(March4,2008);affirmedatOkla.H.Jour.,1077,51stLeg.2ndReg.Sess.(April2,2008);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.Track10:19,0:00-0:54(April2,2008);Okla.H.Jour.,1144,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May1,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,03:58:22-04:00:47(May1,2013);appliedtoJCABatOkla.H.Jour.,1097,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May23,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1602,3:43:43-3:44:33(May23,2016).
House Precedents
224
First,themembermayapproachtheoffendingchairpersondirectly.Ifthisdoesnotendinapositiveresult,themembermayapproachtheSpeakerdirectlyandraisehisorherconcerns.Ifthisdoesnotsatisfythemember,HouserulesprovideanoutletthatispublicandspecificallydesignedforairingofcomplaintsaboutproceduresandprocesseswithintheHouse.3Thisisknowncolloquiallyasa“questionofprivilegeoftheHouse.”Toberecognizedforthispurpose,themembershouldnotifytheMajorityFloorLeaderofhisorherintentiontoseekrecognitionforaquestionofprivilegeoftheHouse.4Attheappropriatetimewithinthecourseoftheday’slegislativebusiness,unlessamoreprivilegedmotionislodged,theMajorityFloorLeadermustseekrecognitiononbehalfoftherequestingmember.Uponreceivingrecognition,thememberwouldapproachthewelloftheHouseandnotifythefullHouseofhisorherconcernsregardingappropriatenoticeofcommitteemeetings.§ 7.11 BILL SUMMARY 7.11 - 1. (2005) Fiscal Impact Statements5 Rule –HouseRule7.12,paragraph(a)6statesinpart:All bills and resolutions whose adoption will have a fiscal impact, including the affecting of revenues, expenditures or
3Okla.H.Rules,§9.5(51st.Leg.).
4Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§9.2(1.),50thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April7,2005).5ThesamesubjectmatterwasrelocatedfromSection7.12ofHouseRulesinthe50thOklahomaLegislature(2005-2006)toSection7.11ofHouseRulesinthe51stOklahomaLegislaturetopresent(2007-2017). 6Id.
Rule 7. Precedents
225
fiscal liability shall not be scheduled for floor consideration unless accompanied by a fiscal analysis. History –RepresentativeWrightraisedapointoforderpursuanttoHouseRule7.12(a)thatafiscalimpactstatementisrequiredforconsiderationofHouseBill1230.TheSpeakerProTemporeWinchesterruledthepointwelltakenandpursuanttoHouseRule*7.12(a),HouseBill1230wouldbelaidoveruntilafiscalimpactstatementwasdistributed.7Ruling – ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatthephrase“accompaniedbyafiscalanalysis”containedinHouseRule7.12(a)shallbeinterpretedtomeanthatthefiscalanalysispreparedforaparticularbillorresolutionmustbedistributedontheHouseFloorbeforethatbillorresolutionmaybeheard.7.11 - 2. (2007) Measures with No Fiscal Impact8 7.11 - 3. (2008) Availability of Fiscal Analysis in
Second Session of Legislature Rule –HouseRule7.11,paragraph(c)statesinpart:If any bill…is scheduled for floor consideration without a fiscal…analysis having been prepared, it shall be the right of any Member to raise a point of order on the Floor…
7Okla.H.Jour.,425,50thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.24,2005);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,50thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track12:30,8:27-11:48(Feb.24,2005).8Overruled:tacitlyoverruledbythepresidingofficerinPrec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§7.11(6),53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.13,2012);seeOkla.H.Jour.,202,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.13,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2353,01:32:38-01:50:59(Feb.13,2012).
House Precedents
226
History –RepresentativeCoveyraisedaquestionoftheChairpursuanttoHouseRule7.11astowhetherornotitwasproperforHouseBill1897tobeconsideredwithouttheavailabilityofafiscalimpactstatement.HouseBill1897wasintroducedintheFirstSessionofthe51stOklahomaLegislature.ItreceivedafavorablecommitteerecommendationbutwasnotscheduledforconsiderationbythefullHouse.IntheSecondSessionofthe51stOklahomaLegislature,HouseBill1897wasscheduledforconsiderationandwastakenupbythefullHouse.AlthoughaproperfiscalanalysisofthemeasurewasdraftedinanticipationofconsiderationbythefullHouseintheFirstSessionoftheLegislature,thefiscalanalysishadnotbeenpublishedontheHouseFloorCalendaratthetimethemeasurewasactuallytakenupintheSecondSessionoftheLegislature.9Precedent –InresponsetothequestionoftheChair,SpeakerProTemporeBlackwelldirectedthatHouseBill1897belaidoveruntilafiscalimpactstatementwasprovidedorthemeasure’sauthorprovidedadditionalinformationdescribingtheparametersofthemeasure’sfiscalimpact.7.11 - 4. (2009) No Requirement for Bill Summary
for Appropriation Measures Rule –HouseRule7.11,paragraph(a)statesinpart:All bills and resolutions whose adoption will have a fiscal impact, including the affecting of revenues, expenditures or fiscal liability shall not be scheduled for floor consideration
9Okla.H.Jour.,414,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.19,2008);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.Track10:02,2:18-4:55(Feb.19,2008).
Rule 7. Precedents
227
unless accompanied by a bill summary which shall include a fiscal analysis… History –DuringconsiderationoftheConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill81,RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointofinquiryastowhetherconsiderationoftheconferencecommitteereportshouldbepostponedsincenoaccompanyingfiscalanalysishadbeenpublishedontheHouseFloorCalendar.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatithasbeenthepracticeoftheHousenottorequireapublishedfiscalanalysisforappropriationmeasuressincethefiscalimpactofthemeasureisplainonitsface.10Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatappropriationmeasuresarenotrequiredtobeaccompaniedbyapublishedfiscalanalysisbecausethefiscalimpactofthemeasureisplainonitsface.7.11 - 5. (2009) Summary for Adopted Floor
Substitute Becomes Bill Summary for Bill11 7.11 – 6. (2012) Determination of Need for Fiscal
Summary to Accompany Measure Rule –HouseRule7.11,paragraph(a)saysinrelevantpart:
10Okla.H.Jour.,1793,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May20,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:10,1:23-3:19(May20,2009);Okla.H.Jour.,1224-1225,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May9,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,00:31:58-00:46:44(May9,2013).11Discarded:effectivelydiscardeduponadoptionofHouseRulesfor53rdOklahomaLegislature(2011-2012);sincethe53rdOklahomaLegislature,theuseoffloorsubstituteshasbeenprohibitedbyHouserule.
House Precedents
228
All bills and resolutions whose adoption will have a fiscal impact, including the affecting of revenues, expenditures or fiscal liability shall not be scheduled for floor consideration unless accompanied by a bill summary which shall include a fiscal analysis… History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill2353,RepresentativeReynoldsrequestedarulingofthepresidingofficerastowhetherfurtherconsiderationofthebillwasinorderbecausenofiscalsummaryforthemeasurewasavailable.ThepresidingofficerruledthatquestionsarisingunderHouseRule7.11,paragraph(a)pertainingtonecessityofanaccompanyingfiscalsummaryshallbedeterminedonthebasisoftheinformedopinionoftheChairoftheHouseAppropriationsandBudgetCommitteeasestablishedforflooramendmentsbyHousePrecedent8.10-2(2009).ThepresidingofficerreferredthequestionofwhetherHouseBill2353wouldhaveafiscalimpacttotheAppropriationsandBudgetChairwhostatedthatafiscalimpactstatementwaspresentlyavailableonthebillandthatnofiscalimpactwouldarisefrompassageofthemeasure.RepresentativeReynoldsattemptedtoappealtherulingoftheChairbutfailedtoreceivetherequiredfifteen(15)seconds.12Ruling – ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatquestionsarisingunderHouseRule7.11,paragraph(a)pertainingtonecessityofanaccompanyingfiscalsummaryshallbe 12Okla.H.Jour.,202,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.13,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2353,01:32:38-01:50:59(Feb.13,2012);Okla.H.Jour.,340,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.27,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2418,00:40:08-00:40:55(Feb.27,2014).
Rule 7. Precedents
229
determinedonthebasisoftheinformedopinionofthechairpersonoftheHouseAppropriationsandBudgetCommittee.7.11 – 7. (2012) Formatting of Bill Summary
Irrelevant if Fiscal Analysis Present Rule –HouseRule7.11,paragraph(a)saysinrelevantpart:All bills and resolutions whose adoption will have a fiscal impact, including the affecting of revenues, expenditures or fiscal liability shall not be scheduled for floor consideration unless accompanied by a bill summary which shall include a fiscal analysis… History –DuringconsiderationoftheConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill2645,RepresentativeMcPeakraisedapointoforderregardingavailabilityofafiscalsummarywithintheHouseFloorCalendar.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatalthoughtherewasatechnicalerrorintheformatofthefiscalsummary,therelevantinformationwasavailabletothemembers.13Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatadeviationintheformatofabillsummaryisirrelevantifthefiscalanalysisispresentinthebillsummary.7.11 - 8. (2014) Potential Constitutional Defect Not
Relevant to Accuracy of Fiscal Impact Analysis Rule –HouseRule7.11,paragraph(d)states: 13Okla.H.Jour.,1178,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May21,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2645,03:21:00-04:11:11(May21,2012).
House Precedents
230
The accuracy of a fiscal or actuarial analysis contained within the bill summary shall not be a basis for a point of order under these Rules. History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill2418RepresentativeFloydraisedapointoforderastowhetherthefiscalimpactanalysispublishedwithinthebillsummaryforHouseBill2418wasaccuratestatingthatthebillcontainedlanguagethatwascurrentlyundergoinglitigationandwasidenticaltolawspassedinotherjurisdictionsthathadbeenheldunconstitutional. RepresentativeFloydinquiredfurtherastowhetherthecostofdefendingtheconstitutionalityofthemeasureshouldbereflectedinthefiscalimpactanalysisandrequestedthatthebillbewithdrawnuntilsuchinformationwasincludedinthebillsummary. UponreviewbytheChair,thefiscalanalysesforthemeasureandtheamendmentbothwerepresentindicatingthatnofiscalimpactwaspresentandthepointwasnotwelltaken.14Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthattheaccuracyofafiscalanalysispublishedinabillsummarydoesnotdependonwhetherapotentialconstitutionaldefectmayexistwithinthebillitself.7.15 - 1. (2005) Layover Requirement for Senate
Conference Committee Reports15 14Okla.H.Jour.,340,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.27,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2418,00:33:20-00:40:55(Feb.27,2014).15Discarded:effectivelydiscardeduponadoptionofHouseRules,53rdOklahomaLegislature(2011-2012).Thepresentlayoverrequirementfor
Rule 7. Precedents
231
7.15 - 4. (2010) Conference Committee Report
Considered Electronically Available at Time It Becomes Available in BTOnline16 § 7.19 CONSIDERATION OF CONFERENCE
COMMITTEE REPORTS 7.19 - 1. (2013) Germaneness of CCR Determined
on Basis of Subject Matter, Not Title of Law Rule –Section7.19,paragraph(c)oftheHouseRulesstates:The House shall not consider a House conference committee report or a joint committee report unless it is limited to matters germane to the bill or resolution. History –DuringconsiderationoftheConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill2226,RepresentativeMcDaniel(Jeannie)raisedapointoforderastowhethertheConferenceCommitteeReportwaslimitedtomattersgermanetothebillpursuanttoHouseRule8.11,towhichthepresidingofficerstatedthattheapplicableHouserulewascontainedinHouseRule7.19,paragraph(c).
HouseandSenateCCRsiscontainedinSection7.20(c)ofHouseRules,56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)andinJointRulesoftheOklahomaLegislature,Section5.2. 16Discarded:effectivelydiscardeduponadoptionofHouseRules,53rdOklahomaLegislature(2011-2012).ThepresentlayoverrequirementforHouseandSenateCCRsiscontainedinSection7.20(c)ofHouseRules,55thOklahomaLegislature(2015-2016)andinJointRulesoftheOklahomaLegislature(2015-2016),Section5.2.
House Precedents
232
PursuanttoHouseRule7.19,paragraph(c),thepresidingofficerdeterminedthattheconferencecommitteereportwasgermanetosubjectofEngrossedHouseBill2226.RepresentativeInmanraisedapointofinquiryastowhethertheprecedentoftheHousewastodeterminethequestionofgermanenessuponthebasisofcommonalityinthesametitleoflaw,towhichthepresidingofficerstatedthatthequestionofgermanenessisdetermineduponthebasisofsubjectmatterratherthanuponthetitleoflaw.17Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatsubjectmatterandnotlocationinthesametitleoflawisthedeterminingfactorwhendecidingwhetheraconferencecommitteereportisgermanetothesubjectofanengrossedHousemeasure.7.19 - 2. (2009) Germaneness of Conference
Committee Report Not Open to Question Once Debate in Progress18 Rule –HouseRule7.15,paragraph(b)statesinrelevantpart:19
17Okla.H.Jour.,1290,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May16,2013);DailyH.Sess.
VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,CCRtoHB2226,01:59:30-02:10:56(May16,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,1349,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May23,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,2ndCCRtoHB1441,02:18:03-02:23:53(May23,2013).18Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asHousePrecedent7.15-2.(2009)GermanenessofConferenceCommitteeReportNotOpentoQuestionOnceDebateinProgress.TheprincipleexpressedinthisprecedentremainsvalidundercurrentHouseRules. 19AsimilarversionofthesameHouseruleislocatedinSection7.19(d)ofHouseRules,56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018).
Rule 7. Precedents
233
…A motion to adopt or reject a conference committee report shall be subject to debate. Such debate shall be limited to one (1) hour, equally divided between the proponents and the opponents of the motion… History –Duringconsiderationofthe2ndConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill1170whileindebateonthequestionofadoptionoftheconferencecommitteereport,RepresentativeSullivanraisedapointoforderastowhetherSectionstwo(2)andthree(3)oftheconferencecommitteereportwerelimitedtomattersgermanetoSenateBill1170.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatbecausedebatehadalreadycommenced,itwastheopinionoftheChairthatitwouldbedisorderlytoentertainaquestionofgermanenessandassuch,thepointwasnotwelltaken.20Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatoncedebateonadoptionorrejectionofaconferencecommitteereportisinprogress,nopointofordershallberecognizedquestioningthegermanenessofthereport.7.19 - 3. (2010) No Restriction on New Language in
Conference Committee Reports21 Rule –HouseRule7.15,paragraph(a)states:22 20Okla.H.Jour.,1928,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May22,2009);DailyH.Sess.
Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:41,17:57-19:33(May22,2009).21Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asHousePrecedent7.15-3.(2010)NoRestrictiononNewLanguageinConferenceCommitteeReports.TheprincipleexpressedinthisprecedentremainsvalidundercurrentHouseRules. 22AsimilarversionofthesameHouseruleislocatedinSection7.19(c)ofHouseRules,56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018).
House Precedents
234
A conference committee report shall be considered by the House only when a majority of both the House and Senate members of the committee have signed the report. The House shall consider the report only if it is limited to matters germane to the bill or resolution. History –Duringconsiderationofthe2ndConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill2659,RepresentativeReynoldsrequestedarulingofthepresidingofficerastowhethertheconferencecommitteereportwasinorderforconsideration.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderstatingthatpursuanttoMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedureaconferencecommitteereportshallbeconfinedtotheagreementreachedbetweenbothHouses.23ThepresidingofficerruledthattheissuesraisedareaddressedinHouseRules7.15and9.3andthepointnotwelltaken.24Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatanylimitationsgoverningwhatlanguagemaybeincludedinaconferencecommitteereportarecontainedwithinHouseRules7.15and9.3.
23Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure560§771(para.2)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000);Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure543§771(para.2)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010). 24Okla.H.Jour.,1779,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May26,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,7:44:53-7:55:38(May26,2010).
Rule 7. Precedents
235
7.19 - 4. (2010) Germaneness Requirement Applicable Only to House Conference Committee Reports25 Rule –HouseRule7.15,paragraph(a)states:26 A conference committee report shall be considered by the House only when a majority of both the House and Senate members of the committee have signed the report. The House shall consider the report only if it is limited to matters germane to the bill or resolution. History –Uponconsiderationofthe2ndConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill481,RepresentativeMorrissetterequestedarulingofthepresidingofficerastowhethertheconferencecommitteereportwasinorderforconsiderationpursuanttoHouseRule8.11,paragraph(a).ThepresidingofficerstatedthatHouseRule8.11pertainstomeasuresonGeneralOrderandthatSenateBill481wasatalaterpointinthelegislativeprocess.Assuch,thepointwasnotwelltaken.
25Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asHousePrecedent7.15-5.(2010)GermanenessRequirementApplicableOnlytoHouseConferenceCommitteeReports.interpretsformerSection7.15ofHouseRuleswhichdealtwiththesubjectofgermanenessofconferencecommitteereports.ThesamesubjectmatterwasrelocatedtoSection7.19(c)ofHouseRules,56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018).ThepresentlanguageofSection7.19(c)explicitlylimitsthegermanenessdeterminationtoHouseCCRs.Similarly,Section5.1(e)ofJointRulesoftheOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)establishesthatthechamberoforiginpossessesexclusivejurisdictionoverquestionsofgermanenesspertainingtoCCRsoriginatingfromthatchamber. 26AsimilarversionofthesameHouseruleislocatedinSection7.19(c)ofHouseRules,56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018).
House Precedents
236
RepresentativeMorrissettethenrequestedarulingastowhethertheconferencecommitteereportwasinorderpursuanttoHouseRule7.15.ThepresidingofficerruledthatHouseRule7.15historicallyhadbeeninterpretedbytheChairtobeapplicableonlytoConferenceCommitteeReportsfiledforHousebillsbutnottoConferenceCommitteeReportsassociatedwithSenatebillsandthereforeruledthepointnotwelltaken.RepresentativeMorrissetteappealedtherulingofthepresidingofficerandthedecisionoftheChairwasuphelduponarollcallvote.27Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatthegermanenessrequirementforConferenceCommitteeReportscontainedinHouseRule7.15appliesonlytoConferenceCommitteeReportsfiledforHousemeasures. 7.19 - 5. (2011) No Requirement to Republish
Senate Amendments (SAs) Prior to Unanticipated Motion to Reject28 Rule –HouseRule7.20,paragraph(a)says:29Motions to accept or reject Senate amendments or to adopt or reject conference committee reports may be arranged on a
27Okla.H.Jour.,1845,1846,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May26,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,09:22:43-09:32:42(May26,2010).28Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asHousePrecedent7.20-1.(2011)NoRequirementtoRepublishSenateAmendments(SAs)PriortoUnanticipatedMotiontoReject. 29ThesameHouseruleislocatedinSection7.19(a)ofHouseRules,56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018).
Rule 7. Precedents
237
calendar or upon such calendars as may be directed by the Speaker of the House or the Speaker’s designee. History –UpontheSenateAmendmentstoHouseBill1468beingcalledupforconsideration,RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointoforderastowhethertheSenateAmendmentsweregermanetotheoriginalpurposeofthemeasurepursuanttoHouseRule8.11.Thepresidingofficerruledthepointwelltakenandruledtheamendmentsnotgermane.TheSenateAmendmentstoHouseBill1468wererejectedandconferencewasrequesteduponthemotionofRepresentativeJohnson.RepresentativeInmanraisedapointoforderastowhethertheJohnsonmotiontorejecttheSenateAmendmentswasinorderwithoutfirstbeingpublishedonthe“RejectionsList”withintheHouseFloorAgenda.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatnoprovisionexistswithinHouserulesprohibitingamemberfromseekingrecognitionforamotiontorejectSenateamendmentsifthemotiontoadopttheSenateamendmentshadpreviouslyfailed.RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointoforderastowhetherSenateamendmentsinitiallyscheduledonthe“RejectionsList”wouldbesusceptibletoanunanticipatedmotiontoacceptofferedbytheauthorinlieuofthescheduledmotiontorejecttheSenateamendments.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatHouseRule7.2030containspermissivelanguageandthatthe“RejectionsList”merelyreflectsamethodoforganizingtheHouseFloorAgendaandassuch,measuresscheduledwithinoneareaoftheFloorAgendawouldnotberequiredtoberepublishedwithinanotherareaof
30Id.
House Precedents
238
theHouseFloorAgendaaslongastherequirementsofJointRule6wereobserved.31Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatamotiontorejectSenateAmendments(SAs)initiallyscheduledasamotiontoacceptSAsinanotherareaoftheHouseFloorAgendadoesnotneedtoberepublishedwhentheauthorchoosestoofferamotiontorejecttheSAs.
§ 7.20 TRANSPARENCY IN CONFERENCE 7.20 – 1. (2011) Determination of Need for Fiscal
Summary to Accompany Conference Committee Report (CCR)32 Rule –HouseRule7.21,paragraph(b)says:33 All conference committee reports whose adoption will have a fiscal impact, shall be accompanied by a fiscal analysis. History –WhentheConferenceCommitteeReport(CCR)onHouseBill1953wascalledupforconsideration,RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwasinorderto 31Okla.H.Jour.,1201,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May2,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SAstoHB1468,02:50:45-02:58:25(May2,2011).32Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asHousePrecedent7.21–1.(2011)DeterminationofNeedforFiscalSummarytoAccompanyConferenceCommitteeReport(CCR).ThesameHouseruleislocatedinSection7.20(b)ofHouseRules,56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018).TheprincipleexpressedinthisprecedentremainsvalidundercurrentHouseRules. 33ThesameHouseruleislocatedinSection7.20(b)ofHouseRules,56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018).
Rule 7. Precedents
239
continueconsiderationoftheconferencecommitteereportonHouseBill1953becauseacurrent,writtenfiscalanalysisforthereportwasnotavailable.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatinasimilarsituationinvolvingflooramendments,theChairreliedontheinformedopinionoftheAppropriationsandBudgetChairpersontodeterminewhetherafiscalimpactexistedandthatthepreviousrulingwascontainedinHousePrecedent8.10-2(2009).Inrelianceonthisprecedent,thepresidingofficerruledthattheChairwoulddefertotheopinionoftheAppropriationsandBudgetChairpersonastowhetherafiscalimpactexistedontheconferencecommitteereport(CCR).Uponconclusionofthestatementoftherulingbythepresidingofficer,acurrent,writtenfiscalanalysispublishedbytheHousestaffwasmadeavailableandthepresidingofficerruledthatcontinuedconsiderationoftheConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill1953wasinorder.34Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatquestionsarisingunderHouseRule7.21,paragraph(b)35pertainingtonecessityofanaccompanyingfiscalsummaryforconferencecommitteereportsshallbedeterminedonthebasisoftheinformedopinionofthechairpersonoftheHouseAppropriationsandBudgetCommittee.
34Okla.H.Jour.,1318,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May16,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,CCRtoHB1953,03:17:46-03:34:03(May16,2011).35Id.
House Precedents
240
7.20 – 2. (2012) Bill Summaries Not Required for Senate Conference Committee Reports36 Rule –HouseRule7.21,paragraph(a)andparagraph(b)37say:(a) A summary of the changes contained in a conference committee report shall be made available prior to consideration of the report by the House.
(b) All Conference Committee Reports whose adoption will have a fiscal impact, shall be accompanied by a fiscal analysis. History –WhentheConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill1464wascalledupforconsideration,RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointoforderstatingthattherewasnobillsummaryavailablefortheConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill1464.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatthecustomoftheHouseisthatbillsummariesarenotcreatedforSenateConferenceCommitteeReports.RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointoforderstatingthatnowrittenHouseprecedentinterpretsHouseRule7.21,38towhich
36Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asHousePrecedent7.21–2.(2012)BillSummariesNotRequiredforSenateConferenceCommitteeReports.ThesamesubjectmatterwasrelocatedtoSection7.20,paragraphs(a)and(b)ofHouseRules,56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018).TheprincipleexpressedinthisprecedentremainsvalidundercurrentHouseRules. 37ThesamesubjectmatterwasrelocatedtoSection7.20,paragraphs(a)and(b)ofHouseRules,56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018). 38Id.
Rule 7. Precedents
241
thepresidingofficerrespondedthattheChairwasrelyingontheknownpracticesoftheHouse.RepresentativeBlackwellraisedapointoforderastohowpracticesoftheHouseareidentified,towhichthepresidingofficerrespondedthatthepracticesoftheHousearisefrompastproceedingsoftheHouse.39Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatbillsummariesarenotrequiredforSenateConferenceCommitteeReports.Reasoning –ThepracticeoftheHousehasbeentonotrequirebillsummariesforConferenceCommitteeReportsonSenateMeasures.ThispracticehasarisenoutofthepracticalproblemofnotknowingpreciselywhenSenateConferenceCommitteeReportsarriveintheHouseofRepresentativesandbeingabletoquicklyidentifyanychangesincorporatedintheproposedreport.SenateConferenceCommitteeReportstendtoarrivelateinthelegislativesessionwhenHousestaffresourcesareundermaximumstrainastheendofthelegislativesessionapproaches.Withlittleavailabletime,thestaffresourcesoftheHousemustbefocusedonthemeasuresandworkproductoriginatingintheHouseofRepresentatives.Ideally,eachchambershouldcreateandprovideabillsummaryidentifyingchangesbetweentheengrossedversionofameasureandtheproposedconferencecommitteereport.Suchapracticewouldincreasetheoveralltransparencyofthelegislativeprocessaswellasconsumestaffresourcesinthemostequitablefashion.
39Okla.H.Jour.,1202,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May22,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1464,02:12:00-02:22:00(May22,2012).
House Precedents
242
§ 7.22 SPECIAL RULES 7.22 - 1. (2010) No Requirement Beyond Simple Majority to Adopt Special Rule40 Rule –HouseRule8.8,paragraph(a)states:41The Committee on Rules, with the approval of the Speaker, may by majority vote recommend that any bill be subject to a Special Rule created by the Committee. The Committee shall submit the recommendation to the House for its approval.History –AsrecommendedbytheHouseRulesCommittee,RepresentativeBlackwell,chairpersonoftheHouseRulesCommittee,movedpursuanttoHouseRule8.8thattheHouseadoptHouseSpecialRuleone(1).RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointofinquiryastowhethertheadoptionoftheSpecialRulewouldrequiresixty-eight(68)votesforpassagesinceitpurportedtoamendtheHouseRules.
40Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asHousePrecedent8.8-1.(2010)NoRequirementBeyondSimpleMajoritytoAdoptSpecialRule.SimilarsubjectmatterwasrelocatedtoSection7.22ofHouseRules,56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018).ThelanguageofSection7.22,thecurrentHouserulegoverning“specialrules”hasbeenchangedsomewhatfromthelanguagethatexistedintheHouserulein2010whenthisrulinginthisprecedentoccurred.Specifically,thecurrentSection7.22doesnotincludethelanguagerequiringtheSpeaker’sovertapprovalofa“specialrule”recommendationbytheRulesCommittee;nonetheless,theprinciplesexpressedinthisprecedentstillremainsvalidundercurrentHouseRules. 41SimilarsubjectmatterwasrelocatedtoSection7.22ofHouseRules,56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018).
Rule 7. Precedents
243
ThepresidingofficerstatedthatadoptionoftheSpecialRulewouldrequireonlyasimplemajoritypursuanttoHouseRule10.4.42Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatamajorityofthosevoting,aquorumbeingpresent,mayadoptaSpecialRule.7.22 - 2. (2010) Special Rule May Be Applied to
More Than One Measure43 Rule –HouseRule8.8states:44(a) The Committee on Rules, with the approval of the Speaker, may by majority vote recommend that any bill be subject to a Special Rule created by the Committee. The Committee shall submit the recommendation to the House for its approval.
(b) A Special Rule may limit or prohibit the offering of amendments, may prescribe the time and conditions of debate, may govern floor consideration on third or fourth reading of the bill, or may contain any other provisions deemed appropriate.
42Okla.H.Jour.,1741,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May25,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,6:46:11-6:48:10(May25,2010).43Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asHousePrecedent8.8-2.(2010)SpecialRuleMayBeAppliedtoMoreThanOneMeasure.SimilarsubjectmatterwasrelocatedtoSection7.22ofHouseRules,56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018).ThelanguageofSection7.22,thecurrentHouserulegoverning“specialrules”hasbeenchangedsomewhatfromthelanguagethatexistedintheHouserulein2010whenthisrulinginthisprecedentoccurred.Specifically,thecurrentSection7.22doesnotincludethelanguagerequiringtheSpeaker’sovertapprovalofa“specialrule”recommendationbytheRulesCommittee;nonetheless,theprinciplesexpressedinthisprecedentstillremainsvalidundercurrentHouseRules. 44SimilarsubjectmatterwasrelocatedtoSection7.22ofHouseRules,56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018).
House Precedents
244
History –AsrecommendedbytheHouseRulesCommittee,RepresentativeBlackwell,chairpersonoftheHouseRulesCommittee,movedpursuanttoHouseRule8.8thattheHouseadoptHouseSpecialRuleone(1).RepresentativeWright(John)raisedapointofinquiryastowhetheritwasinorderpursuanttoHouseRule8.8(a)toconsideraSpecialRuleaffectingmorethanonemeasureasopposedtoadoptingindividual,specialrulesspecifictoeachmeasure.Thepresidingofficerruledthattheterm“bill”inHouseRule8.8meansanymethodutilizedbytheOklahomaLegislaturetoenactlawortoexpressthewilloftheLegislatureoroftheHouseitself.Specifically,Rule8.8,paragraph(b),saysthataspecialrule“maycontainany...provisionsdeemedappropriate”andassuch,itwasappropriatefortheHousetoproceedwithconsiderationofHouseSpecialRuleone(1).RepresentativeBlackwellpressedadoptionofHouseSpecialRuleone(1)whichwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.45Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatunderHouseRule8.8aSpecialRulemaybeappliedtomorethanonemeasure.
45Okla.H.Jour.,1741,1742,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May25,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,6:50:19-7:00:00(May25,2010).
Rule 7. Precedents
245
§ 7.23 DUTIES46 7.23 - 1. (2013) Scheduling Motions with Majority
Floor Leader for New Business47 7.23 - 2. (2013) Majority Floor Leader Determines
Order of Consideration of Motions of Equal Rank48 § 7.24 NOTICE OF MEETINGS49 7.24 - 1. (2013) Type of Notice Required for
Meetings of Calendar Committee50
46Amendedtobe“7.23SpecialOrders”inHouseRules,55thand56thOklahomaLegislatures(2015-2018). 47Discarded:effectivelydiscardeduponamendmentofHouseRulesintheSecondRegularSession,54thOklahomaLegislature(2014).48 Id. 49ThissectionhasnotexistedinHouseRulessinceitsremovalbyamendmenttoHouseRulesadoptedintheSecondRegularSession,54thOklahomaLegislature(2014).50Discarded:effectivelydiscardeduponamendmentofHouseRulesintheSecondRegularSession,54thOklahomaLegislature(2014).
247
PRECEDENTS of
RULE EIGHT ORDER OF BUSINESS
AND LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
§ 8.5 READING AND EXPLANATION 8.5 - 1. (2009) Referencing Discussion in
Committee During Floor Consideration Rule –HouseRule8.5,paragraph(b)states:The Member presenting a bill or joint resolution shall be allowed a reasonable length of time in which to explain same, but said explanations shall not include a discussion of the merits of the proposition.
House Precedents
248
History –DuringconsiderationonGeneralOrderofHouseJointResolution1047,thepresidingofficerentertainedthecustomarilyallowedquestionspertainingtoHouseJointResolution1047.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwasinordertodiscusswhathadpreviouslyoccurredduringconsiderationofthemeasureincommittee.Thepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltakenandthequestionsinorder.1Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatdiscussionswhichoccurredincommitteemayproperlybereferencedduringdiscussionofthemeasureonGeneralOrder.§ 8.6 AMENDMENTS 8.6 - 1. (2007) Recommendation of Rules
Committee and Motion to Strike Title Rule –HouseRule8.6,paragraph(f)statesinpart:…amendments to strike the Title or the Enacting or Resolving Clause of a bill or joint resolution shall be in order only when offered by the principal author of such bill or resolution and upon receiving prior approval from the House Rules Committee… History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill1507,RepresentativeNations,inhiscapacityasViceChairoftheRulesCommittee,reportedtothefullHousethattheRulesCommitteerecommendedthatthetitlebestrickenfromHouseBill1507.AfterannouncingtherecommendationoftheRules
1Okla.H.Jour.,1529,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April23,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:30,1:32-2:26(April23,2009).
Rule 8. Precedents
249
Committee,RepresentativeNationsmovedtoamendthebillbystrikingthetitle.Whiletheauthorofthebill,RepresentativeAdkins,didnotpersonallyofferthemotionto“striketitle,”hedidnotobjecttoRepresentativeNationsofferingthemotiononhisbehalfinconjunctionwithRepresentativeNations’announcementoftherecommendationoftheRulesCommittee.Again,duringconsiderationofHouseBill2108,RepresentativeNations,inhiscapacityasViceChairoftheRulesCommittee,reportedtothefullHousethattheRulesCommitteerecommendedthatthetitlebestrickenfromHouseBill2108.AfterannouncingtherecommendationoftheRulesCommittee,RepresentativeNationsmovedtoamendthebillbystrikingthetitle.Whiletheauthorofthebill,SpeakerCargill,didnotpersonallyofferthemotionto“striketitle,”hedidnotobjecttoRepresentativeNationsofferingthemotiononhisbehalfinconjunctionwithRepresentativeNations’announcementoftherecommendationoftheRulesCommittee.2Precedent –ItistheprecedentoftheOklahomaHouseofRepresentativesunderthetermsofHouseRule8.6,paragraph(f),thatitispermissiblefortheViceChairoftheRulesCommitteetoannouncetherecommendationoftheRulesCommitteewithregardtoallowinganamendmenttostrikethetitlefromameasureandfortheViceChairtothenoffertheactualmotion,onbehalfofthemeasure’sauthor,tostrikethetitle.
2Okla.H.Jour.,877,897,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March14,2007);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:04,6:04-7:19;Track10:41,1:11-1:27(March14,2007).
House Precedents
250
8.6 - 2. (2008) Title of Floor Substitute Stricken3 8.6 - 3. (2008) Title Stricken Prior to Floor
Consideration Rule – HouseRule8.6,paragraphs(e),(f)and(g)state:(e) No amendment purporting to strike the Title or the Enacting or Resolving Clause of any bill or joint resolution shall be in order except as provided in subsections (f) and (g) of this section.
(f) Beginning on the Monday falling two (2) weeks prior to a Third Reading deadline, amendments to strike the Title or the Enacting or Resolving Clause of a bill or joint resolution shall be in order only when offered by the principal author of such bill or resolution and upon receiving prior approval from the House Rules Committee. Amendments offered under this subsection shall not be subject to the time constraints mandated by subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
(g) The Chairperson of the Revenue and Taxation Committee and the Chairperson of the Appropriations and Budget Committee shall be permitted to offer amendments to strike the Title or the Enacting or Resolving Clause of measures affecting revenue or appropriations. Amendments offered under this subsection shall not be subject to the time constraints mandated by subsections (b) and (c) of this section. History –Duringtheauthor’spresentationofHouseBill3121,RepresentativeCoveyrequestedarulingoftheChairasto
3Discarded:effectivelydiscardeduponadoptionofHouseRulesfor53rdand54thOklahomaLegislatures.SeeSection8.6,paragraphs(f)and(g)ofHouseRulesfor53rdand54thOklahomaLegislatures.
Rule 8. Precedents
251
whetherornotitwasinorderfortheHousetoconsiderHouseBill3121withastrickentitleunderthetermsofHouseRule8.6,paragraphs(e),(f)and(g).ThepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltakennotingthatHouseRule8.6appliessolelytoflooramendmentsandnottothemeasureitselfandassuch,considerationofHouseBill3121wasinorder.4Ruling –ItshallbetherulingoftheChairthatHouseRule8.6,paragraphs(e),(f)and(g)arenotapplicabletoameasureitselfbutapplyonlytoamendmentsofferedtothemeasureontheHouseFloor.8.6 - 4. (2008) Amendment Lacking Substantive
Change Out of Order Rule –HouseRule8.6,paragraph(a)states:All House and Senate bills and joint resolutions when initially published on the Floor Calendar shall be subject to amendment beginning at the time of such publishing. History – DuringconsiderationofSenateBill163,RepresentativeTerrillpresentedacomprehensiveamendment,or“floorsubstitute,”toSenateBill163followedbyanotherfloorsubstitute,anamendmenttothefirstmainflooramendmentofferedbyRepresentativeTerrill.Theamendmenttothemainamendmentcontainedthesamesubstantivelanguageasthemainamendmentbutincludeda“preamble”explainingthelegislativeintentoftheconstitutionalamendmentproposedinSenateBill163.
4Okla.H.Jour.,821,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(2008);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.Track10:40,06:10-06:30(March12,2008).
House Precedents
252
Althoughthepreambularlanguage,onceadopted,wouldbeincludedintheOklahomaSessionLaws,itwouldnotbeincludedinthesubstantivelanguageoftheOklahomaConstitutionuponadoptionoftheproposedconstitutionalamendmentbyavoteofthepeople.RepresentativeBrownraisedapointoforderastowhethertheTerrillamendmenttothefirstfloorsubstitutewasinorderonthebasisoftherebeingnosubstantivechangeinthelanguagebetweentheamendmenttothefloorsubstituteandthefloorsubstituteitself.ThepresidingofficerdidnotruleonRepresentativeBrown’spointoforder.Hereferredtoandquotedsection401,paragraph(5)ofMason’sManual5whichsays:The presiding officer should never rule an amendment out of order unless certain that it is. In case of doubt the presiding officer should entertain the amendment, subject to the right of a member to raise a point of order, or the presiding officer should submit to the house the question of whether the amendment is in order. ThepresidingofficerexercisedtheprerogativeoftheChairandputthefollowingquestiontotheHouseforadecision:“Shalltheamendmenttotheamendmentbeconsideredaproperamendment?”TheHouseruledtheTerrillamendmenttothefloorsubstituteimproperuponarollcallvote.6 5Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure274§401(para.5)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000);Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure271-272§401(para.5)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).6Okla.H.Jour.,1368-1369,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(2008);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.Track10:21,5:27-51:33(April23,2008).SeealsoOkla.H.Jour.,967,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April19,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB763,00:33:50-00:34:55(April19,
Rule 8. Precedents
253
Ruling – ItshallbetherulingoftheHousethatanamendmenttothemainflooramendmentcontainingthesamesubstantivelanguageasthemainflooramendmentshallbeoutoforder.8.6 - 5. (2009) Amendments Offered to Untimely
Filed Main Floor Amendments Rule –HouseRule8.6,paragraphs(a)through(c)statethefollowing:(a) All House and Senate bills and joint resolutions when initially published on the Floor Calendar shall be subject to amendment beginning at the time of such publishing.
(b) A main floor amendment must be filed no later than twenty-four (24) hours after a bill or joint resolution is initially published on the Floor Calendar. (c) An amendment to a main floor amendment must be filed no later than forty-eight (48) hours after a bill or joint resolution is initially published on the Floor Calendar. History –WhileconsideringHouseBill1084,RepresentativeThomsenmovedtosuspendHouseRule8.6forpurposesofallowingconsiderationofanuntimelyfiledamendment.Themotiontosuspendwasadopteduponarollcallvote.UponsuspensionofHouseRule8.6,RepresentativeBrownpresentedaproposeduntimelymainamendmenttoHouseBill1084.PriortoadoptionofRepresentativeBrown’smainfloor
2011);Okla.H.Jour.,886,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April21,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SJR68,3:38:06-3:58:46(April21,2016);seealsoMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure271§401(para.4)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).
House Precedents
254
amendment,RepresentativeJohnWrightmovedtoamendRepresentativeBrown’smainflooramendmentwithanotheramendment.RepresentativeReynoldsrequestedthepresidingofficerruleonthequestionofwhetherRepresentativeWright’sproposedamendmenttotheuntimelymainflooramendmentwasinorderwithoutasecondmotiontosuspendHouseRules.ThepresidingofficerruledthatduetothefirstsuspensionofHouseRulesforconsiderationoftheuntimelymainflooramendmentofferedbyRepresentativeBrown,itwasnotnecessarytosuspendtheRulesasecondtimetoconsideranamendmentproposedtoanuntimelymainflooramendmentunderconsiderationbytheHouseofRepresentatives.7Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatuponsuspensionofHouseRulesforpurposesofconsideringanuntimelyfiledmainflooramendment,anamendmenttothemainflooramendmentthenunderconsiderationmaybeofferedwithoutasecondvotetosuspendHouseRules.Reasoning –Notice,transparencyandfullconsiderationareessentialtotheamendmentprocess;however,theimmediateneedsoftheHouseasexpressedinasuccessfulmotiontosuspendHouseRulestoconsideranuntimelyfiledamendmentmaytemporarilysupersedesuchconsiderations.Itisuptothe
7Okla.H.Jour.,558,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.18,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:22,4:19-5:03(Feb.18,2009);affirmedatOkla.H.Jour.,1122-1123,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April26,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB939,01:41:00-01:44:05;01:47:20-01:48:40(April26,2011);Okla.H.Jour.,659-660,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March15,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB3076,02:10:20-02:11:41(March15,2012);.
Rule 8. Precedents
255
HousetodecidewhatamendmentsdeserveimmediateconsiderationoutsidetheparametersofHouseRule8.6.Assuch,iftheHouseiswillingtosuspendtheRulestoconsideranuntimelymainflooramendment,itisreasonablethattheHousewouldconsiderotheramendmentsofferedtothatsameuntimelymainflooramendmentwithouthavingtosuspendtheRulesasecondtime.8.6 - 5.A. (2009) Additional Untimely Main Floor
Amendments Offered After First Rule Suspension Rule –HouseRule8.6,paragraphs(a)through(c)statethefollowing:(a) All House and Senate bills and joint resolutions when initially published on the Floor Calendar shall be subject to amendment beginning at the time of such publishing.
(b) A main floor amendment must be filed no later than twenty-four (24) hours after a bill or joint resolution is initially published on the Floor Calendar.
(c) An amendment to a main floor amendment must be filed no later than forty-eight (48) hours after a bill or joint resolution is initially published on the Floor Calendar. History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill1604,RepresentativeSullivanmovedtosuspendHouseRule8.6forpurposesofconsideringanuntimelyamendmenttoRepresentativeOwnbey’stimelyfiledmainflooramendment.TheHouseadoptedthemotiontosuspenduponarollcallvote.RepresentativeOwnbeythenofferedhisuntimelyamendmenttothemainamendment.TheHouseadoptedtheuntimelyamendmentandthenadoptedthemainflooramendmentasamended.
House Precedents
256
Subsequently,RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointofinquiryastowhether,underthemotiontosuspendHouseRules,itwouldbeinordertoofferuntimelymainflooramendmentsnotcontemplatedbytheoriginalmotiontosuspendHouseRulesforthepurposeofconsideringthefirstuntimelymainflooramendment.ThepresidingofficerruledthatalthoughapreviousrulingpermittedconsiderationofanuntimelyamendmentofferedtoanuntimelymainflooramendmentthenunderconsiderationbytheHouse,itwouldnotbeinordertoconsideradditionaluntimelymainflooramendmentswithoutvotingasecondtimetosuspendHouseRulesforthatpurpose.RepresentativeReynoldsmovedtosuspendHouseRule8.6forthepurposeofallowingconsiderationofanuntimelymainflooramendment,whichfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.8Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatuponsuspensionofHouseRulesforpurposesofconsideringanuntimelyfiledmainflooramendment,additionalmainflooramendmentsmaynotbeofferedwithoutasecondvotetosuspendHouseRules.Reasoning –Underarulingearlierthissession,itispermissibletospontaneouslyofferuntimelyamendmentstoanuntimelymainflooramendmentthenunderconsiderationwithoutanadditionalmotiontosuspendHouseRules.ThismeansthatoncetheRulesaresuspendedtoallowtheuntimelymainflooramendment,amembermaymerelylayan
8Okla.H.Jour.,783-785,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March4,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:30,3:29-4:20(March4,2009).
Rule 8. Precedents
257
amendmenttothemainamendmentonthetablewithoutabidingbytheamendmentprocesslaidoutinHouseRule8.6.9Inordertopreservethemaincomponentsoftheamendmentcycle,namelynotice,transparencyandfullconsideration,10onesuccessfulmotiontosuspendHouseRulesforpurposesofofferingoneuntimelyfiledmainflooramendmentshouldnotbeviewedascarteblanchetoofferadditionaluntimelymainflooramendmentsonthesamebill.ConsiderationofotheruntimelymainflooramendmentsshouldonlyariseasaresultofindividualmotionstosuspendtheRulesforconsiderationofeachindividualuntimelymainflooramendmentorifamemberdesirestooffermultipleuntimelymainflooramendments,amotiontosuspendtheRulesforconsiderationofmorethanoneuntimelymainflooramendment.11Notice,transparencyandfullconsideration12aresofundamentaltotheamendmentprocessintheHouseofRepresentativesthatuntimelymainamendmentsshouldfacethethresholdrequirementofasuccessfultwo-thirds(2/3)majorityvotepriortoconsideration.WhilethebodyhascompletediscretiontochoosewhatideasaresomeritoriousastodeserveimmediateconsiderationoutsidetherequirementsofHouseRule8.6,themethodforallowingsuchconsiderationshouldnotautomaticallythrowopenthedoortootheruntimelyandpotentiallyless
9Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§8.6(5.),52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.18,2009).10Id.11Cf.Okla.H.Jour.,879-880,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April21,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB804,2:15:04-2:16:39(April21,2016). 12Id.
House Precedents
258
meritoriousproposalsmerelybecausetheHousevotedtosuspendtheRulesinoneinstance.8.6 - 6. (2009) Verbalization of Motion to Strike
Title by Appropriations Chair Rule – HouseRule8.6,paragraph(g)statesinpart:The Chairperson of the Appropriations and Budget Committee …shall be permitted to offer amendments to strike the Title… of measures affecting revenue or appropriations. Amendments offered under this subsection shall not be subject to the time constraints... History –WhileHouseBill2027wasunderconsideration,theauthor,RepresentativeSteele,movedtoamendHouseBill2027byadoptingafloorsubstituteinlieuofthebillitself.ThefloorsubstitutewasadoptedbytheHouse.RepresentativeDormanraisedapointofinquiryastowhetherthechairpersonoftheAppropriationsandBudgetCommitteeisrequiredtoverbalizethemotiontostrikethetitle.ThepresidingofficerruledthatithasbeenthepracticeoftheHousethatwhenofferedbythechairperson,anamendmenttostrikethetitleisgenerallymadebyunanimousconsentandputbythepresidingofficerwithoutrecognizingthechairpersonofferingtheamendment.13Ruling –ItshallbetherulingoftheChairthatinkeepingwiththepracticeoftheHouse,thepresidingofficermayseekunanimousconsenttostrikethetitleonbehalfofthe
13Okla.H.Jour.,502,503,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.12,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:07,3:31-4:56(Feb.12,2009).
Rule 8. Precedents
259
AppropriationsandBudgetchairpersonformeasuresaffectingrevenueorappropriations.8.6 - 7. (2010) Authority to Strike Title on
Retirement Measures Affecting Revenue Rule –HouseRule8.6,paragraph(g)states:The Chairperson of the Appropriations and Budget Committee and the Chairperson of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Revenue and Taxation shall be permitted to offer amendments to strike the Title or the Enacting or Resolving Clause of measures affecting revenue or appropriations. Amendments offered under this subsection shall not be subject to the time constraints established by subsections (b) and (c) of this section. History –WhileconsideringHouseBill2357,RepresentativeMillermovedtoamendHouseBill2357bystrikingthetitle.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderthatthemotiontostrikethetitlewasoutoforderbecausethemeasurewasaretirementmeasureandnotanappropriationmeasure.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatHouseRule8.6,paragraph(g)permitsthechairpersonoftheAppropriationsandBudgetCommitteetoofferamendmentstostrikethetitleonmeasuresaffectingrevenueorappropriationsandthatitwastheopinionoftheChairthatthismeasurewouldaffecthowtheStateofOklahomautilizescertaintypesofrevenue.Assuch,thepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltakenandallowedpresentationoftheamendmenttostrikethetitle.14
14Okla.H.Jour.,409,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.10,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,1:25:46-1:36:00(Feb.10,2010).
House Precedents
260
Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatretirementmeasuresaffectingrevenueorappropriationsfallwithintheauthorityoftheAppropriationsandBudgetchairpersontoofferamendmentstostrikethetitleasprovidedinHouseRule8.6,paragraph(g).8.6 – 8. (2014) Authority of Chair to Offer
Amendment to Strike Title Regardless of Statements Published in Bill Summary Rule –HouseRule8.6,paragraph(g)states:The Chairperson of the Appropriations and Budget Committee and the Chairperson of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Revenue and Taxation shall be permitted to offer amendments to strike the Title or the Enacting or Resolving Clause of measures affecting revenue or appropriations. Amendments offered under this subsection shall not be subject to the time constraints established by subsections (b) and (c) of this section. History –AftersuccessfulmotionstoreconsiderthevotewherebyHouseBill3143failedandsuccessfulmotionstorescindThirdReadingofHouse3143andtorescindthemotionadvancingthebillfromGeneralOrder,RepresentativeScottMartinmovedtoamendHouseBill3143bystrikingthetitle. RepresentativeMorrissettethenraisedapointoforderstatingthatsuchanamendmentwasinviolationofHouseRule8.6,paragraph(g)becausethebillsummaryaccompanyingHouseBill3143statedthatthemeasureitselfdidnothaveafiscalimpact.ThepresidingofficerstatedthattheChairwoulddefertotheopinionoftheChairoftheCommitteeonAppropriationsandBudget.
Rule 8. Precedents
261
RepresentativeMorrissetteappealedtherulingoftheChair,whichrulingwasupheldbytheHouseuponarollcallvote.15Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthattheAppropriationsandBudgetChairretainstheauthoritytoofferamendmentstostrikethetitleonameasureeventhoughthebillsummarypublishedbytheHousestaffstatesthatthebillhasnofiscalimpact.§ 8.7 CONSIDERATION AND PRESENTATION 8.7 - 1. (2006) Adoption of Floor Substitute
Precludes Further Amendment of a Bill16 8.7 - 2. (2007) Order of Presentation of Floor
Amendments Rule – HouseRule8.7,paragraph(a)states:The House shall not consider more than one amendment at a time and amendments shall be taken up only as sponsors gain recognition from the Speaker to move their adoption. History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill507,RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderquestioning 15Okla.H.Jour.,503-505,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March10,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB3143,01:15:41-01:28:03(March10,2014).16InterpretedRule8.8,50thLeg.,thisrulewasrenumberedasRule8.7inHouseRulesadoptedforthe51stand52ndLegislatures.Discarded:effectivelydiscardeduponadoptionofHouseRulesfor53rdand54thOklahomaLegislatures.SeeSection8.7,paragraph(e)ofHouseRulesforthe53rdOklahomaLegislature(2011-2012)andSection8.8ofHouseRulesforthe54thOklahomaLegislature(2013-2014).
House Precedents
262
theorderbywhichproposedflooramendmentscamebeforetheHouseforconsideration.ThepresidingofficerruledthatpursuanttoHouseRule8.7,paragraph(a),theChairhastheprerogativeandauthoritytodeterminetheorderofconsiderationofflooramendments. Additionally,thepresidingofficerruledthatthereisnorequirementwithinHouseRule8.7thattheChairannounceareasonfortheorderofpresentationthathechoosestofollowwhenrecognizingauthorsforpresentationoftheirproposedflooramendmentsduringfloorsessions.17Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatHouseRule8.7,paragraph(a)shallbeinterpretedtomeanthattheChairhastheprerogativeandauthoritytodeterminetheorderofconsiderationofflooramendmentsandthattheChairisnotrequiredtoannounceareasonfortheorderofpresentationthathechoosestofollowwhenrecognizingtheauthorsforpresentation.8.7 - 3. (2011) Amendment of Language
Previously Amended Prohibited Rule – HouseRule8.7,paragraph(b)states:The adoption of an amendment to a section shall not preclude further amendment of that section so long as subsequent amendments do not purport to amend the same language previously amended. If a bill is being considered section by section or item by item, only amendments to the section or item under consideration shall be in order.
17Okla.H.Jour.,1223,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April17,2007);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:22,21:26-27:20(April17,2007);.
Rule 8. Precedents
263
History – DuringconsiderationofHouseBill1541,RepresentativeSheltonmovedtoamendHouseBill1541bystrikingsections2through38ofthebill. Afterconsiderationofaproceduralmotionpertainingtothebillitself,RepresentativeMurpheypressedadoptionoftheSheltonamendment,whichamendmentwasadoptedbytheHouse. RepresentativeMurpheythenmovedtoamendHouseBill1541bydeletingSections1through42ofthebillasconstitutedpriortoadoptionoftheSheltonamendmentandinsertingnewsections1through64. RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderstatingthattheMurpheyamendmentwasoutoforderbecauseitamendedthesamesectionoflawasthepreviouslyadoptedSheltonamendment.Thepresidingofficerruledthepointwelltakenpursuanttosection411ofMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure.18Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatlanguagepreviouslyamendedinameasuremaynotbeamendedagainatthatpointinthelegislativeprocess.Reasoning –OncetheHousehasdecidedtoremoveorotherwiseasectionofabillunderconsideration,itisnotinordertoamendthatprecisesectionagainatthatpointinthelegislativeprocess.Thisissuecouldbeavoidedbyasuccessful
18Okla.H.Jour.,624,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March15,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1541,00:37:52-00:50:31(March15,2011).SeeMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure279-280§411(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000);Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure277-278§411(para.4)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).
House Precedents
264
motiontoreconsiderthepreviouslyadoptedamendmentpriortothetimethemeasureisadvancedfromGeneralOrder.8.7 - 4. (2011) Determination Whether
Amendment is Floor Substitute19 8.7 - 5. (2011) Presentation of Floor Amendment
by Member other than Author of Amendment Rule –HouseRule8.7,paragraph(a)states:The House shall not consider more than one amendment at a time and amendments shall be taken up only as sponsors gain recognition from the presiding officer to move their adoption. History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill610,RepresentativeThomsenmovedtoacceptallpendingamendmentsofferedtoSenateBill610.ThepresidingofficerthenrecognizedRepresentativeThomsentopresentatimelyfiledamendmentfiledbyRepresentativeOsbornwhowasexcused.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwasappropriateforRepresentativeThomsentopresenttheOsbornamendmentwhenRepresentativeOsbornhadbeenexcusedandwasnotpresent.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatitwaspermissibleforamembertopresentanamendmentonbehalfofanothermember.RepresentativeThomsensubsequentlywithdrewtheOsbornamendmentfromfurtherconsideration.
19Discarded:effectivelydiscardeduponadoptionofHouseRulesforthe54thOklahomaLegislature(2013-2014),seeSection8.8.
Rule 8. Precedents
265
ThepresidingofficerrecognizedRepresentativeThomsentopresentatimelyfiledamendmentfiledbyRepresentativeMorganwhowasexcused.RepresentativeThomsendeclined.RepresentativeInman,theMinorityLeader,soughtrecognitiontopresenttheMorganamendment.RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointoforderastowhetheranymembercouldpresentanamendmentpreviouslyfiledbyanexcusedmemberorwouldsuchadeterminationdependontheintentofthememberwhofiledtheamendment.Thepresidingofficerruledthatitwoulddependontheintentoftheamendment’sauthorexceptthatthepresidingofficerwouldallowtheMinorityLeaderoftheHouseofRepresentativestopresentanamendmentonbehalfofamemberoftheminoritycaucuswhowasexcused.RepresentativeInmanwasthenrecognizedtopresentRepresentativeMorgan’samendment.20Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatthequestionofwhethertoallowanamendmenttobepresentedbyamemberotherthananamendment’sauthorwillbebasedontheintentofanamendment’sauthor;furthermore,theMinorityLeadermay,asamatterofcourse,presentanamendmentonbehalfofamemberoftheminoritycaucuswhoisexcused.
20Okla.H.Jour.,1060-1061,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April25,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB610,00:34:00-00:54:32(April25,2011);Okla.H.Jour.,704-705,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March13,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB2054,02:20:26-02:21:31(March13,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,726-727,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March13,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB2193,05:23:40-05:24:01(March13,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,737-738,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March14,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1477,01:31:45-01:32:11(March14,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,831,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April1,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB817,00:48:21-00:49:28(April1,2013).
House Precedents
266
§ 8.8 FLOOR SUBSTITUTES PROHIBITED21 8.8 - 1. (2013) Proposed Amendment Not Floor
Substitute if a Section of Measure in Question Remains after Adoption of Amendment Rule – HouseRule8.8states:
The House of Representatives shall not consider any floor amendments offered in the form of a floor substitute. An amendment shall be deemed a floor substitute if adoption of the proposed amendment would result in replacement of all sections of the measure in question. History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill1062,aflooramendmentauthoredbySpeakerShannonwasofferedwhichproposedtoamendSenateBill1062bydeletingmostsectionsofthebillbutretainingSections142and143,thoughrenumberedasSections119and120. RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderastowhethertheShannonamendmentwasinorderforconsiderationpursuanttotherequirementsofSection8.8ofHouseRules. ThepresidingofficerruledthatSections142and143ofSenateBill1062hadbeenretainedandhadnotbeenreplacedbutwererenumberedasSections119and120withintheamendmentandruledthepointnotwelltaken.
21Previously,Section8.8ofHouseRulespertainedtoadoptionofa“specialrule”.Languagepertainingto“specialrules”ispresentlylocatedinSection7.22ofHouseRulesforthe55thOklahomaLegislature(2015-2016).
Rule 8. Precedents
267
RepresentativeMorrissetteappealedtherulingofthepresidingofficer,receivingtherequiredfifteen(15)standingsecondsandwasrecognizedbythepresidingofficertoexplaintheappeal.TherulingoftheChairwasupheldbytheHouseuponarollcallvote.22Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthataproposedamendmentshallnotbeconsideredafloorsubstitute,withinthemeaningofSection8.8ofHouseRules,whentheamendmentretainsasectionofthemeasureinquestioneventhoughtheretainedsectionhasbeenrenumberedwithintheproposedamendment.8.8 - 2. (2014) Proposed Senate Amendments (SAs)
Presented in Form of Floor Substitute not Prohibited by Section 8.8 of House Rules
Rule – HouseRule8.8states:The House of Representatives shall not consider any floor amendments offered in the form of a floor substitute. An amendment shall be deemed a floor substitute if adoption of the proposed amendment would result in replacement of all sections of the measure in question. History – DuringconsiderationoftheSenateAmendments(SAs)toHouseBill2914,RepresentativeSherrerraisedapointoforderastowhether,pursuanttoHouseRule8.8,itwasappropriatetoconsidertheSenateAmendments(SAs)to
22Okla.H.Jour.,1085-1086,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April24,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB1062,00:17:33-00:24:50(April24,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,524,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March11,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB3359,00:24:48-00:27:11(March11,2014).
House Precedents
268
HouseBill2914becausetheSenateAmendmentswereintheformofafloorsubstitute. ThepresidingofficerruledthattheprohibitionagainstfloorsubstitutesinHouseRule8.8wasapplicableonlytoflooramendmentsofferedduringGeneralOrderandnottoSenateAmendmentsconsideredduringtheFourthReadingperiodofthelegislativeprocessandthatitwasthepracticeoftheSenatetosendamendmentstotheHouseintheformofafloorsubstitute.23Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatproposedSenateAmendments(SAs)toHousemeasurespresentedintheformofafloorsubstitutearenotprohibitedbySection8.8oftheadoptedHouseRules.§ 8.9 AMENDMENT OF GENERAL
APPROPRIATIONS BILL 8.9 - 1. (2010) Amendments Offered to a Proposed
Main Amendment to a General Appropriation Bill Rule –HouseRule8.9states:Whenever an amendment is offered to a General Appropriations Bill that would increase any line item of such bill, such amendment shall show the amount by line item of the increase
23Okla.H.Jour.,1000-1001,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April29,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SAstoHB2914,01:08:00-01:13:24(April29,2014);Okla.H.Jour.,1103-1104,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April30,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SAstoHB1773,09:58:05-10:06:40(April30,2015).
Rule 8. Precedents
269
and shall decrease a line item or items within the same bill in an amount or amounts equivalent to or greater than the increase required by the amendment. History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill2366,RepresentativeReynoldsmovedtoamendthebillwithafloorsubstitutetobeadoptedinlieuofthebillitself.RepresentativeCollinsthenmovedtoamendthefloorsubstitutebyinsertinganewSection61whichifadopted,wouldchangetheamountoffundsappropriatedtoaspecificstateagency.RepresentativeReynoldsrequestedarulingoftheChairastowhethertheproposedamendmenttothefloorsubstituteofferedbyRepresentativeCollinswasinorderpursuanttoHouseRule8.9.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatHouseRule8.9isapplicableonlytoamendmentsinthefirstdegreeandnottoamendmentsintheseconddegreesuchastheCollinsamendmentpresentlyunderconsideration.ToapplytherequirementsofHouseRule8.9toanamendmentintendedtoamendamainamendmentwouldpotentiallypreventthepossibilityofcorrectiveactionbeingtakenwhichcouldbringamainamendmentotherwiseoutofcompliancewithHouseRule8.9intocompliancewiththerequirementsoftherule.Thepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltakenandtheproposedamendmenttothefloorsubstituteinorderforconsideration.RepresentativeCollinsthenpressedadoptionofhisamendmenttothefloorsubstituteandhisamendmentwasadopted.UponadoptionoftheCollinsamendmenttothemainflooramendment,thefloorsubstitute,RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointoforderstatingthatthefloorsubstituteasamendedby
House Precedents
270
theCollinsamendmentwasoutoforderpursuanttoHouseRule8.9.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatHouseRule8.9requiresthatamendmentsofferedtoageneralappropriationbillmustreflect,lineitembylineitem,theamountstobeincreasedversustheamountstobedecreasedandthatpriortoadoptionoftheamendmenttotheamendmentofferedbyRepresentativeCollinstothefloorsubstitutecompliedwiththestatedrequirementsofHouseRule8.9.ThepresidingofficerfurtherstatedthatuponadoptionoftheCollinsamendmenttothefloorsubstitute,thefloorsubstitute,asamended,nolongercompliedwiththerequirementsofHouseRule8.9becausetheamountappropriatedbytheCollinsamendmenttotheamendmentwasnotreflectedwithacorrespondingdecreaseanywherewithinthefloorsubstituteasamended.Assuch,thepresidingofficerruledthefloorsubstitute,asamended,outoforderforfurtherconsideration.24§ 8.10 AMENDMENT SUMMARY 8.10 - 1. (2008) Availability of Fiscal Analysis for
Floor Amendment25 8.10 - 2. (2009) Determination of Need for Fiscal
Summary to Accompany Floor Amendment Rule –HouseRule8.10,paragraph(a)statesinpart: 24Okla.H.Jour.,413,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.10,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,3:09:09-3:15:10(Feb.10,2010).25Overruled:tacitlyoverruledbythepresidingofficerinPrec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§8.10(2),52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.19,2009);seeOkla.H.Jour.,575,577,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.19,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:13,1:25-16:54(Feb.19,2009).
Rule 8. Precedents
271
All proposed amendments to bills or joint resolutions whose adoption will have a fiscal impact, including the affecting of revenues, expenditures or fiscal liability, shall be accompanied by a written summary which shall contain a fiscal analysis upon being filed with the Chief Clerk’s Office… History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill1928,RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointoforderastowhetherafiscalsummaryhadbeenpublishedforaflooramendmentofferedbyRepresentativeReynolds.ThepointoforderwasraisedonthebasisofHouseRule8.10.ThepresidingofficerdeterminedthatafiscalsummaryhadnotbeenpublishedandquestionedRepresentativeReynoldsastowhetheradoptionoftheamendmentwouldhaveafiscalimpact.RepresentativeReynoldsstatedthatnofiscalsummarywaspreparedbythefiscaldivision;therefore,hedidnotfeelthattheamendmentwouldhaveafiscalimpact.Thepresidingofficernotedthatanindividualmembermustrequestpreparationofafiscalsummaryandthatasummaryisnotautomaticallypreparedbythefiscaldivision.RepresentativeBlackwellthenofferedamotiontotabletheReynoldsamendment.Priortoconsiderationofthemotiontotable,RepresentativeTerrillpressedhispointoforderandinformedthepresidingofficerthathebelievedtheamendment,ifadopted,wouldhaveafiscalimpact.Thepresidingofficerundertookconsiderationofthepointoforderpriortopresentationofthemotiontotableandruledthepointwelltaken.ThepresidingofficerreferredthequestionofwhethertheReynoldsamendmentwouldhaveafiscalimpacttothechairpersonoftheHouseAppropriationsandBudgetCommittee.
House Precedents
272
Uponrecognition,thechairpersonconcurredthattheReynoldsamendmentwouldhaveafiscalimpact.ThepresidingofficerthenruledtheReynoldsamendmentoutoforderonthebasisoftheopinionofferedbythechairpersonoftheHouseAppropriationsandBudgetCommittee.UponpresentationofasecondamendmentofferedbyRepresentativeReynolds,RepresentativeTerrillraisedasecondpointoforderquestioningwhether,underHouseRule8.10,thesecondReynoldsamendmentshouldbeaccompaniedbyafiscalsummary.Asdonepreviously,thepresidingofficerreferredthequestiontothechairpersonoftheHouseAppropriationsandBudgetCommittee.TheAppropriationsandBudgetChairpersonstatedthatheconcurredwiththeopinionofthechairpersonoftheHouseAppropriationsandBudgetSubcommitteeonPublicSafetyandJudiciarywho,astherelevantsubcommitteechairperson,believedtheReynoldsamendmentwouldhaveafiscalimpact.Assuch,thepresidingofficerruledthesecondReynoldsamendmentoutoforderonthebasisoftheopinionofthechairpersonoftheHouseAppropriationsandBudgetCommittee.26
26Okla.H.Jour.,575,577,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.19,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:13,1:25-16:54(Feb.19,2009);affirmedatOkla.H.Jour.,902-903,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March10,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:66,3:39-5:37(March10,2009);Okla.H.Jour.,529,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March9,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1397,05:33:21-05:41:40(March9,2011);Okla.H.Jour.,1167,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April27,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB954,02:16:00-02:18:40(April27,2011);apointoforderwasraisedastowhether,pursuanttoHousePrecedent8.10-2.(2009),thepresidingofficershouldreferthequestionofafiscalimpacttothechairpersonoftheAppropriationsandBudgetCommittee,
Rule 8. Precedents
273
Precedent –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatquestionsarisingunderHouseRule8.10,paragraph(a)pertainingtonecessityofanaccompanyingfiscalsummaryforflooramendmentsshallbedeterminedonthebasisoftheinformedopinionofthechairpersonoftheHouseAppropriationsandBudgetCommittee.§ 8.11 GERMANENESS OF HOUSE OR SENATE
AMENDMENTS 8.11 - 1. (2007) Germaneness of Committee
Amendments Rule –HouseRule8.11,paragraph(a)statesinpart:The House shall not consider any proposed amendment not germane to the subject of the original bill or resolution… History –UponbeginningconsiderationofSenateBill507,apointoforderwasraisedbyRepresentativeMorrissetterequestingarulingoftheChairastowhetheracommitteesubstituteadoptedincommitteeforSenateBill507mettherequirementsofthegermanenessrulenamedinHouseRule8.11.
towhichthepresidingofficerstatedthattheprecedentinquestionpertainedtoasituationwherenofiscalimpactstatementhadbeenprovidedandthatinthiscaseafiscalimpactstatementhadbeenprovidedbothforthebillandfortheamendment,Okla.H.Jour.,340,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.27,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2418,00:40:08-00:40:55(Feb.27,2014);Okla.H.Jour.,504,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March10,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB3143,01:01:42-01:04:04(March10,2014).
House Precedents
274
Thepresidingofficerruledthatwhileabillisincommittee,itisthecommitteechairthatrulesonthegermanenessofacommitteesubstituteorotheramendmentsofferedincommittee.OncethebillcomestotheHousefloorforconsideration,thebillisconsideredgermaneandanysubsequentquestionsregardingthegermanenessofflooramendmentsaredecidedbythepresidingofficer.Subsequenttothepresidingofficer’sruling,RepresentativeMorrissetteappealedtherulingofthepresidingofficer.UponconsiderationbytheHouse,thedecisionofthepresidingofficerwasupheldbytheHouse.27Ruling –ItshallbetherulingoftheChairthatHouseRule8.11shallbeinterpretedtomeanthatwhileabillisunderconsiderationincommittee,itisthecommitteechairpersonthatrulesuponthegermanenessofamendmentsofferedinthatcommitteeandthatuponpresentationofthebilltothefullHouse,thebill,asreportedfromcommittee,isconsideredgermane. 8.11 - 2. (2007) Germaneness of Motion to Reject
Senate Amendments Rule –HouseRule8.11,paragraph(a)states:The House shall not consider any proposed amendment not germane to the subject of the original bill or resolution. It shall be
27Okla.H.Jour.,1219,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March17,2007);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:22,00:10-01:22(March17,2007);affirmedatOkla.H.Jour.,1156,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April10,2008);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.Track10:07,00:00-20:34(April10,2008);Okla.H.Jour.,1212,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April15,2008);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.Track10:31,00:48-3:00(April15,2008).
Rule 8. Precedents
275
the duty of the Presiding Officer to enforce this Rule, regardless of whether or not a point of order is raised by a Member.
History –RepresentativeMartin,uponobtainingrecognitionbythepresidingofficer,offeredamotiontorejectSenateamendmentstoHouseBill1819.PriortothepresidingofficerputtingtheMartinmotiontoavote,RepresentativeWrightrequestedthattheChairruleonthegermanenessoftheSenateamendmentsnamedinthemotiontoreject.ThepresidingofficerruledthatthequestionofgermanenesswasnotrelevanttoconsiderationofamotiontorejectSenateamendmentstoaHousebill.Additionally,thepresidingofficerinformedRepresentativeWrightthatonlyuponthepresentationofamotiontoadoptSenateamendmentstoaHousebill,wouldthequestionofgermanenessbecomerelevant.28Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatHouseRule8.11,paragraph(a)shallbeinterpretedtomeanthatthequestionofgermanenessisnotrelevanttoconsiderationofamotiontorejectSenateamendmentstoaHousebillandthatonlyuponthepresentationofamotiontoadoptSenateamendmentstoaHousebillwouldthequestionofgermanenessbecomerelevant.8.11 - 3. (2008) Germaneness of Floor Amendment
Offered to Proposed Constitutional Amendment Rule –HouseRule8.11,paragraph(a)statesinpart:
28Okla.H.Jour.,1450,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May2,2007);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:29,2:32-4:13(May2,2007).
House Precedents
276
The House shall not consider any proposedamendment not germane to the subject of the original bill or resolution…
History –SenateBill1987containedaproposaldirectingtheSecretaryofStatetoreferforavoteofthepeopleaproposaltoamendtheOklahomaConstitutiontoimposetermlimitsoncertainexecutivebranchofficialselectedstatewide.DuringconsiderationofSenateBill1987ontheHouseFloor,RepresentativeKieselofferedanamendmentwhichproposedchangestocertainelectionlawscontainedinTitle26oftheOklahomaStatutes.Theamendmentcontainedlanguagewhich,afterpassagebythelegislature,wouldhavebeenrequiredtobepresentedtotheGovernorforhisapprovalordisapprovalundertherequirementsofArticleVI,Section11oftheOklahomaConstitution.RepresentativeTerrillrequestedarulingoftheChairastowhethertheKieselflooramendmentwasinorderpursuanttoHouseRule8.12.ThepresidingofficerruledthatRule8.12wasnotapplicabletothequestionbutheldthatthegermanenessruleofHouseRule8.11didapply.ThepresidingofficerruledthattheamendmentwasnotgermanebecausethesubjectofSenateBill1987wasaproposedconstitutionalamendmentandthesubjectoftheflooramendmentwasmultiplestatutorychanges.RepresentativeKieselappealedtherulingoftheChair.UponconsiderationbythefullHouse,thedecisionofthepresidingofficerwasupheldbytheHouse.29
29Okla.H.Jour.,1264,1265,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April16,2008);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.Track10:52,3:39-17:00(April16,2008).
Rule 8. Precedents
277
Ruling –ItshallbetherulingoftheChairthatHouseRule8.11shallbeinterpretedtomeanthataflooramendmentcontainingstatutorychangesisnotgermanetothesubjectofabillthatcontainsproposedamendmentstotheOklahomaConstitution.8.11 - 4. (2008) Germaneness of Legislation Itself Rule –HouseRule8.11,paragraph(a)statesinrelevantpart:The House shall not consider any proposed amendment not germane to the subject of the original bill or resolution… History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill1943ontheHouseFloor,RepresentativeMorrissetterequestedarulingofthepresidingofficerastowhetherSenateBill1943itselfwasgermanepursuanttoHouseRules8.11and8.12.ThepresidingofficerruledthatRule8.12didnotapplyandthatsincetherewasnoflooramendmentunderconsideration,thepointwasnotwelltakenunderthetermsofRule8.11.RepresentativeMorrissetteappealedtherulingoftheChair.UponconsiderationbythefullHouse,thedecisionofthepresidingofficerwasupheldbytheHouse.30Ruling –ItshallbetherulingoftheChairthatHouseRule8.11isapplicableonlytoflooramendmentsunderconsiderationontheHouseFloor.
30Okla.H.Jour.,1348,1349,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April22,2008);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.Track10:49,13:51-24:54(April22,2008).
House Precedents
278
8.11 - 5. (2009) Controlling Factor of Germaneness
is Subject Matter Rule –Section8.11,paragraph(a)oftheHouseRulesstatesinrelevantpart:The House shall not consider any proposed amendment not germane to the subject of the original bill or resolution… History –WhileHouseBill1508wasunderconsideration,RepresentativeBlackwellmovedtoamendHouseBill1508byadoptingafloorsubstituteinlieuofthebill.RepresentativeThomsenthenrequestedarulingoftheChairastowhetherthesubjectofthefloorsubstitutewasgermanetothesubjectofHouseBill1508.ThepresidingofficerruledthefloorsubstitutenotgermanetothesubjectofHouseBill1508.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointofinquiryastowhatconstitutesgermanenessstatingthattheamendmentruledoutoforderincludedlanguagecontainedinthesametitleoflawasthebillitself.Thepresidingofficerruledthatsubjectmatteristhedeterminingfactorofgermanenessandnotlocationinthesametitleoflaw.RepresentativeInmanappealedtherulingoftheChairwhichwasuphelduponrollcallvote.31
31Okla.H.Jour.,911,912,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March11,2009);DailyH.
Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:11,4:09-12:17(March11,2009);Okla.H.Jour.,1290,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May16,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,CCRtoHB2226,01:59:30-02:10:56(May16,2013).
Rule 8. Precedents
279
Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatsubjectmatterandnotlocationinthesametitleoflawisthedeterminingfactorwhendecidingwhetheranamendmentisgermanetoabill.8.11 - 6. (2009) Method of Determining
Germaneness of Floor Amendments Rule –HouseRule8.11,paragraph(a)states:The House shall not consider any proposed amendment not germane to the subject of the original bill or resolution. It shall be the duty of the Presiding Officer to enforce this Rule, regardless of whether or not a point of order is raised by a Member.
History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill269,RepresentativeMcCulloughmovedtoamendthebillbyinsertinganewsection.RepresentativeSheltonrequestedarulingbytheChairastowhetherthesubjectmatteroftheamendmentwasgermanetothesubjectofSenateBill269.Inrulingonthequestionofgermaneness,thepresidingofficerstatedthattheterm“germane”,containedinHouseRule8.11,wastobedefinedinaccordancewiththedefinitionofgermanenessarticulatedbytheOklahomaSupremeCourtinCampbellv.Whitein1993andrecentlyupheldinFentv.Stateexrel.OfficeofStateFinance.32ThepresidingofficerstatedthatsimilartothedefinitionofgermanenessgiveninCampbell,whichdefinedgermanenessastheexistenceofacommon,closelyakinsubjectorpurposethatisplainlyvisiblebetweentheprovisionsofabill,theterm
32Campbellv.White856P.2d255,260(1993);Fentv.Stateexrel.OfficeofStateFinance184P.3d467,476,477(2008).
House Precedents
280
“germane”,ascontainedinHouseRule8.11,wouldbeinterpretedtomeantheexistenceofacommon,closelyakinsubjectorpurposethatisplainlyvisiblebetweentheprovisionsofaproposedflooramendmentandtheprovisionsofabillorresolution.Thepresidingofficerheldthatwhenatissue,thequestionofgermanenesswouldbeconsideredaquestionoffactwhichwouldbedeterminedbytheChairasthetrieroffactandthatwhenraisedbyamembertheburdenofproofwouldrestuponthememberraisingthepointoforder.Thepresidingofficerstatedthattheinquiringmemberwouldbeexpectedtoimmediatelyandsuccinctlyexplainwhyheorshebelievedtheamendmentnottobegermaneafterwhich,thepresidingofficerwoulddeterminebythepreponderanceoftheevidencewhethertheamendmentwasgermanetothemeasuretobeamended.Thepresidingofficeralsostatedthatonthebasisofthecustomofthebody,theonlyevidencethatwouldbeconsideredinagermanenessinquirywouldbetheamendmentunderconsiderationandthepublishedbillorresolutiontobeamendedandthat,whilestillpreservingtheChair’sprerogativeunderRule8.11,torulesuasponteonquestionsofgermaneness,theChairwouldpresumethatproposedflooramendmentsare,infact,germaneuntilprovenotherwise.ThepresidingofficerruledthepointwelltakenandtheMcCulloughamendmentnotgermanetothesubjectofSenateBill269becausethesubjectoftheMcCulloughamendment,whichdealtwiththesubjectofallowingdistrictattorneysorassistantdistrictattorneystocarryconcealedweapons,morelikelythannotdidnothaveacommon,closelyakinsubjectorpurposethatwasplainlyvisibletothesubjectmattercontained
Rule 8. Precedents
281
inSenateBill269whichdealtwiththesubjectofthecompositionofametropolitanareaplanningcommission.338.11 - 7. (2013) Proposed Amendment Containing
Only Emergency Clause Germane to Subject of Measure
Rule–HouseRule8.11states:The House shall not consider any proposed amendment not germane to the subject of the House bill or resolution. An amendment to a main amendment must be germane to both the main amendment and the measure which it purports to amend. History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill408,aflooramendmentwasofferedthatsaidonlythefollowing: Bydeletingtheeffectivedatebeginningwiththeword“This”throughtheperiod“.”andinsertinginlieuthereof,thefollowing: “Itbeingimmediatelynecessaryforthepreservationofthepublicpeace,healthandsafety,anemergencyisherebydeclaredtoexist,byreasonwhereofthisactshalltakeeffectandbeinfullforcefromandafteritspassageandapproval.”
33Okla.H.Jour.,1286,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April13,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:22,2:34-6:04(April13,2009).SeealsoOkla.H.Jour.,1876,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May21,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:54,0:30-5:32(May21,2009).Inthisinstance,aquestionwasraisedregardingthegermanenessoftheconferencecommitteereportonHouseBill1121.Inrulingonthegermanenessoftheconferencecommitteereport,thepresidingofficerreliedonthesamemethodestablishedinthisprecedent,Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§8.11(6.),52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April13,2009).
House Precedents
282
Whiletheamendmentwaspending,RepresentativeKouplenrequestedarulingoftheChairastowhetherthesubjectofthependingamendment,whichproposedonlytoaddanemergencyclause,wasgermanetothesubjectofSenateBill408. ThepresidingofficerruledthatthependingamendmentwasgermaneandthatitwouldbeuptotheHousetoadoptorrejecttheamendment. RepresentativeMcCulloughpressedadoptionoftheamendment,whichamendmentwasdeclaredadopteduponauponarollcallvote.34Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthataproposedamendmentcontainingonlyanemergencyclauseisgermanetothesubjectofthebillunderconsideration.Reasoning –Arecognizable“germanenessrule”firstappearsintheHouseRulesof1957.35WhytheHouseaddedthisrequirementisamatterofspeculation.Perhaps,itwasintendedasamethodofcarryingouttheconstitutionalmandatethat“EveryactoftheLegislatureshallembracebutonesubject…”36oraroseoutofsomeotherissuenowunknowntous.Regardlessofhowitcametobe,itremainsarelevantprovisionintheHouseRulesasevidencedbyitscontinuedevocationinthe2013regularsession.37Itsstatedpurposeistoensurethat
34Okla.H.Jour.,1104-1105,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April25,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB408,01:59:13-02:00:50(April25,2013).35Okla.H.Jour.,18,26thLeg.(Jan.8,1957);Okla.H.Rules,§43(26thLeg.).36OKCONSTV,57.37Okla.H.Jour.,878,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April8,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,1051,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April23,2013).
Rule 8. Precedents
283
proposedflooramendmentsdon’tstrayfromthesubjectofthemeasuretowhichtheamendmentisoffered.Ontheotherhand,an“emergencyclause”asanoperativefeatureinbillsandsomejointresolutions,38arisesfromtheproceduralapparatuscreatedinArticleV,Section58oftheOklahomaConstitution.39Inrelevantpart,Section58establishesaprocessbywhichsupermajoritiesinbothchambersoftheLegislaturemaysettheeffectivedateoflegislationearlierthanthedefaulteffectivedateofninetydaysaftersinedieadjournmentofthelegislativesessioninwhichameasurewaspassedbytheLegislatureandsignedsubsequentlybytheGovernor.HouseRulesprovidetheconcreteproceduralstepsneededtobringthe“emergencyclause”featuretolifewithinthedaytodayworkingsofthelegislativeprocess.40Analysisofthe“germanenessrule”andthe“emergencyclause”featuredoesnotrevealanapparentconjunctionofpurposenorevenadirecteffect,oneupontheother.Infact,anamendmentaddingorremovingonlyanemergencyclausedoesnothavea“subject”inthesensecontemplatedbythe“germanenessrule”.Itispolicy-neutralandproceduralinnatureexistingcompletelyoutsidetherealmofthegermanenessanalysiscustomarilyreliedonbythepresidingofficer.41Stateddifferently,thetimingoftheeffectivedatehasnodirectrelevancetothesubjectofthemeasureunderconsideration.Therefore,amendmentsofthis
38Okla.H.Rules,86§8.18(54thLeg.).39OKCONSTV,58.40Okla.H.Rules,86§8.18;95§9.6(h);96-97§9.10(a),(g);111§11.9(b)(3)(54thLeg.).41Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§8.11(6.),52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April13,2009).
House Precedents
284
typecanalwaysbepresumedtobegermanetothesubjectofthemeasurewhichtheypurporttoamend.42§ 8.12 AMENDMENTS OUT OF ORDER 8.12 - 1. (2007) Improper Floor Amendments Rule –HouseRule8.12statesinpart:An amendment is out of order if it is the principal substance of a bill…that…has not been reported favorably by the committee of reference in either session of the current Legislature and may not be offered to a bill…on the Floor Calendar and under consideration by the House. History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill1765,RepresentativeReynoldsofferedatimelyfiledmainflooramendment.ApointoforderwasraisedbyRepresentativeWorthenregardingwhetherornottheReynoldsamendmentwasoutoforderunderthetermsofHouseRule8.12.ThepresidingofficerruledthattheWorthenpointoforderwas“welltaken”andthatundertheprovisionsofHouseRule8.12,aflooramendmentisoutoforderiftheprincipalsubstanceofthebillthathasreceivedanunfavorablecommitteereport,hasbeenwithdrawnbytheauthororhasnotbeenreportedfavorablyfromthecommitteeofreference.AfterreviewingthebillsauthoredbyRepresentativeReynoldsstillresidinginthestandingcommitteesoftheHouse,the
42Theotherpolicy-neutral,procedural-typeamendmentsthatdonothavea“subject”inthesensecontemplatedbythe“germanenessrule”ofSection8.18areamendmentsthatstrikeorrestoreameasure’stitleorstrikeorrestoreameasure’senactingorresolvingclause.
Rule 8. Precedents
285
presidingofficerruledthatinthecaseoftheReynoldsamendment,theamendmentcontainedidenticallanguagetoHouseBill1013whichhadnotbeenfavorablyreportedfromtheRulesCommittee.Assuch,theReynoldsamendmentcouldnotbeentertainedbytheHouseandwasoutoforder.Subsequenttothepresidingofficer’sruling,RepresentativeReynoldsindicatedadesiretoappealtherulingofthepresidingofficer.UponconsiderationbythefullHouse,thedecisionofthepresidingofficerwasupheldbytheHouse.43Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatHouseRule8.12shallbeinterpretedtomeanthatbillsnotreportedoutofaHousecommitteecannotbeintroducedasflooramendmentstoanotherbillduringeithersessionofthecurrentLegislature.8.12 - 2. (2009) Floor Amendments Mirroring
House Bills in Possession of Senate Rule –Section8.12oftheHouseRulesstatesinrelevantpart:An amendment is out of order if it is the principal substance of a bill or resolution that has received an unfavorable committee report, has been withdrawn from further consideration by the principal author or has not been reported favorably by the committee of reference in either session of the current Legislature
43Okla.H.Jour.,812,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March12,2007);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track11:30,22:57-33:11(March12,2007);Cf.Okla.H.Jour.,1036-1037,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April23,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB789,11:15:46-11:23:26(April23,2015);Okla.H.Jour.,1091-1092,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May19,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HJR1030,2:09:28-2:11:44(May19,2015),presidingofficerruledamendmentoutoforderpursuanttoSection8.12;authorwasthenrecognizedforamotiontosuspendSection8.12toallowforproperconsiderationoftheamendment.
House Precedents
286
and may not be offered to a bill or resolution on the Floor Calendar and under consideration by the House... History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill1066,RepresentativeDuncanofferedamainflooramendment,afloorsubstitute,inlieuofthebillitself.RepresentativeMorrissetterequestedarulingofthepresidingofficerastowhether,undertheconstraintsofHouseRule8.12,itwasinordertoconsidertheamendmentbecausethelanguagecontainedintheamendmentappearedtobeidenticaltolanguagecontainedinaHousemeasureinpossessionoftheSenatewhichhadnotyetbeenconsideredbytheSenate.ThepresidingofficerruledthatHouseRule8.12doesnotapplytoaHousemeasureinpossessionoftheSenate.44Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatanamendmentconsistingoflanguagealsocontainedinaHousemeasureinpossessionoftheSenateisnotprohibitedbyHouseRule8.12.8.12 - 3. (2009) House Rule 8.12 Not Applicable to
Conference Committee Substitutes Rule –HouseRule8.12says:An amendment is out of order if it is the principal substance of a bill or resolution that has received an unfavorable committee report, has been withdrawn from further consideration by the principal author or has not been reported favorably by the committee of reference in either session of the current Legislature and may not be offered to a bill or resolution on the Floor Calendar and under consideration by the House…
44Okla.H.Jour.,1443,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April22,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:26,12:29-15:09(April22,2009).
Rule 8. Precedents
287
History –DuringconsiderationoftheConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill1121,RepresentativeReynoldsrequestedarulingoftheChairastowhetherthesubjectoftheconferencecommitteereportwaslimitedtomattersgermanetothesubjectofHouseBill1121.Thepresidingofficerruledthepointwelltakenandtheconferencecommitteereportnotgermane.RepresentativeAuffetmovedtosuspendHouseRule7.15,paragraph(a)forthepurposeofallowingconsiderationoftheConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill1121.Themotiontosuspendtheruleprevaileduponarollcallvote.RepresentativeReynoldsthenraisedapointofinquiryastowhetherconsiderationoftheconferencecommitteereportwasinordersincethelanguagecontainedintheconferencecommitteereportappearedtobethesamelanguagecontainedinameasurewhichdidnotreceiveacommitteehearingduringGeneralOrder.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatpursuanttoHouseRule8.12,abillnotreportedfromaHousecommitteecannotbepresentedontheHouseFloorintheformofaflooramendmentduringGeneralOrder.ThepresidingofficerruledthataconferencecommitteereportisnotaflooramendmentandisnotunderconsiderationonGeneralOrder,meaningthatlanguagecontainedinameasureremaininginaHousecommitteemaybeconsideredintheformofaconferencecommitteesubstituteaftertheGeneralOrderdeadlines.Thepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltaken.45
45Okla.H.Jour.,1876,1877,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May21,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:54,0:30-11:27(May21,2009);Okla.H.Jour.,1321-1322,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May21,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,CCRtoSB2097,01:44:55-01:53:54(May21,2013).
House Precedents
288
Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthattheprohibitionsapplicabletoflooramendmentscontainedinHouseRule8.12donotapplytoconferencecommitteesubstitutes.§ 8.14 MOTION TO COMMIT 8.14 - 1. (2009) Motion to Commit After Third
Reading Deadline Rule –HouseRule8.14states:A motion may be made during the reading or consideration of any bill or joint resolution on General Order to commit the bill to a standing or special committee, with or without instructions. History –OnThursday,April30,2009,RepresentativeTerrillofferedamotiontowithdrawSenateBill483fromtheHouseGeneralOrderCalendarandrecommitittotheCommitteeonPublicSafety.RepresentativeBrownraisedapointoforderastowhetherthemotiontorecommitwasoutoforderbecauseitwasofferedsubsequenttothedeadlineestablishedfor“thirdreading”ofbillsandjointresolutionsinSenateConcurrentResolution97from2008.ThepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltakenandthemotioninorderbecausethemeasureitselfwasnotbeforetheHouseforconsiderationon“thirdreading”andfinalpassageandthereforenotsubjecttotheexpireddeadline.RepresentativeDormanappealedtherulingofthepresidingofficerandthedecisionoftheChairwasuphelduponarollcallvote.46 46Okla.H.Jour.,1571,1572,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April30,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:07,0:00-11:21(April30,2009);Okla.H.Jour.,1573,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April30,2009);DailyH.
Rule 8. Precedents
289
Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatamotiontorecommitisinorderaftertheexpirationofthirdreadingdeadlinesestablishedinconsultationbetweentheHouseofRepresentativesandtheSenate.8.14 - 2. (2015) Unless Instructions Submitted,
Motion to Commit Understood to be Without Instructions Rule –HouseRule8.14states:A motion may be made during the reading or consideration of any bill or joint resolution on General Order to commit the bill to a standing or special committee, with or without instructions. A motion to commit with instructions shall be electronically submitted to the Office of the Clerk prior to consideration by the House. History –RepresentativeEcholsmovedtocommitSenateJointResolution4totheRulesCommittee.RepresentativeMorrissettemovedtotableSenateJointResolution4,whichmotionfailedofadoption.RepresentativeEcholsthenpressedhismotiontocommitSenateJointResolution4totheRulesCommittee.RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderastowhetherthemotiontocommithadbeenproperlystatedbyRepresentativeEcholsbecauseRepresentativeEcholshadnotarticulatedthatthemotiontocommitwasbeingofferedwithoutinstructions.
Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:08,0:00-1:22(April30,2009).
House Precedents
290
ThepresidingofficerruledthatitisthecustomandpracticeoftheHousethatamotiontocommitisunderstoodtobeofferedwithoutinstructions.RepresentativeMorrissetteappealedtherulingofthepresidingofficerwhichwasuphelduponarollcallvote.47Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatthatunlessinstructionshavebeensubmitted,itisthecustomandpracticeoftheHousethatamotiontocommitisunderstoodtobeofferedwithoutinstructions.§ 8.16 CONSIDERATION AND DEBATE 8.16 - 1. (2007) Recognition for Debate After Third
Reading48 Rule –HouseRule8.17statesinpart:49…before the vote is ordered, such question shall be subject to debate. Debate shall be limited to one (1) hour, equally divided between the proponents and opponents of the question… History –AfterThirdReadingandprecedingfinalpassageofHouseBill1432,RepresentativeReynoldsrequestedrecognitiontodebateinfavoroffinalpassageofthebill.No
47Okla.H.Jour.,1035-1036,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April23,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SJR4,11:00:33-11:14:05(April23,2015).48In2007,thisprecedentinterpretedHouseRule8.17.Theidenticalrulewasadoptedforthe52ndOklahomaLegislature,2009-2010,asHouseRule8.16.49SimilarsubjectmatterislocatedinSection8.16ofHouseRules,56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018).
Rule 8. Precedents
291
memberrequestedrecognitiontopresentdebateinoppositiontofinalpassageofHouseBill1432.ThepresidingofficerruledthatintheabsenceofarequesttodebateinoppositiontofinalpassageofHouseBill1432,debateofferedonlyinfavoroffinalpassagewaswaived.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderregardingthepresidingofficer’sruling.Uponthepresidingofficer’srulingRepresentativeReynolds’“pointnotwelltaken,”RepresentativeReynoldsindicatedadesiretoappealtherulingofthepresidingofficerbutdidnotobtaintherequiredsecondingoffifteen(15)otherHousemembers.Thepresidingofficerdeclaredthatanappealwasnotinorderduetothelackoffifteen(15)additionalmemberstosecondtheappealoftherulinglodgedbyRepresentativeReynolds.50Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatHouseRule8.1751shallbeinterpretedtomeanthatintheabsenceofHousemembersrequestingrecognitiontodebateinoppositiontofinalpassageofabillanydebateofferedonlyinfavoroffinalpassageiswaived.
50Okla.H.Jour.,585,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.27,2007);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:09,3:22-4:30(Feb.27,2007);seealsoOkla.H.Jour.,1651,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May21,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,06:26:50-06:26:57(May21,2010),inthisinstance,the2007precedentisreliedupontodisallowdebateofferedonlyinfavorofadoptionoftheemergencysectionofSenateBill1267afteradoptionofthebillitselfonFourthReading;Okla.H.Jour.,1676,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May24,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,03:24:05-03:24:31(May24,2010).51SeeFN49.
House Precedents
292
8.16 - 1.A. (2009) Debate in Opposition Permitted Even if Debate in Favor Not Requested52
Rule –HouseRule8.16statesinpart:On Third Reading or Fourth Reading… Before the vote is ordered, such question shall be subject to debate. Debate shall be limited to one (1) hour, equally divided between the proponents and opponents of the question… History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill481,RepresentativeReynoldsmovedadoptionofhismainflooramendmenttoSenateBill481.Priortocommencementofdebateontheflooramendment,RepresentativeMorganraisedapointofinquiryastowhetheritwasinordertoentertaindebateofferedsolelyinoppositiontoadoptionoftheamendmentsincedebateinfavoroftheamendmenthadnotbeenrequested.ThepresidingofficerclarifiedthatonlyinthecasewherenodebateinoppositionisrequestedandonlydebateinfavorisrequestedwilltheChairrefusetoentertaindebatebecausetodosowouldbeawasteoftheHouse’stime.53
52TherulingreflectedinthisprecedentisbasedonHousePrecedent8.17(1)from2007.HousePrecedent8.17(1)from2007interpretedHouseRule8.17from2007.ThesubstanceandlanguageofHouseRule8.17from2007continuestoexistinHouseRulesforthe52ndOklahomaLegislature(2009-2010)butisrenumberedasHouseRule8.16.Toavoidconfusion,theaboveprecedentisnumberedas8.16-1.A.(2009)toreflectthecurrentHouseRuleitinterprets,Rule8.16,ratherthantherulefrom2007whichwasidenticalbutnumberedasRule8.17andwasinterpretedbyHousePrecedent8.17(1)from2007. 53Okla.H.Jour.,1421,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April21,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:41,6:04-7:06(April21,2009).
Rule 8. Precedents
293
Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatdebateinoppositiontoameasurewillbeentertainedregardlessofwhetherornotdebateinfavorofameasurehasalsobeenrequested. Reasoning –Whenpresentingabillorresolution,theauthoriscustomarilyrecognizedtoofferexplanationoftheproposedlegislationandifothermemberssodesire,tospendsignificanttimetakingpartinquestionsandanswerstothereasonablesatisfactionoftheauthor.Ifsolittleoppositiontoaproposedmeasureexiststhatnomemberrequestsdebateinopposition,itwouldbeawasteofthebody’slimitedtimetoallowtheauthortoconsumeanadditionalten(10)minutesdebatinginfavorofthebillorresolutionafteralreadyhavinghadtheopportunitytoofferexplanationandtorespondtofollow-onquestions.If,ontheotherhand,debateinoppositionisrequested,itwouldbecontrarytothedeliberativecharacteristicsofalegislativebodytopreventsuchdebatemerelybecausenorequestwasmadefordebateinfavorofthemeasure.UnlesstheHousetakessomeaffirmativeactiontocurtaildebateonaquestion,withinthestricturesofHouseRules,careshouldbetakentoaffordopportunitytoexpressadissentingpointofview.§ 8.18 CONSIDERATION OF EMERGENCY
SECTION 8.18 - 1. (2009) Request for Debate in Opposition
to Emergency Clause Must Give Rise to Actual Debate Rule –HouseRule8.18states:
House Precedents
294
When any bill or joint resolution is being considered on Third Reading or Fourth Reading, and such a bill or joint resolution contains an emergency section, the emergency section shall constitute a separate question, and shall be subject to debate. History –Afterbeingreadafourthtime,HouseBill1934waspassedbytheHouse.Priortothevoteontheemergencyclause,debatewasrequestedonthequestionofadoptionoftheemergencyclause.Althoughdebatewasrequestedinoppositiontoadoptionoftheemergencyclause,therequestingmemberdidnotinfactofferanydebateinoppositionbutyieldedallofhisallottedtimebacktotheChair.RepresentativeMorganraisedapointoforderstatingthatsincetherewaseffectivelynodebateinoppositiontoadoptionoftheemergencyclause,thepresidingofficershouldnotpermitdebateinfavoroftheemergencyclause.ThepresidingofficerruledthepointwelltakenanddebateoutoforderpursuanttoHouseprecedent8.17(1)of2007.54Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatarequestfordebateinoppositiontoadoptionofanemergencyclausemustinfactgiverisetoactualdebate.8.18 - 2. (2010) Questions Must Pertain to
Adoption of Emergency Rule –HouseRule8.18states:
54Okla.H.Jour.,1387,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April20,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:23,40:06-43:24(April20,2009);seealsoOkla.H.Rules,§8.17(51stLeg.);Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§8.17(1.),51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.27,2007).
Rule 8. Precedents
295
When any bill or joint resolution is being considered on Third Reading or Fourth Reading, and such a bill or joint resolution contains an emergency section, the emergency section shall constitute a separate question, and shall be subject to debate.
History –SubsequenttopassageofHouseBill2658onFourthReading,thequestionofadoptionofthemeasure’semergencyclausewasunderconsiderationbytheHouse.Duringconsiderationofthepassageoftheemergencyclause,RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderastowhetherquestionsposedtothemeasure’sauthorshouldbelimitedtoadoptionoftheemergencyclauseratherthanthemeritsofthemeasureitself.Thepresidingofficerruledthepointwelltakenandcautionedthememberstolimittheirquestionstomatterspertainingtothequestionofadoptionoftheemergencyclause.55Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatquestionsposedduringconsiderationofanemergencyclausemustpertaintothequestionofadoptionoftheemergencyclauseratherthantothepreviouslypassedmeasureitself.8.18 - 3. (2012) Appropriateness of Emergency
Section Determined by House Itself Rule – HouseRule8.18states: When any bill or joint resolution is being considered on Third Reading or Fourth Reading, and such a bill or joint resolution contains an emergency section, the emergency section shall constitute a separate question and shall be subject to debate.
55Okla.H.Jour.,1611-1612,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May18,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,40:29-41:20(May18,2010).
House Precedents
296
History – AfterSenateBill1287waspassedbytheHousebutbeforetheEmergencyClausewastakenupforconsideration,RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderastowhetherconsiderationoftheemergencyclauseonSenateBill1287wouldbeinviolationoftheOklahomaConstitutionandHouseRules. ThepresidingofficerstatedthatitwasuptotheHouseitselftodecidewhethertoadopttheemergencyclauseandthepointwasnotwelltaken.56Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatitisuptotheHouseitselftodecidewhethertoadoptanemergencyclausecontainedwithinameasure.8.18 - 4. (2013) Consideration of Emergency Clause
on Bill Erroneously Passed before Conclusion of Amendment Cycle
Rule – HouseRule8.18states: When any bill or joint resolution is being considered on Third Reading or Fourth Reading, and such a bill or joint resolution contains an emergency section, the emergency section shall constitute a separate question and shall be subject to debate.
History –AfterSenateBill1009underwentThirdReadingandfinalpassagebutpriortoconsiderationoftheemergency
56Okla.H.Jour.,750-751,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April3,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1287,00:29:26-00:34:00(April3,2012);affirmedatOkla.H.Jour.,85653rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April12,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1913,01:41:17-01:58:35(April12,2012);seealsoOKCONSTV,58.
Rule 8. Precedents
297
clause,RepresentativeReynoldslodgednoticethathemightchoosetoofferamotiontoreconsiderthevoteonthebillitselfatsomefuturetime. Priortolodgingnotice,hestatedthatSenateBill1009hadbeenconsideredandpassedpriortobeingeligibleforconsideration,meaningthatthetimeperiodspecifiedinHouserulesforpossiblesubmissionofflooramendmentshadnotconcludedpriortothebillbeingtakenupforconsiderationontheHouseFloor. RepresentativeProctorraisedapointofinquiryastowhethertheemergencyclausecouldbeproperlyconsideredbecausethemeasurewasnoteligibletobeconsideredbytheHouse. Thepresidingofficerstatedthatifapointofinquiryhadbeenraisedpriortopassage,thebillwouldhavebeenwithdrawnfromfurtherconsiderationuntilsuchtimeasthebillcouldbeproperlyplacedbeforetheHouseforconsideration.Becausenopointofinquirywasraisedpriortofinalpassageofthebill,intheopinionoftheChair,themostorderlymannerinwhichtoproceedwastocontinuewithconsiderationoftheemergencyclause.RepresentativeReynoldsthenmovedtoreconsiderthevotewherebymeasureitselfpassed.57Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatintheeventameasureispassedbytheHousepriortothetime,underHouseRules,itwasproperlyeligibleforconsiderationandnopointoforderisraisedpriortofinalpassage,immediateconsiderationoftheemergencyclauseisinorder.
57Okla.H.Jour.,869-871,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April4,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB1009,01:38:10-01:57:45(April4,2013).
House Precedents
298
Reasoning –AnemergencyclauseisconsideredbytheHouseasaseparatequestion.Oncepassageofthebillitselfoccurredbeforetheconclusionoftheamendmentcycle,themostorderlywayinwhichtoproceedwastomoveaheadwithconsiderationoftheemergencyclause.QuestionsaboutwhetherthebillwaseligibleforconsiderationontheHouseFloorcouldhavebeenproperlyraisedpriortothetimetheHousevotedonfinalpassageofthebill. HouseRulesandgeneralparliamentarylawprovidetheproceduralfoundationforthisruling.First,HouseRule8.18saysthatameasureanditsemergencyclausewillbetreatedastwoseparatequestions.58Second,Section241,paragraph(1.)ofMason’sManualofLegislativeProceduresaysthat“apointofordermustberaisedbeforetheirregularityoroccasionforraisingthepointoforderhaspassed.Onproceduralquestions,itistoolateassoonastheparticularpointhasbeenpassedorthenextbusinessistakenup.”59 ThequestionofwhetherornotthebillhadbeeneligibleforconsiderationinthefirstplaceeffectivelybecamemootafterthemotiontoadvancethebillfromGeneralOrderwasadopted.Hadthepointbeenraisedpriortothisproceduralstep,thepresidingofficer,underSection8.5,paragraph(c)ofHouseRules,wouldhavebeenobligatedtohaltconsiderationofthebilluntilsuchtimeasthebillcouldproperlybebroughtbeforetheHouseforconsideration. IfthepointwasnotraiseduntilafterThirdReadingbutpriortofinalpassage,theHousecouldthenhavevotedtorescindthe
58Okla.H.Rules,§8.18(54thLeg.).59Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure185§241(para.1)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010);Cf.Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§9.2(10.),52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April20,2010).
Rule 8. Precedents
299
motiontoadvancefromGeneralOrder,followedbythepresidingofficerorderingthemeasuretobewithdrawnfromfurtherconsiderationuntilcompletionoftheamendmentcycle.60 Certainly,onceThirdReadingandfinalpassageofthebilloccurred,thepresidingofficercouldnotunilaterallyinvalidatethevotecastbyamajorityofthemembersoftheHouse–nosuchauthorityexistsinHouseRulesnorundergeneralparliamentarylaw.61 ToreturntoGeneralOrderstatusafterfinalpassage,theonlyproperactionstobetakenwouldbeamotiontoreconsiderthebillitself,followedbymotionstorescindThirdReadingandadvancementfromGeneralOrder.62Thisisinfactwhattookplace.Afteradoptionofthemotiontoreconsider,amotiontorescindThirdReadingwasadopted,followedbyasecondmotiontorescindtheoriginalmotiontoadvancefromGeneralOrder.63 UponbeingreturnedtoGeneralOrder,noadditionalpointswereraisedaboutthemeasure’snewlyreestablishedlackof
60Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure318-319§§480-481(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).61Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure55-56§65;45§50(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).62Okla.H.Rules,§§9.10,10.1(54thLeg.);Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure318§480(4)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).63Asinthiscase,ifstillwithinthephysicalpossessionoftheHouse,ameasurecanbereturnedtoapriorstatusthroughuseofmotionsreversingthepreviouslyadoptedstepsoflegislativeprocedure.Previouslyadoptedproceduralstepsmustbeundoneinthereverseorderfromwhichtheywereadopted.
House Precedents
300
eligibilityforconsiderationandthemeasurewasrecommittedtotheCalendarCommittee.64
64Okla.H.Jour.,supraat870-871;Okla.H.Rules,§7.22(d)(54thLeg.);Cf.Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure24§15(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).
301
PRECEDENTS for
RULE NINE CHAMBER PROTOCOL
§ 9.2 QUESTIONS OF ORDER AND DECORUM 9.2 - 1. (2005) Manner by Which Business is
Conducted on House Floor1 9.2 - 2. (2009) Impugning other Members during
Debate Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)states:While in the Chamber, the Presiding Officer shall preserve order and decorum, shall prevent personal reflections or the
1Codified:seeSection9.1,paragraph(11.)ofHouseRulesforthe55thand56thOklahomaLegislatures(2015-2018).
House Precedents
302
impugning of the motive of any Member, and shall confine Members in debate to the question under discussion. History –WhileHouseBill2013wasunderconsideration,RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderstatingthathehadbeenimpugnedbyanothermemberinthecourseofthatmember’sdebate.Thepresidingofficerruledthatwhileamembermaynotimpugnthecharacterofanothermemberduringdebate,itisoutofordertostateanobjectionsimplyonthebasisoftheobjectingmember’sperceptionofparticularstatementsmadeduringdebate.2Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatitisoutofordertoraiseanobjectionsimplyonthebasisofperceptionsofparticularstatementsmadeduringdebateandthatdifferingperceptionsofthequestionunderconsiderationdonotrisetothelevelofimpugning.Reasoning –Byanalogy,debateisregulatedmuchliketheclosingargumentsmadeattheconclusionoftrial.Therespectivecounselsofferdifferingandoftencontradictoryperspectivesorversionsofthefactsandunlessonepartyviolatessomeproceduralrule,thejudgewouldnotsustainanobjectionraisedsimplyonthebasisofmeredisagreementoverhowthefactsofthecasewerecharacterizedbyopposingcounsel.Ultimately,itisuptothefinderoffacttodecidewhichversionofthestoryreflectstheevidenceandisclosesttothetruth.Similarly,theHouseofRepresentativesitselfisthetrieroffactwhenthequestionbeforetheHouseispassageofabill.Theauthor’srepresentations,thequestionsandanswers,the
2Okla.H.Jour.,570,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.19,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:08,31:37-32:37(Feb.19,2009).
Rule 9. Precedents
303
debateallprovidethebasisuponwhichthebodyasawholedecideswhichversionofthenarrativewillultimatelyprevail.Itisthereforeoutoforderandimpropertointerruptamember’sdebatemerelybecausethedebatingmemberstatesadifferentpointofviewthantheonefavoredbytheobjectingmember.Moreover,differingperceptionsofthequestionunderconsiderationdoesnotgiverisetoimpugningthemotivesofothermembers.9.2 - 3. (2009) Interruption of Debate Not
Permitted for Motion to ‘Lay the Bill Over’ Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)statesinpart:While in the Chamber, the Presiding Officer shall preserve order and decorum, shall prevent personal reflections or the impugning of the motive of any Member, and shall confine Members in debate to the question under discussion. History –InthecourseofdebateonpassageofHouseBill1823,RepresentativeMorrissettemovedto“laythebillover”.Thepresidingofficerruledthemotionpresentlyoutoforderbecausedebatewasunderwaybutstatedthatthemotionwouldberecognizedattheconclusionofdebate.3Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatamotionto“laythebillover”ortootherwisetemporarilypostponeconsiderationofameasureisnotinorderduringdebateonfinalpassage. Reasoning –Inordertopromoteanorderlydebateprocess,amotiontotemporarilypostponeconsiderationofameasure,
3Okla.H.Jour.,874,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March10,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:23,7:10-7:54(March10,2009).
House Precedents
304
morecommonlyexpressedasamotionto‘laythebillover’,shouldnotberecognizedduringdebateonfinalpassageofameasure.Suchamotionwouldproperlybeinorderwhendebateisconcludedandbeforethevoteonfinalpassageisopened.9.2 - 4. (2009) Point of Order Pertaining to an
Amendment must be Raised before Amendment is Adopted Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(d)states:Any Member may rise to a point of order against any other Member when, in the Member's opinion, such Member is proceeding out of order. Such point of order shall be decided by the Presiding Officer without debate. History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill2090,RepresentativeKirbymovedtoamendHouseBill2090bystrikingthetitle.Duringadivisiononthequestionofadoptingtheamendmenttostriketitle,RepresentativeJohnWrightraisedapointofinquiryastothelackofawrittenanalysisofthefiscalimpactassociatedwithapreviouslyadoptedamendmenttoHouseBill2090andwhetherthechairpersonoftheAppropriationsandBudgetCommitteeshouldweighinontheexistenceofafiscalimpact.ThepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltakenbecausetheHousehadalreadyadoptedtheamendmentinquestionandthepointofordershouldhavebeenraisedduringconsiderationandbeforeadoptionoftheamendment.4
4Okla.H.Jour.,949,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March11,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:53,7:31-8:13(March11,2009);affirmedatOkla.H.Jour.,1164,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April27,2011);Daily
Rule 9. Precedents
305
Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatapointoforderpertainingtoanamendmentmustberaisedinatimelymanner,meaningthatitmustberaisedbeforetheamendmentisadoptedbytheHouse.9.2 - 5. (2009) Customary Duties of Majority Floor
Leader 5 9.2 - 6. (2009) Regulation of Questions and
Answers Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)statesinpart:While in the Chamber, the Presiding Officer shall preserve order and decorum… History –DuringconsiderationofHouseConcurrentResolution1016,RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointofinquiryastowhetherthepresidingofficerwouldextendthequestionandanswerperiodpriortotheHouseproceedingtodebateonadoptionoftheresolution.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatitiswithintheprerogativeoftheChairtodecidehowmuchtimewillbepermittedforquestionsandanswersonameasureunderconsiderationbytheHouse.Uponannouncementofthepresidingofficer’sruling,RepresentativeKieselappealedtherulingoftheChair.Upon
H.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB392,01:33:40-01:41:00(April27,2011).5Codified:seeSection9.1,paragraph(b)ofHouseRulesforthe55thand56thOklahomaLegislatures(2015-2018).
House Precedents
306
considerationbythefullHouse,thedecisionofthepresidingofficerwasuphelduponarollcallvote.6Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatitistheprerogativeofthepresidingofficer,underRule9.2,todeterminehowmanyindividualquestionstoentertainwhileapendingquestionisunderconsideration.Reasoning –Undergeneralparliamentarylaw,itisthedutyofthepresidingofficertopreserveorderanddecorumandtoguideanddirecttheproceedingsofthebody,subjecttothecontrolandwillofthebody.Likewise,HouseRule9.2chargesthepresidingofficerwiththedutyofpreservingorderanddecoruminthedailysessionsoftheHouse.7Allthesame,adoptedHouseRulesfrequentlydonotaddresseveryproceduralquestionthatmayariseinthecontextofpreserving“orderanddecorum”.Forexample,specificquestionssuchas:maythepresidingofficerlimitthenumberofquestionsposedtoameasure’sauthorontheHousefloorfrequentlyarenotdirectlyaddressedinHouseRules.
6Okla.H.Jour.,1180,1181,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March31,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:09,11:58-17:33(March31,2009);Okla.H.Jour.,465,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.17,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,1:19:25-1:21:51(Feb.17,2010);Okla.H.Jour.,1651,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May21,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,06:29:57-06:31:17(May21,2010);Okla.H.Jour.,1032-1033,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April20,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB923,03:31:20-03:41:04(April20,2011);Okla.H.Jour.,982,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April17,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB330,00:42:17-00:49:21(April17,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,1220,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May22,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,JCRonSB2127,01:50:00-01:50:52(May22,2014).7Okla.H.Rules,§9.2(52ndLeg.).
Rule 9. Precedents
307
InthecasethattheHouseRulesdonotaddressaparticularproceduralquestion,whatmustbedone?Inreality,muchprocedurehasbeenandcontinuestobederivedfromestablishedcustomsandusagesratherthanfromadoptedrules.WhenaquestionarisesoversomethingnotaddressedbyaHouseRule,thepresidingofficermayappropriatelyrelyoncustomsandusagesinmuchthesamewayheorshewouldlooktoadoptedHouseRulesforguidanceonquestionsdirectlyaddressedbyspecificHouseRules.Indeed,whennoruleorprecedentisonpoint,thecustomarypractice,usageorprecedentoftheHousegovernsuntiltheHousesetsaprecedentestablishingadifferentprocedureeitherthroughadecisionofthepresidingofficerorbythebodyitselfwhendecidinganappeal.IntheOklahomaHouseofRepresentatives,ithasbeenthepracticeofthebodytopermitindividualquestionsdirectedtoameasure’sauthor,subjecttorecognitionandcontrolbythepresidingofficer.WhileHouseRulesdonotdirectlyspeaktosuchapracticeduringFloorconsideration,HouseRulesdoaddressthepracticeinHousecommittees.The“committeerule”explicitlyprovidesameasure’sauthororanamendment’spresentertheopportunitytoreceiveandanswerquestionsinHousecommittees.8Thisprivilegeorentitlementcustomarilyhasbeentemperedbytwocontrollingyetunequalfactors:thechairperson’snearlyunqualifiedauthoritytograntornotgrantrecognitionandthewillingnessofthepresentingmembertoyieldtoindividualquestions.UnderthecommitteeruleandunderthecustomsandpracticesoftheHouse,exerciseoftheformeralwaystrumpsthewillingnessofthelatter.
8Okla.H.Rules,§7.5(a)(52ndLeg.).
House Precedents
308
Whilethechairpersonshouldallowmembersofthecommitteereasonableopportunitytoposequestions,thecommitteeruledoesnotcreateanabsoluterighttoaskindividualquestionsincommittee.Similarly,ontheHouseFlooritiswell-establishedcustomandpracticeforthepresidingofficertorecognizemembersforindividualquestionsonapendingquestion.Thatbeingsaid,thispracticeowesitsexistencetoauthoritygiventothepresidingofficerinHouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)to“preserveorderanddecorum”andthegeneralnatureofitsmandateallowsconsiderablelatitudeininterpretingtheterms“orderanddecorum”.Inpractice,personalstyleoftencomesintoplayresultinginsomewhatdifferentapproachestopreservingorderduringdailyfloorsessions.Nonetheless,theplenarynatureofthepresidingofficer’sauthorityallowsexerciseofdirectcontroloverhowmanymembersarerecognizedforquestions,howmanyquestionsarepermittedaswellaswhatlimitsareultimatelyimposedbecauseofrepetitivequestioningorothertypesofdilatoryactivity.9.2 - 7. (2009) Presiding Officer May Defer Ruling
on Point of Order Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(d)states:Any Member may rise to a point of order against any other Member when, in the Member's opinion, such Member is proceeding out of order. Such point of order shall be decided by the Presiding Officer without debate. History –DuringconsiderationoftheConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill244,RepresentativeReynoldsrequestedarulingoftheChairastowhetherthesubjectoftheconference
Rule 9. Precedents
309
committeereportwaslimitedtomattersgermanetoSenateBill244asrequiredbyHouseRule7.15(a).RepresentativeBlackwellthenmadewhatamountedtoaunanimousconsentrequesttotemporarilypostponeconsiderationoftheconferencecommitteereport.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwasinorderforthepresidingofficertodeferrulingonapointoforder.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatitistheprerogativeoftheChairtodeferrulingonapointoforder.TheconferencecommitteereportonSenateBill244wastemporarilypostponed.9Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatitistheprerogativeofthepresidingofficertodeferrulingonapointoforder.
9Okla.H.Jour.,1893,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May21,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:78,0:47-4:10(May21,2009);seealsoMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure188,189§244(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000);Okla.H.Jour.,1132-1135,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April30,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,00:35:58-00:38:22;00:40:41-00:45:08(April30,2013);apointoforderwasraisedastowhatHouserulepermitsthepresidingofficertodeferrulingonapointofordertoasubsequentday,towhichtheresponsewasthatnoHouseRuleprohibitsapresidingofficerfromdeferringtoasubsequentday,Okla.H.Jour.,1144,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May1,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,03:58:22-04:01:11(May1,2013);apointoforderwasraisedimmediatelypriortoapointofpersonalprivilegebeingtakenbytheSpeakertoannouncehisresignation;thepresidingofficerdeferredrulingonthepointoforderuntilafterconclusionoftheSpeaker’spointofpersonalprivilege,sayingthatthepresidingofficerhasadutytomaintainorderandthatrecognizingapointoforderastheSpeakerapproachedthelecternwouldhaveresultedindisorder,Okla.H.Jour.,199-200,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.4,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,00:32:44-01:02:38(Feb.4,2014);Okla.H.Jour.,504,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March10,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB3143,01:01:42-01:04:04(March10,2014).
House Precedents
310
9.2 - 8. (2010) Temporary Postponement for
Review of Amendment Not Previously Distributed Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)statesinpart:While in the Chamber, the Presiding Officer shall preserve order and decorum…
History –DuringconsiderationofHouseResolution1065,RepresentativeReynoldsmovedtoamendtheresolutionbystrikingalllanguagecontainedintheresolutionandinsertinginlieuthereofafloorsubstitute.RepresentativeSullivanraisedapointoforderstatingthatbecausetheReynoldsamendmentwasquitelengthyandhadnotbeendistributedtothemembersandassuch,theamendmentshouldnotbeconsidereduntilitwasmadeavailabletothemembers.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatalthoughtherulesdon’trequirethattheamendmentbedistributed,theChairwouldtemporarilypostponeconsiderationoftheresolutionasacourtesytothemembers.10Precedent –ItistheprecedentoftheHousethatthepresidingofficermaytemporarilypostponeconsiderationofameasuretoallowreviewofanamendmentthatwasnotpreviouslydistributedtothemembersoftheHouse.9.2 - 9. (2010) Impugning Nonmembers in Debate Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)states: 10Okla.H.Jour.,1154,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April5,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,58:22-1:00:40(April5,2010).
Rule 9. Precedents
311
While in the Chamber, the Presiding Officer shall preserve order and decorum, shall prevent personal reflections or the impugning of the motive of any Member, and shall confine Members in debate to the question under discussion. History –DuringconsiderationofSenateAmendmentstoHouseBill3202,RepresentativeDenneyraisedapointoforderstatingthatveterinarianshadbeenimpugned.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatHouseRulesonlyprohibittheimpugningofmembersoftheHouseofRepresentatives.11Reasoning –InArticleV,Section22,theOklahomaConstitutionsays“SenatorsandRepresentatives…foranyspeechordebateineitherHouse,shallnotbequestionedinanyotherplace.”12ArticleV,Section30,says“EachHousemaydeterminetherulesofitsproceedings…”13OnthebasisofArticleV,Section30,theHouseofRepresentativeshasadoptedHouseRule9.2whichrequiresthepresidingofficertopreventpersonalattacksagainstothermembersoftheHouseduringdebateontheHouseFloor.14Initsrules,theHouseofRepresentativeshasnotextendedtheprohibitionagainstimpugningothermembersoftheHouseduringdebatetopersonsnotincludedinthemembershipoftheHouseofRepresentatives.Arguably,undertheprovisionsofArticleV,Section22,amemberoftheHouse,aslongasheorsheisofferingtheir 11Okla.H.Jour.,1199,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April8,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,30:52-31:22(April8,2010).12OKCONSTV,22.13OKCONSTV,30.14Okla.H.Rules,§9.2(52ndLeg.).
House Precedents
312
commentswithintherecognizedlimitsofthe“speechanddebate”privilege,candisparageorimpugnveterinariansorforthatmatter,anyotherpersonwithoutfearofhavingacivilsuitsuccessfullyprosecutedagainstthem.15Likely,theHousehasnotactedtorestrictdisparagingremarksdirectedtowardnonmembersbecauseithasadutytoholdtheexecutivebranchagenciestoaccount,toinvestigatecertainpersonsorsituationsinthecourseofconsideringlegislationaswellaspotentiallypointingoutanyperceivedshortcomingsofjudgesorofthechiefexecutive.Todosowouldhavea“chillingeffect”onessentialcharacteristicsofthelegislativebranch.9.2 - 10. (2010) Point of Order Must Be Raised in
Timely Manner Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(d)states:Any Member may rise to a point of order against any other Member when, in the Member's opinion, such Member is proceeding out of order. Such point of order shall be decided by the Presiding Officer without debate. History –AfterconsiderationonThirdReadingandfinalpassage,theemergencyclauseofSenateBill509wasconsideredandfailedofadoption.RepresentativeCoodyservednoticethatatsomefuturetimeshemightchoosetoofferamotiontoreconsiderthevotewherebytheemergencyfailed.
15Cf.U.S.v.Gillock,445U.S.360,100S.Ct.1185(1980);Lindleyv.LifeInvestorsIns.Co.ofAmerica,SlipCopy,2009WL2245565(N.D.Okla.2009);Brockv.Thompson,948P.2d279(Okl.1997);OklahomaStateSenateexrel.Robertsv.Hetherington,868P.2d708(Okl.1994);Stateexrel.OklahomaBarAss'nv.Nix,295P.2d286(Okl.1956).
Rule 9. Precedents
313
AfterRepresentativeCoodyservednotice,RepresentativeLamonsraisedapointoforderstatingthatSenateBill509shouldberuledoutoforderpursuanttoHouseRule9.3(b).Thepresidingofficerruledthatthepointshouldhavebeenraisedearlierandthereforethepointwasnotwelltaken.RepresentativeInmanraisedapointoforderalsostatingthatpursuanttoHouseRule9.3(b)thepresidingofficershouldhaveruledthemeasureoutoforder.Thepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltaken.RepresentativeInmanthenappealedtherulingoftheChair.Thedecisionofthepresidingofficerwasuphelduponarollcallvote.RepresentativeLamonsthenmovedtorescindthevotewherebySenateBill509passed,whichmotionfailedofadoption.16
16Okla.H.Jour.,1364-1367,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April20,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,5:57:43-6:24:26(April20,2010);Okla.H.Jour.,1188,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April27,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,08:28:50-08:30:54(April27,2011);Okla.H.Jour.,1219,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May3,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SAstoHB1615,02:48:50-02:57:20(May3,2011);Okla.H.Jour.,554,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March12,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,02:29:25-02:37:16(March12,2012);Okla.H.Jour.,870,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April4,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB1009,01:41:42-01:54:44(April4,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,1002,1003,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April18,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB167,00:56:48-00:57:37(April18,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,1160,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May2,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SAstoHB1441,02:14:48-02:29:25;SAstoHB1908,02:37:35-02:38:29(May2,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,1332,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May22,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,JCRtoSB1120,01:09:47-01:10:38(May22,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,646-647,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March13,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2732,01:08:58-01:09:45(March13,2014),seealso
House Precedents
314
Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatapointoforderpertainingtoapossibleproceduralviolationmustberaisedpriortodispositionoftheunderlyingquestion.Reasoning –Whentoentertainapointoforderisaquestionofordertobedecidedbythepresidingofficersubjecttoappeal.Inthisinstance,apointoforderwasraisedpertainingtoaproceduralquestionrelatedtoconsiderationofSenateBill509.However,thepointoforderwasraisedafterpassageofSenateBill509hadalreadyoccurred.WhentheHousepassesthepointwhereaproceduralissuecouldbeproperlyraisedbutisnot,anyperceivedviolationoftherulespertainingtothatproceduralquestionismootandshouldnotbeentertainedbythepresidingofficer.17Todootherwisewouldbedisorderlyandwouldtendtowastethebody’stime.Inthiscase,afteranappealwaslodgedanddecidedinfavorofthepresidingofficer’sdecision,amotiontorescindthepassageofSenateBill509wasproperlyofferedandconsideredbytheHouse.
HousePrecedent9.2-19.(2014)RecognitionofQuestionsafterDebateRequestedisQuestionofOrderforPresidingOfficer;Okla.H.Jour.,967,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April24,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1848,02:10:00-02:20:49(April24,2014),apointoforderyieldstomotionshavingahigherprecedencethanthemotionfromwhichthepointoforderarose;seealso,HousePrecedent10-7.(2014)PointofOrderYieldstoMotionshavingHigherPrecedencethanMotionOutofwhichPointofOrderArose;Okla.H.Jour.,1123-1124,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May19,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SAtoHB3297,00:32:00-00:33:54(May19,2014).17Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure186§241(1)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000);seealsoPrec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§9.2(4.),52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March11,2009).
Rule 9. Precedents
315
Althoughultimatelyunsuccessful,thiswasthecorrectapproachforbringingtheunderlyingquestionbackbeforetheHouseforcontinuedconsiderationandtoraiseapointoforderpursuanttoHouseRule9.3,paragraph(b).9.2 - 11. (2010) Request for Full Reading Up To
Discretion of Presiding Officer 18 9.2 - 12. (2010) Delay or Obstruction of Business Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)statesinpart:While in the Chamber, the Presiding Officer shall preserve order and decorum… History –RepresentativeReynoldssoughtrecognitiontoservenoticetoreconsiderthevotewherebySenateBill2124passed,whichnoticewasnotrecognizedbythepresidingofficer.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderstatingthathehadnotbeenrecognizedasdesired.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatpursuanttoMason’sManual,Section180,paragraph2,19theattempttoservenoticebyRepresentativeReynoldswasdilatoryandwouldnotberecognized.RepresentativeReynoldsappealedtherulingofthepresidingofficerreceivingtherequiredfifteen(15)standingseconds.
18Discarded:seeSection10.1,paragraph(b)ofHouseRulesfor56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018).Membercanofferamotionforthe“readingofpapers”.19Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure141§180(2)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).
House Precedents
316
RepresentativeWright(Harold)movedtotabletheReynoldsappeal,whichtablingmotionprevaileduponadivisionofthequestion.Laterintheday,theConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill1840wascalledupforconsideration.UponmotionofRepresentativeJohnson,theconferencecommitteereportwasadopted.SenateBill1840,asamendedinconference,wasreadatlengthforthefourthtimeandadopteduponarollvote.Afteradoptionoftheemergencyclause,RepresentativeReynoldssoughtrecognitiontoservenoticetoreconsiderthevotewherebySenateBill1840passed.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatitwasruledearlierinthedaythattherepeatedattemptstolodgenoticetoreconsidervotesconstituteddilatoryactivity.Assuch,atthistimeRepresentativeReynoldswasnotrecognizedtolodgenoticeofpossibleintenttoreconsider.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderpursuanttoHouseRule9.10,paragraph(a)statingthataMembermayservenoticeimmediatelyafterafinalvoteistaken.ThepresidingofficerrestatedpursuanttoMason’sManual,Section180thateverylegislativebodyhasarighttoprotectitselffromdilatorybehavior.TheearlierrulingwasputbeforetheHouseintheformofanappeal.TheappealwastabledcausingtherulingoftheChairtostand.20RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointofinquiryastowhatactionswouldbeconsidereddilatory.ThepresidingofficerreferencedMason’sManual,quotingSection180,whichstatesthatwhenitisevidenttotheChair 20Id.at142.
Rule 9. Precedents
317
thatamemberistryingtoobstructtheactionsofthebody,thepresidingofficershouldnotrecognizethatmember,butshouldrulethatpersonoutoforder.21Later,theConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill2434wascalledupforconsideration.RepresentativeLiebmannmovedadoptionoftheconferencecommitteereport.RepresentativeReynoldsmovedtotabletheLiebmannmotion,whichtablingmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.RepresentativePetersthenmovedtoputthepreviousquestion.RepresentativeReynoldsmovedtotablethepreviousquestionmotionandrequestedarecordedvoteonthemotiontotable.PursuanttoSection180ofMason’sManual,thepresidingofficerruledasdilatorytherequestbyRepresentativeReynoldsforarecordedvote.22Asitpertainedtothismember,thepresidingofficerruledthatrepeatedobjectionstounanimousconsentrequestsonemergencysectionsaswellasdemandsforrecordedvotesoneverymotionwouldbeconsidereddilatoryactivityfromthispointforwardandwouldnotbeentertainedbytheChair.23
21Id.22Id.23Okla.H.Jour.,1722,1736,1737,1739,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May25,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,03:22:36-03:26:25;05:35:22-05:52:26;06:09:18-06:21:39(May25,2010);seealsoOkla.H.Jour.,678-679,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March12,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1243,10:08:04-10:12:26(March12,2013),RepresentativeSheltonmovedtorescindthevotewherebyHouseBill1243 wasadvancedfromGeneralOrder,whichmotionwasnotrecognizedbythepresidingofficerbecausethependingmotiontoputthepreviousquestionwasofahigherrankunderSection10.1ofHouserules.RepresentativeSheltonappealedtherulingoftheChair,whichappealwasruleddilatory.
House Precedents
318
Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatoncesatisfiedthatamemberisusingparliamentarytacticstoobstructbusiness,subjecttoappealinthefirstinstance,thepresidingofficerwillnotcontinuetorecognizethatmember.9.2 - 13. (2011) Member Not Required to Explain
Motion or Yield to Questions Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)statesinpart:While in the Chamber, the Presiding Officer shall preserve order and decorum… History – WhenRepresentativeBrumbaughmovedtorejecttheSenateAmendmentstoHouseBill1488,RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderastowhetherHouserulesrequireamembertoyieldtoquestionsonamotion.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatitisatthediscretionoftheauthorastowhetherheorsheyieldstoquestions.RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointoforderastowhethertheprincipalauthorwhenofferingamotiontorejectSenateamendments,isrequiredtoofferanexplanationofthesubjectmattercontainedintheSenateamendments.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatitisatthediscretionoftheauthorastowhetherheorsheoffersanexplanation.24
RepresentativeSheltonwasthenpermittedtolodgeanappealonthequestionofwhetherthepreviousappealwasdilatory.24Okla.H.Jour.,1209-1210,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May3,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SAstoHB1488,01:15:08-01:18:55(May3,2011);Okla.H.Jour.,646-647,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March13,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2732,01:08:58-01:09:45(March13,2014).
Rule 9. Precedents
319
Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatitisatthediscretionoftheauthorastowhetherheorsheoffersanexplanationofamotionanditisatthediscretionoftheauthorastowhetherheorsheyieldstoquestions. 9.2 - 14. (2012) Presiding Officer May Put Question
of Order Directly to Vote of the House Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)statesinpart:While in the Chamber, the Presiding Officer shall preserve order and decorum… History – WhenSenateBill1971wascalledupforfurtherconsideration,RepresentativeSearspressedhismotiontoadopttheJointCommitteeReport(JCR)andrequestedpermissiontoyieldtoRepresentativeCoxforcontinuedpresentationoftheJointCommitteeReport(JCR),towhichnoobjectionwasheard.RepresentativeCoxmadeadditionalexplanationoftheJointCommitteeReport(JCR),includingadescriptionofhispreviousmisunderstandingsoftheJointCommitteeReport(JCR),andconcludedwitharequestoftheHousetoadopttheJointCommitteeReport(JCR).Uponinquirybythepresidingofficer,RepresentativesSearswaivedtheremainderofhisdebatetimeandthepresidingofficerputthequestionofadoptionoftheJointCommitteeReport(JCR)totheHouse.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderastowhetheradditionaltimefordebateontheJointCommitteeReport(JCR)shouldbepermittedandwhethertheauthorofabillmayproperlywithdrawhisorhermeasurefromfurther
House Precedents
320
considerationinthecourseoftheirowndebateorduringthedebateofothermembers.Thepresidingofficerruledthattheauthorofabillmaychoosetowithdrawhisorherbillfromfurtherconsiderationduringtheirowndebateorbetweenthebeginningandconclusionofdebateofothermembers,butthatthepresidingofficerwouldnotrecognizesucharequestmadebytheauthorduringthedebateofanothermember.OnthequestionofwhetherdebateshouldbeallowedagainonthemotiontoadopttheJointCommitteeReport(JCR)onSenateBill1971,thepresidingofficerdidnotruleonthequestionbutrelieduponSection245ofMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure,25puttingthequestiondirectlytotheHouse,whichquestionwasansweredinthenegativebytheHouseuponadivisionofthequestion.26Precedent –ItistheprecedentoftheHousethatthepresidingofficermayputaquestionoforderdirectlytoavoteoftheHouse.9.2 - 15. (2013) Proposed Action in Conflict with
House Rule Treated as Dilatory Motion Rule – HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)statesinpart:
25Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure189§245(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).26Okla.H.Jour.,1279-1280,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May25,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB1971,04:05:00-04:27:00(May25,2012).SeealsoOkla.H.Jour.,1368,1369,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(2008);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.Track10:21,5:27-51:33(April23,2008).
Rule 9. Precedents
321
While in the Chamber, the Presiding Officer shall preserve order and decorum… History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill1243,RepresentativeWatsonpressedhismotionthatHouseBill1243beadvancedfromGeneralOrder,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.AfterThirdReadingwhendebatewasrequested,RepresentativeWatsonthenmovedtoputthepreviousquestion.BeforethemotiontoputthepreviousquestionwasconsideredbytheHouse,RepresentativeDormanmovedtotabletheWatsonmotiontoputthepreviousquestion,whichtablingmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote. AfterthemotiontotabletheWatsonmotionfailed,RepresentativeSheltonmovedtorescindthevotewherebyHouseBill1243hadbeenadvancedfromGeneralOrder,whichmotionwasnotrecognizedbythepresidingofficerbecausethependingmotiontoputthepreviousquestionwasofahigherrankundertheprovisionsofHouseRules.27 RepresentativeSheltonattemptedtoappealtherulingoftheChair,whichappealwasnotrecognizedbythepresidingofficerasdilatory. RepresentativeSheltonthenappealedtherulingoftheChairastowhetherhispreviouslyattemptedappealwasdilatory,receivingtherequiredfifteen(15)standingsecondsandwasrecognizedbythepresidingofficertoexplaintheappeal.TherulingoftheChairwasupheldbytheHouseuponarollcallvote.28
27Okla.H.Rules,§10.1(54thLeg.). 28Okla.H.Jour.,678-679,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March12,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1243,10:06:58-10:12:26(March12,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,1224-1225,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May9,2013);
House Precedents
322
Precedent –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthataproposedactionindirectconflictwithaHouserulewillnotberecognizedandwillbetreatedasadilatorymotion.Reasoning – ThepresidingofficerruledtheproposedmotiontorescindthevotewherebyHouseBill1234was“advancedfromGeneralOrder”dilatoryasamatteroftheHouserulesrelyingonthefollowingmethodofevaluation: 1.istheproposedactionprohibitedbyHouserule; 2.ifnotprohibitedbyHouserule,istheproposedactionprohibitedbygeneralparliamentarylaw; 3.ifnodirectprohibitionsexist,isthereanexplicitproceduralframeworkorschemeunderwhichtheproposedactionmustbeconsidered; 4.ifadirectproceduralframeworkorschemeexists,istheproposedactioninaccordancewiththeexplicitrequirementsoftheproceduralframeworkorscheme;and 5.iftheproposedactionisnotinaccordancewiththeframeworkorschemeestablishedinHouserules,istherereasonablyanothermethodbywhichtheproposedactionmaybepresentedtotheHousewithoutviolatingaHouseruleorgeneralparliamentarylaw? Itisworthnotingthatparliamentarylawadherestothecommonlawprincipleof‘everythingwhichisnotforbiddenisallowed’.Forthatreason,inthecontextofapplyingtheHouseRules,itisnottypicallyaquestionofwhetherHouserules
DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,00:31:58-00:46:44(May9,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,1103-1104,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April30,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SAstoHB1773,09:58:05-10:06:40(April30,2015).
Rule 9. Precedents
323
specificallyauthorizeacertainactionbutratherwhetheraHouserulebarsaproposedaction,eitherbecauseofanovertprohibitionorbecauseofanexplicitproceduralframeworkorschememandatedwithintheHouseRules.Standingalone,theproposedmotiontorescindisneitherprohibitedbyHouseRulesnorisitbannedundergeneralparliamentarylaw.Itis,however,subjecttoanexplicitproceduralschemeestablishedinSection10.1ofHouseRules.29UndertheplainmeaningofSection10.1,thependingmotiontoputthepreviousquestionisofhigherrankandthereforeentitledtogofirst.30Expressedevenmoresuccinctly,themotiontorescindwouldneverbeinorderpriortothedispositionofapendingpreviousquestionmotion.ThereisnootherreasonablemethodbywhichthelowerrankingmotiontorescindmaybepresentedwhilethehigherrankingmotiontoputthepreviousquestionispendingwithoutviolatingbothSection10.1ofHouseRulesandgeneralparliamentarylaw.31Anattempttodosoisdilatoryperseandshouldnotberecognizedbythepresidingofficer.Afollow-onappealraisedonthemeritsoftherefusedmotionshouldlikewiseberejectedasanadditionalattempttoforcea
29Okla.H.Rules§10.1(54thLeg.).30Id.ThiscomportswithgeneralparliamentarylawasexpressedinSection158ofMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedurewhichsaysinrelevantpart,“whenamotionisunderconsideration,motionsofahigherprecedenceareinorder,butmotionshavingalowerprecedencearenot,Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure123§158(1)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010). 31Supra.
House Precedents
324
proceduralscenarioimpossibleunderthetermsoftheapplicableHouseRule.32BestpracticesprevailedinthissituationbecausethemotionproposinganactionindirectconflictwithaHouseruleandtherelatedappealwererefusedasbeingdilatory.Also,inconformancewithgeneralparliamentarylaw,aseparateappealonthespecificquestionofwhethertherefusedactionsweredilatorywaspermitted.339.2 - 16. (2013) Member Permitted to Explain
Purpose for Motion to Suspend Rules Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)statesinpart:While in the Chamber, the Presiding Officer shall preserve order and decorum… History – DuringconsiderationofSenateBill759,RepresentativeClevelandmovedtosuspendHouseRule8.6forthepurposeofallowingconsiderationofanuntimelyfiledflooramendment.Noexplanationwasofferedastowhythesuspensionwasnecessary.AfterthevotewasorderedandinprogressontheClevelandmotiontosuspendHouseRules,RepresentativeSherrerraisedapointofinquiryastowhetherthememberofferingthemotiontosuspendHouseRuleswouldhavebeenaffordedanopportunitytoexplaintheunderlyingpurposeofhismotionpriortoconsiderationbytheHouseofthemotiontosuspendHouseRules,towhichthepresidingofficerrespondedintheaffirmative.
32Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure142§180(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).33Id.
Rule 9. Precedents
325
Thepresidingofficeralsoindicatedthatinthisinstance,sincethevotewasalreadyinprogress,themovantwouldbeallowedtoofferashortexplanationafterthevote,ifthemotionpassed.TheClevelandmotiontosuspendHouseRulesfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.34
Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatashortexplanationofamotiontosuspendHouserulesisinorderpriortothevoteonthemotion.
Reason –Inthecontextofanondebatablequestion,Section85,paragraph1ofMason’sManualsaysinrelevantpart,“Thepresidingofficermaypermittheauthororsponsorofthepropositiontoexplainbriefly,andwithoutargument,thenatureoftheproposalorwhatitisexpectedtoaccomplish.”359.2 - 17. (2013) Prerogative of Chair to Determine
Order of Recognition Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(b)statesinrelevantpart:When two (2) or more members seek recognition at the same time, the presiding officer shall name the one entitled to the floor. History – AfterThirdReadingandfinalpassageofSenateBill1122,RepresentativeDerbyservednoticeofpossiblereconsiderationofthevotewherebySenateBill1122passed.RepresentativeSheltonraisedapointoforderinquiringasto
34Okla.H.Jour.,1053,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April23,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB759,00:54:27-00:57:32(April23,2013).35Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure72§85(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).
House Precedents
326
whyotherRepresentativeshadsoughtrecognitionbutthepresidingofficerchosetorecognizeRepresentativeDerbyfirst,thusallowinghimtolodgenoticeofpossibleintenttoofferamotiontoreconsider.ThepresidingofficerrespondedbystatingthatitistheprerogativeoftheChairtodeterminetheorderinwhichmembersarerecognized.RepresentativeGlennthenraisedapointofinquiryastowhyRepresentativeDerbyhadbeenrecognizedfirst.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatitistheprerogativeoftheChairtodeterminetheorderinwhichmembersarerecognized.36
Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatitistheprerogativeoftheChairtodeterminetheorderinwhichmembersarerecognized.9.2 - 18. (2014) Appellant Not Permitted to Yield to
Questions at Conclusion of Explanation of Appeal Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(g)states:
36Okla.H.Jour.,1332-1333,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May22,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,JCRtoSB1122,00:39:54-00:43:21(May22,2013);afterconsiderationofHB1020,thepresidingofficerinitiallyrecognizedanactingMajorityFloorLeadertoannounceadifferentorderofbusiness.AstheactingMajorityFloorLeaderbegantostatethenextorderofbusiness,thepresidingofficerstoppedhimandrecognizedtheprincipalHouseauthortolodgenoticeofpossiblereconsiderationonHB1020.Subsequently,apointoforderwasraisedandthepresidingofficerruledthatitwastheprerogativeoftheChairtowithdrawrecognitionfromtheactingMajorityFloorLeaderandtoallownoticetobeservedofpossiblereconsideration,Okla.H.Jour.,259-260,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.19,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB1020,02:00:57-02:01:32;02:02:53-02:03:32(Feb.19,2014).
Rule 9. Precedents
327
All appeals shall be decided by a recorded vote and without debate, except that the member taking said appeal shall have five (5) minutes within which to state the reasons for the member's appeal and the Chair may state the reasons for the Chair's decision. History –InthecourseofconsideringHouseBill3143afterasuccessfulmotiontoreconsider,apointoforderwasraisedandthesubsequentrulingoftheChairwasappealedtotheHousebyRepresentativeMorrissette.Uponconcludinghisappeal,RepresentativeMorrissettehadtimeremainingwithinthefive(5)minuteperiodallottedforhisstatementofappeal.Atthistime,RepresentativeSherrersoughtrecognitiontoaskaquestionofRepresentativeMorrissette.ThepresidingofficerrefusedtorecognizeRepresentativeSherrerforquestionseventhoughtimeremainedwithintheallottedtimeforRepresentativeMorrissettetoexplainhisappeal.RepresentativeSherrerraisedapointoforderastowhetheramember,recognizedtostatetheirappeal,canyieldtoquestionsattheconclusionoftheirappeal,whichpointwasnotwelltakenpursuanttoHouseRule9.2(g).37Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthattheexplanationofanappealisnotdebate,meaningthatthememberofferingtheexplanationmaynotyieldtoquestionsfromothermembers.Explanation – HouseRule9.2,paragraph(g)statesthatanappealistobedecidedwithoutdebatebutpermitsthemember
37Okla.H.Jour.,504,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March10,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB3143,01:20:25-01:25:18(March10,2014).
House Precedents
328
lodgingtheappealtousefive(5)minutestoexplaintheirreasonsfortheappeal.UndertheplainmeaningoftheRule,explanationofanappealisnotdebate;therefore,theopportunitytoacceptquestions,asnormallyallowedduringdebate,doesnotexistwhentimeremainsafteramemberconcludesexplanationoftheirappeal.9.2 - 19. (2014) Recognition of Questions after
Debate Requested is Question of Order for Presiding Officer Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)statesinpart:While in the Chamber, the Presiding Officer shall preserve order and decorum… History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill2732,RepresentativeClevelandmovedtosuspendHouseRule8.6forthepurposeofallowingconsiderationofanuntimelyfiledflooramendment,whichmotiontosuspendHouseRuleswasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.Uponbeingaskedbythepresidingofficerwhetherhewouldyieldtoquestionsonthependingamendment,RepresentativeClevelandrespondedinthenegative.Sincethemotiontoamendisadebatablemotion,thepresidingofficerthenaskedwhethertherewouldbedebateontheamendment,towhichothermembersrespondedintheaffirmative.Aspreparationswereunderwaytoconductdebateontheamendment,RepresentativeBlackwellraisedapointoforderastowhetherthepresidingofficershouldallowquestionsonthebasisoftheauthorhavingmisunderstoodwhenpreviouslyaskedwhetherhewouldyieldtoquestions,towhichthepresidingofficerstatedthatmembershadalreadyrequested
Rule 9. Precedents
329
debateandthattheHousewouldproceedwithdebateontheamendment.38Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatitisaquestionoforderwhetherornotthepresidingofficerrecognizesamemberwhopreviouslyrefusedtoyieldtoquestionsandthenlaterattemptstoyieldtoquestionsafterdebatehasbeenrequestedonthemotion.9.2 - 20. (2014) Second Appeal on Same Question
Previously Decided Considered Dilatory Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)statesinpart:While in the Chamber, the Presiding Officer shall preserve order and decorum… History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill1023,RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderstatingthatSenateBill1023wasoutoforder,pursuanttoHouseRule6.10,andshouldbestrickenfromtheCalendar. ThepresidingofficerstatedthattheChairwouldnotruleontheconstitutionalityofameasure,pursuanttoMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure,Section578,paragraph(6)andHousePrecedent14.2-1(2007)andthepointwasnotwelltaken. RepresentativeMorrissetteappealedtherulingoftheChairandthedecisionoftheChairwasuphelduponarollcallvote.
38Okla.H.Jour.,646-647,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March13,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2732,01:03:20-01:09:44(March13,2014).Cf.Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§9.2(13.),53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May3,2011),MemberNotRequiredtoExplainMotionorYieldtoQuestionsandPrec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§9.2(10.),52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April20,2010),PointofOrderMustBeRaisedinTimelyManner.
House Precedents
330
RepresentativeMorrissettemovedtorecommitSenateBill1023totheEconomicDevelopmentandFinancialServicesCommittee,whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote. RepresentativeMorrissettethenraisedapointoforderstatingthatSenateBill1023wasoutoforderforcontinuedconsiderationbecauseitcontainedmultiplesubjects,towhichthepresidingofficerstatedthattheChairhadalreadyruledonthequestionofconstitutionalityandwassustainedbytheHouse.Thepointwasnotwelltaken. RepresentativeMorrissetteattemptedtoappealtherulingofthepresidingofficerandtheappealwasnotrecognizedbytheChair. RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderastowhatauthoritypermittedtheChairtorefusetorecognizeanappeal.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatSection9.2ofHouseRulesrequiresthattheChairpreserveorderanddecorumintheHouseChamberwhichtheChairinterpretedtomeanrefusaltopermitdilatoryactivity. ThepresidingofficerwentontoclarifythatthepresentpointoforderhadalreadybeenruledonandtherulinghadbeenupheldbytheHouseandassuch,additionalappealsonthesamequestionwouldbeconsidereddilatory. RepresentativeMorrissetteappealedtherulingoftheChaironthequestionofwhetherthepreviouslyattemptedappealshouldbeconsidereddilatoryandthedecisionoftheChairwasuphelduponarollcallvote.39 39Okla.H.Jour.,755-757,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April7,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1023,01:55:40-02:17:38(April7,2014);seealso,Okla.H.Jour.,1107,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May15,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB3510,01:16:55-01:17:52(May15,2014).
Rule 9. Precedents
331
Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatwhenapointoforderhasbeenruledonandtherulinghasbeenupheldbytheHouse,additionalappealsonthesamequestionaredilatory.9.2 - 21. (2014) Presence of Other Members at
Dais during Statement of Appeal not Permissible Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(h)states:When a point of order is called, no member shall approach the presiding officer or the parliamentarian until after the presiding officer has ruled. If requested by the presiding officer, the majority floor leader may confer with the presiding officer regarding matters not pertaining to the point of order. History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill1023,RepresentativeMorrissetteappealedtherulingoftheChair.DuringstatementoftheappealbyRepresentativeMorrissette,RepresentativeProctorraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwasaviolationofHouseRulesforothermemberstobepresentatthedaisduringapointoforder,towhichthepresidingofficerruledthepointwelltaken.40Ruling – ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatothermembersarenottobepresentatthedaisduringthestatementofanappealthataroseoutofapointoforder.9.2 - 22. (2014) Use of Props and Exhibits during Presentation of Bills
40Okla.H.Jour.,756-757,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April7,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1023,02:10:00-02:12:10(April7,2014).
House Precedents
332
Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)statesinrelevantpart:While in the [House] Chamber, the Presiding Officer shall preserve order and decorum…
History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill2135,RepresentativeProctorraisedapointoforderastowhetheruseofpropswasinorder,towhichthepresidingofficerrespondedthattheHouseRulesdonotdirectlyaddressuseofexhibitsbutthatitwasthecustomandpracticeoftheHousenottopermitexhibitsduringpresentationoflegislationontheHouseFloor.41Ruling – ItisthecustomandpracticeoftheHousenottopermitexhibitsduringpresentationoflegislationontheHouseFloor. 9.2 - 23. (2014) Presiding Officer will not Entertain
Questions Directed to Member Proposing Motion to Limit Debate Rule –HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)statesinrelevantpart:While in the [House] Chamber, the Presiding Officer shall preserve order and decorum… History –WhilethequestionofadoptionoftheConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill3399waspending,RepresentativeReynoldsmovedtoadvancethequestion,therebylimitingdebateonthequestionofadoptionoftheconferencecommitteereport. 41Okla.H.Jour.,1236,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May23,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB2135,00:58:45-00:59:36(May23,2014).
Rule 9. Precedents
333
RepresentativeFloydraisedapointofinquiryastowhetheritwasthewilloftheHousetoendthequestionsandanswersontheconferencecommitteereportandtomoveimmediatelyintodebate,towhichthepresidingofficerrespondedthatiftheHouseadoptedthemotiontoadvancethequestionitwouldindicateadesirebytheHousetomoveimmediatelyintodebate. RepresentativeProctorraisedapointofinquiryastowhetheritwouldbeinordertoposequestionstoRepresentativeReynoldspertainingtothemotiontoadvancethequestion,towhichthepresidingofficerstatedthattheChairwouldnotrecognizequestionsonamotionlimitingdebate.42Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatthepresidingofficerwillnotentertainquestionsdirectedtoamemberwhohasproposedapendingmotiontolimitdebate. 9.2 - 24. (2015) Ruling of Chair not Subject to
Appeal during Vote Rule – HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)saysinrelevantpart: While in the Chamber, the presiding officer shall preserve order and decorum…
History – AfteradoptionofamainflooramendmentduringconsiderationofHouseBill1749,RepresentativeNewellmovedthatHouseBill1749beadvancedfromGeneralOrder.WhilethevotewasinprogressonthemotiontoadvancethebillfromGeneralOrder,RepresentativeInmanraisedapointof
42Okla.H.Jour.,1241-1242,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May23,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB3399,02:30:22-02:37:48(May23,2014).
House Precedents
334
orderinquiringastohowmanyquestionswerependingintheelectronicqueueatthetimetheChairentertainedthemotiontoadvancefromGeneralOrder.Thepresidingofficerruledthepointoutoforderbecauseitdidnotpertaintothevoteinprogress.RepresentativeInmanthenattemptedtoappealtherulingoftheChairwhilethevotewasinprogressonthemotiontoadvancethebillfromGeneralOrderbutwasnotrecognized.ThevotecontinuedintheregularmannerandthemotiontoadvancethebillfromGeneralOrderwasdeclaredadopteduponadivisionofthequestion.AfterThirdReadingofHouseBill1749,RepresentativeInmanraisedthesamepointoforderstatingthatthepresidingofficerhadnotrecognizedhisappealduringthevoteandrequestednoticeastowhereinHouseRulesanappealcouldnotproperlybeentertainedinthecourseofavote.ThepresidingofficerreferredtoSection9.2ofHouseRulesstatingthatthepresidingofficermustmaintainorderanddecorumintheChamberandthatitwouldbedisorderlytoentertainanappealwhileavotewasinprogress.RepresentativeInmanappealedtherulingoftheChairandthedecisionofthepresidingofficerwasuphelduponarollcallvote.43Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatanappealoftherulingoftheChairattemptedwhileanothervoteisinprogresswillnotbeentertained.
43Okla.H.Jour.,350-351,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.18,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1749,00:33:55-00:54:18(Feb.18,2015).
Rule 9. Precedents
335
Reasoning –Forapresidingofficertoentertainanappealduringadivisionwouldbedisorderlyandimproper.Threeissuesareimmediatelyapparent.First,thepointoforderandattemptedappealdidnotpertaintotheconductofthevoteitself44butrathertowhetherquestionsremainedintheelectronicqueueatthetimethevotewasorderedonthemotion.Second,thereisnorighttocrossexamineorposequestionstotheauthorofabillormotionwithouttheconsentoftheauthor.NeitherHouseRulesnorgeneralparliamentarylawimposessucharequirement.Itisstrictlywithinthediscretionoftheauthorormovantastowhetherheorshewishestoyieldtoanyquestionsatallortoyieldtofurtherquestions.45Thepresidingofficershouldnotentertainpointsoforderconcerningquestionsthathadbeenpossiblyleftpendingintheelectronicqueueatthetimeanauthorindicateseitherdirectlyorconstructivelythatheorshewillnotyieldtoadditionalquestions.46Onceanauthorrefusestoyieldtofurtherquestions,attemptsbyothermemberstocontinuewiththeirlineofquestioningortoassistothermembersinpursuingtheirlinesofquestioningisnotinorder.Third,apointoforderrelatedtoquestionsaboutthebillshouldhavebeenraisedpriortotheorderingofthevotebythepresidingofficer.Althoughquestionsonabillaresometimes
44 Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§9.7(1.),52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March11,2009);Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure358§524(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010). 45 Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§9.2(13.),53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May3,2011). 46 Anexampleofconstructiverefusaltoentertainadditionalquestionsmaybeviewedat,DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1749,00:33:52-00:34:00(Feb.18,2015).
House Precedents
336
entertainedafterThirdReading,bycustomandpractice,questionsandanswersonthebillendedwhentheauthorpressedhismotiontoadvancethebillfromGeneralOrder.47 9.2 - 25. (2015) Reference to Persons in Gallery
during Questions, Answers and Debate Rule – HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)saysinrelevantpart: While in the Chamber, the presiding officer shall preserve order and decorum… History – DuringconsiderationofHouseBill1212,aquestionwasposedtotheauthorofthebillinsuchawaysoastoinvolvemembersofthepublicpresentintheHouseGallery.RepresentativeBanzraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwaspropertoengageorinvolvepersonspresentinthegalleryduringquestionsandanswersanddebate.ThepresidingofficerruledthepointwelltakenandstatedthattodosowasnotprohibitedbyHouserulesbutratherwascontrarytothecustomsandpracticesoftheHouse.48Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthattoengageorinvolvepersonspresentinthegalleryduringquestions,answersanddebateiscontrarytothecustomsandpracticesoftheHouse.
47 Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§9.2(10.),52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April20,2010);Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure185§241(para.1)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010). 48Okla.H.Jour.,650,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March11,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1512,00:58:37-01:00:35(March11,2015);Cf.Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure86,94§§110,121(paras.1,2)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010),
Rule 9. Precedents
337
9.2 - 26. (2015) Presiding Officer does not Customarily Solicit Questions during Presentation of Bill
Rule – HouseRule9.2,paragraph(b)saysinrelevantpart: While in the Chamber, the presiding officer shall preserve order and decorum… History – AfterconsiderationonFourthReadingandduringthevoteonHouseBill1748,RepresentativeRousselotraisedapointoforderastowhyhehadnotbeenrecognizedforanadditionalquestiononFourthReading,towhichthepresidingofficerrespondedthatithadnotbeenapparenttotheChair,eitherviathesoftwareorthroughmeansofaphysicalgesture,thatanadditionalquestionwasdesired.RepresentativeProctorthenraisedapointoforderastowhether,inthefutureatthepointofFourthReadingonameasure,thepresidingofficerwouldinquirewhethertherewerequestionsonameasure.Inresponse,thepresidingofficerruledthatitwasnotthecustomandpracticeoftheHousetomakesuchaninquiryatthetimeofFourthReading.49Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatitisnotthecustomandpracticeoftheHouseforthepresidingofficertoactivelyinquireiftherearequestionsatthetimeofFourthReading
49 Okla.H.Jour.,1091,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April29,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SAHB1748,01:56:34-02:00:54(April29,2015).
House Precedents
338
9.2 - 27. (2016) Not Permissible for Presiding Officer to Determine Existence of Multiple Subjects in Bill
Rule – HouseRule9.2,paragraph(i)says: The presiding officer shall not entertain points of order pertaining to the constitutionality of a measure itself nor shall the presiding officer entertain points of order pertaining to the constitutionality of a measure's title. History – DuringconsiderationofHouseBill3033,RepresentativePerrymanraisedapointoforderastowhetherthesectionswithinHouseBill3033weregermanetoeachother.ThepresidingofficerruledthatsuchaquestionwasinthenatureofaconstitutionalquestionandthepresidingofficerwasprohibitedfromofferingconstitutionalpronouncementspursuanttoSection9.2,paragraph(i)ofHouseRules.50Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatarequesttothepresidingofficertodeterminetheexistenceofmultiplesubjectswithinameasureisanimpermissiblerequestforaconstitutionalruling.
50Okla.H.Jour.,433,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March7,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB3033,11:18:10-11:20:35(March7,2016);seealsoOkla.H.Jour.,697-698,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March11,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1607,10:09:03-10:09:41(March11,2015);Okla.H.Jour.,1097,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May23,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1602,3:50:34-3:54:34(May23,2016).
Rule 9. Precedents
339
Reasoning –Itisnotthepresidingofficer’srighttoruleupontheconstitutionalityofaproposedbill,sincethatauthoritybelongstotheHouseitself.51Relevanttothisprecedent,theOklahomaConstitutionrequiresthateveryactoftheLegislatureembraceonlyonesubject.52ArequestthatthepresidingofficerdeterminewhethertheinternalsectionswithinabillaregermanetoeachotheriseffectivelyaskingtheChairtoweighinonwhetherthebillmeetsconstitutionalmuster.ThisisprohibitedbyHouseruleandiscontrarytogeneralparliamentarylaw.539.2 - 28. (2018) Authority of Chair to Determine
the Dilatory Actions of a Member Rule – HouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)saysinrelevantpart: While in the Chamber, the presiding officer shall preserve order and decorum… History –DuringtheconsiderationofSenateBill923,RepresentativeInmanpresentedanamendmentthatcontained
51Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§14.2(1.),51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March6,2007);seealsoPrec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§14.2(1A.),52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March2,2009);Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure186-187§242(para.1)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010);seealsoOkla.H.Jour.,1077,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May19,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1606,9:56:30-10:04:30(May19,2016),presidingofficerdeclinedtodeterminewhetherbillwasarevenue-raisingmeasure.52OKCONSTV,57.53Okla.H.Rules,§9.2(i)(55thLeg.);Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure186-187§242(para.1)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010);Mason’s,supra.
House Precedents
340
provisionsthatwouldincreasetheCapitalGainstax,withanagriculturalexemption.RepresentativeOsbornraisedaPointofOrderonthegermanenessoftheamendment.TherulingoftheChairwasthattheamendmentwasnotgermane.RepresentativeInmanthenappealedthedecisionoftheChairanditreceivedtherequiredone-fifteenthoftheHousestanding.RepresentativePfeiffermovedtotabletheappealandthemotiontotablewasadopted.RepresentativeInmanmovedtosuspendHouseRulestoallowanuntimelyfiledamendmenttoincorporatethelanguageofHouseBill3113intoSenateBill923,whichwasnotadopted.RepresentativeInmanmovedtosuspendHouseRulesforanuntimelyfiledamendmenttotakethetopincometaxbracketfrom5%to5.25%.ThePresidingOfficerruledthemotiontosuspendHouseRulesasdilatory.RepresentativeInmansoughtrecognitionbutwasnotrecognizedbythePresidingOfficerbecauseoftheMember’sactionsbeingruleddilatory.RepresentativeProctorwasrecognizedandyieldedtoRepresentativeInman;however,RepresentativeInmanwasnotrecognizedbecausehehadpreviouslybeenruleddilatory.RepresentativeMeredithwasrecognizedandyieldedtoRepresentativeInman;however,RepresentativeInmanwasnotrecognizedbecausehehadpreviouslybeenruleddilatory.
Rule 9. Precedents
341
ThePresidingOfficerannouncedthatistheobligationanddutyoftheChairtomaintainorderanddecorumintheHouseandthatthePresidingOfficerruledRepresentativeInmandilatoryafterrepeatedmotionstodelaythelegislativeprocess.RepresentativeForrestBennettwasrecognizedforaRequestforInformationandaskedwhyarequesttobringupadifferentbillwasdilatory.ThePresidingOfficerannouncedthatthesuspensionoftherulestoamendwasdilatory.RepresentativeStonewasrecognizedforaRequestforInformationandaskedwhyRepresentativeInmanwasbeingruleddilatorysincehewasraisingaPointofOrderandnotattemptingtomakeamotion.ThePresidingOfficerinquiredtoRepresentativeInmanifhisPointofOrderwasdifferentthanhispriorPointsofOrder,towhichRepresentativeInmanrepliedthatiswasdifferent.RepresentativeInmanwasrecognizedforaPointofOrderregardinghisrighttorespondtoarulingoftheChair.ThePresidingOfficerstatedthatthePointhadbeendisposedof.RepresentativeWalkewasrecognizedforaPointofOrdertowhichheinquiredwhatHouseRuledidaMembernothavetheabilitytoappealafterbeingruleddilatory.ThePresidingOfficerstatedthatMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure§180(2)said,“WheneversatisfiedthataMemberisusingtacticstoobstructbusiness,thePresidingOfficershouldnotrecognizetheMember…”
House Precedents
342
RepresentativeOsbornlaidthebillover.54Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatwhenaMember’sactionshavebeenruleddilatory,itisproperforthePresidingOfficertonotrecognizetheMember.§ 9.3 PROCEDURE 9.3 – 1. (2019) Presiding Officer does not
Determine whether Amendments Are Germane Prior to Floor Consideration
Rule –HouseRule9.3,paragraph(b)states: [T]he House shall not consider in either session of the current Legislature any measure originating in the House of Representatives if said measure has been amended by the insertion of matter not germane to the subject of the bill or resolution.
History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill2126,RepresentativeMcDuglestatedthatthemeasurewasashellbillincommitteeandthatthecurrentlanguagewasaddedasanamendmentincommittee.RepresentativePerrymanrosetoaPointofOrder,citingHouseRule9.3(b),requestingarulingoftheChairastowhether
54Okla.H.Jour.,813-815,56thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April24,2018);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,56thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB923,11:18:54-11:30:03(April24,2018).
Rule 9. Precedents
343
HouseBill2126wasinorderbecausetheadoptedcommitteeamendmentwasnotgermanetotheintroducedmeasure.ThePresidingOfficerruledbybothcustomandpracticeandbypriorPrecedent,onceacommitteehasadoptedlanguageandacommitteereporthasbeenfiled,thereisnotavalidpointoforderregardingthegermanenessofthecontentofthebill.Thereisopportunitytoobjectincommittee,fortheCommitteeChairtorule,andfortheretobeanappealoftheruling.HouseRule9.3ispartofaseriesofRulesrelatedtoChamberProtocol.Germanenessisanobjection,whichisrelatedtotheconsiderationofanamendmenttoameasure.Unlessanamendmentisbeingproposedduringflooraction,thetopicofgermanenesshadalreadybeenfullyaddressedduringacommitteeprocess;therefore,thepointisnotwelltaken.RepresentativePerrymanappealedtherulingoftheChair,receivingtherequiredfifteen(15)standingssecondsandthedecisionoftheChairwasupheldonabyavoteoftheHouse.55Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatquestionsrelatingtogermanenessofanamendmentincommitteeshallnotbeentertainedduringconsiderationontheHouseFloor.§ 9.4 DEBATE 9.4 - 1. (2009) Debate May Be Extended but Not Limited
55Okla.H.Jour.,714,57thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March12,2019);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,57thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB2126,15:00:44-15:12:18(March12,2019).
House Precedents
344
Rule –HouseRule9.4,paragraph(b)states:When a debatable question is before the House, any Member may move that the time for debate on such question be extended. For adoption, such motion need only receive a majority of those voting, a quorum being present. History –TheConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill153wasconsideredandadopted.UponfourthreadingandfinalpassageofSenateBill153,RepresentativeJohnWrightmovedthatdebatetimebeeffectivelylimitedtofive(5)minutestotheopponentsofthequestionandfive(5)minutestotheproponentsofthequestion.ThepresidingofficerruledthatpursuanttoHouseRule9.4,paragraph(b),debatetimemaybeextendedbutcannotbelimited,andassuch,ruledthemotionoutoforder.RepresentativeJohnWrightthenmovedtosuspendHouseRule9.4forpurposesoflimitingdebatetofive(5)minutesaside,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.56Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatunderthetermsofHouseRule9.4,paragraph(b),debatemaybeextendedbymotionbutmaynotundergoadditionaltimerestrictionswithoutsuspensionoftherule. 9.4 -2. (2010) Debate Not in Progress Until First
Member Recognized Rule –HouseRule9.4,paragraph(a)states: 56Okla.H.Jour.,1944,1945,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May22,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:59,10:45-16:40(May22,2009).
Rule 9. Precedents
345
Except as otherwise specifically provided in these Rules, when a debatable question is before the House, such debate shall be limited to fifteen (15) minutes, equally divided between the proponents and opponents of the question. Under no circumstances shall a Member debate twice on the same question, nor shall any Member speak longer than ten (10) minutes on the same question. History – AfterSenateBill1901wasreadatlengthforthethirdtime,debateonthemeasurewasrequested.Upontherequestfordebate,RepresentativeNelsonmovedtoadvancethequestion.RepresentativeReynoldsthenraisedapointoforderstatingthatthemotiontoadvancethequestionwasoutoforderbecausedebatewasalreadyinprogress.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatdebateisnotinprogressuntilthefirstmemberisrecognizedtobegintheirdebate.Inthiscase,nomemberhadyetbeenrecognizedfordebateandthereforethepointwasnotwelltaken.57Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatdebatehasnotcommenceduntilthefirstmemberisrecognizedtobegintheirdebate.
57Okla.H.Jour.,1436-1437,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April22,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,54:58-58:37(April22,2010);Okla.H.Jour.,1677,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May24,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,03:26:30-03:27:27(May24,2010);Okla.H.Jour.,687,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March16,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1593,02:03:18-02:06:00(March16,2011);Okla.H.Jour.,678,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March15,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HJR1071,07:05:48-07:06:30(March15,2012).
House Precedents
346
9.4 - 3. (2011) Motion to Extend Debate
Immediately after Adoption of Motion to Limit Debate Not in Order Rule –HouseRule9.4,paragraph(b)states: When a debatable question is before the House, any member may move that the time for debate on such question be extended. For adoption, such motion need only receive a majority of those voting, a quorum being present. History –AfterThirdReadingofSenateBill923,RepresentativePetersmovedtoadvancethequestion.RepresentativeSheltonmovedtotablethePetersmotion,whichtablingmotionfailedofadoption.RepresentativePeterspressedhismotiontoadvancethequestion,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.RepresentativeSheltonmovedtotableSenateBill923,whichtablingmotionfaileduponarollcallvote.RepresentativeInmanmovedtoextenddebatetimebytwoandone-half(2½)minutesperside,whichmotionwasnotrecognized.RepresentativeInmanraisedapointoforderastowhatHouseRulepreventedconsiderationofthemotion.ThepresidingofficerruledthatbecausetheHousevotedtolimitdebateitwouldbedilatorytorecognizeamotiontoextenddebateandassuch,themotionwasoutoforder.RepresentativeInmanmovedtoappealtherulingofthepresidingofficerreceivingtherequiredfifteen(15)seconds.RepresentativePetersmovedtotabletheInmanappealofthe
Rule 9. Precedents
347
presidingofficer,whichtablingmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponadivisionofthequestion.RepresentativeInmanmovedtosuspendHouseRule8.15forthepurposeofextendingdebatetimebytwoandone-half(21/2)minutes,whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.58Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatwhentheHousevotestolimitdebate,amotionofferedimmediatelyafterwardtoextenddebateisnotinorder. 9.4 - 4. (2012) Debate Must be Confined to Side of
Question Requested by Debating Member Rule –HouseRule9.4,paragraph(a)states:Except as otherwise specifically provided in these Rules, when a debatable question is before the House, such debate shall be limited to fifteen (15) minutes, equally divided between the proponents and opponents of the question. History –TheSenateAmendmentstoHouseBill2236werecalledupforconsideration.UponthemotionofRepresentativeFaught,theHouseconcurredintheSenateAmendmentstoHouseBill2236uponadivisionofthequestion. 58Okla.H.Jour.,1034-1035,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April20,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB923,03:51:16-04:26:54(April20,2011).SeealsoOkla.H.Jour.,257-258,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.7,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HR1008,04:38:18-04:43:22(Feb.7,2011);Okla.H.Jour.,479-480,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March4,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1721,01:07:26-01:16:31(March4,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,1241-1242,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May23,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,CCRtoHB02:46:44-02:55:07(May23,2014).
House Precedents
348
InthecourseofdebateonwhethertoconcurwiththeSenateAmendments,RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointofinquiryastowhethertheauthorofameasurecouldrequesttodebateinoppositiontohisorhermeasure.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatintheopinionoftheChairitwouldnotbeagoodprecedentfortheHouseforamembertoofferamotiontotheHouseandthendebateagainstthemotion.RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointofinquiryastowhetherHouseRulesprohibitamemberfromrequestingdebateinoppositiontoamotionandthenactuallyofferingdebateinfavorofthemotion.Thepresidingofficerruledthepointwelltakenandnotedthatamembershouldofferdebateonthesidetowhichtheyrequested.RepresentativeHickmanraisedapointofinquiryastowhetheramemberwhoistheauthorofameasurecould,uponbecomingopposedtotheirmeasure,justwithdrawthemeasurefromconsideration.Thepresidingofficeransweredintheaffirmative.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointofinquiryastowhethertheChairwassuggestingthatamembermustdebateforabillbecausetheyaretheauthorofthebill.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatifamemberproposesabilltotheHouseandthendecidesheorsheisnotinfavorofthemeasure,thebestprocedurewouldbetowithdrawthebillfromfurtherconsideration.RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwouldbeappropriatetoobjecttoimproperdebate,towhichthepresidingofficeransweredintheaffirmative.RepresentativeNelsonraisedapointoforderastowhetheramemberisallowedintheirdebatetoacknowledgethe
Rule 9. Precedents
349
strengthsandweaknessesintheirdebate.Thepresidingofficerrespondedintheaffirmative.RepresentativeNelsonraisedapointofinquiryastohowthiswouldaffectamemberwhorequestedtimefordebatebecausetheyhadadditionalquestionsonthemeasure.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatifamemberrequestsdebateonacertainsideofthequestion,themembershouldofferdebateonthesideindicatedandthatitwouldbeappropriatetoposeadditionalquestionsaslongasthememberframesthequestionsintheformofdebate.59Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatamembershouldnotproposeamotiontotheHouseandthenofferdebateinoppositiontothatsamemotion.9.4 – 5 (2019) Debate Must be Confined to the Merits of the Measure Under Consideration and the Presiding Officer has the Authority to Interrupt Members During Debate Rule –HouseRule9.4,paragraph(a)states:Except as otherwise specifically provided in these Rules, when a debatable question is before the House…
59Okla.H.Jour.,1084-1086,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May3,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SAstoHB2236,01:52:10-02:09:10(May3,2012);Okla.H.Jour.,1241-1242,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May23,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,CCRtoHB02:46:44-02:48:03(May23,2014);Okla.H.Jour.,1080,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May19,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1604,12:05:50-12:06:24(May19,2016).
House Precedents
350
History –DuringthedebateonHB1292,thePresidingOfficerinterruptedRepresentativeStone’sdebatetoremindtheMemberthatdebatemustbelimitedtothemeritsofthebillunderconsideration.RepresentativePerrymanraisedapointoforder,citingHouseRule9.4,andstatedthatHouseRulesdonotallowthePresidingOfficertointerruptaMemberduringadebate,andthatthePresidingOfficerwasincorrectinstatingthatdebatemustbeconfinedtothemeritsofthebill.ThePresidingOfficerstatedthatthepointwouldberuledonatalatertimepursuanttoHousePrecedent9.2-7.(2009)PresidingOfficerMayDeferRulingonPointofOrder.RepresentativeStonewasrecognizedtocontinuethedebateonthemeasure.RepresentativeStonerequestedthatarulingbeprovidedbeforehecontinuedwiththedebate.ThePresidingOfficercited§121ofMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure:
1. Anancientrulegoverningdebateisthat“Nooneistospeakimpertinently,orbesidethequestion,superfluously,ortediously.”
5. If,atanytime,thepresidingofficerrisestostateapointoforder,orgiveinformation,orotherwisespeakwithinthepresidingofficer’sprivilege,thememberspeakingmustsitdownuntilthepresidingofficerhasbeenheard.
Thepointwasnotwelltaken,andthePresidingOfficerruledthattheMembermustconfinetheirdebatetothemeritsofthemeasureunderconsiderationandthePresidingOfficerisallowedtointerruptthedebateofaMember.RepresentativeStonemovedtoappealthedecisionofthechair,anditreceivedone-fifteenthoftheHousestanding.
Rule 9. Precedents
351
RepresentativeEcholsmovedtotabletheappeal.RepresentativeMeredithraisedapointofinformationinquiringwhatruleallowedanappealtobetabled.ThePresidingOfficerdirectedtheMembertoHouseRule10.1(b),whichstates,“Appeals(notamendable-notdebatable,exceptasgovernedbySection9.2oftheseRules;subjecttomotiontotable).”Themotiontotablewasadopted.60 Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatthePresidingOfficerhastheauthoritytointerruptaMemberinadebateandmaydirecttheMembertoconfinethedebatetothemeritsofthemeasureunderconsideration.§ 9.5 PRIVILEGES 9.5 - 1. (2014) Resignation Speech Permitted as
Point of Personal Privilege Rule –HouseRule9.5states: (a) Questions and motions of privilege shall be: First, those affecting the rights of the House collectively, its safety, dignity and the integrity of its proceedings; Second, the right, reputation and conduct of its members individually in their representative capacity only, and shall have precedence over all other questions, except motions to adjourn. (b) No member who obtains the floor on a question of personal privilege, or on a question of privileges of the House, shall debate
60Okla.H.Jour.,518,57thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March05,2019);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,57thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1292,13:33:25-13:42:30(March05,2019).
House Precedents
352
any question, matter, or measure then pending in the House, or in any standing or special committee of the House, nor shall the member be allowed to yield the floor for questions from other members. History –AfteradoptionofHouseResolution1037,thenextorderofbusinessannouncedbytheMajorityFloorLeaderwasapointofpersonalprivilegerequestedbyRepresentativeT.W.Shannon,theSpeakeroftheHouse.AsSpeakerShannonapproachedthewelloftheHouse,RepresentativeReynoldsrosetoapointoforderwhichwasnotrecognizedbythepresidingofficer.ThepresidingofficertoldRepresentativeReynoldsthathispointoforderwouldberecognizedimmediatelyaftertheconclusionofthepointofpersonalprivilege.Asapointofpersonalprivilege,SpeakerShannonannouncedhisresignationasSpeakeroftheHouseofferingwhatamountedtoafarewellspeechasSpeakertotheHouse.Aftertheconclusionofthepointofpersonalprivilege,RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderastowhetheritispermissibleforthepresidingofficertodelayapointoforderuntilalatertimewhenthepointofordermaynolongerbeapplicable.ThepresidingofficerrespondedthatitisthedutyandresponsibilityofthepresidingofficertomaintainorderandthatorderwasmaintainedbyallowingtheSpeakertoproceedwithhispointofpersonalprivilegeanddelayingthepointoforder.RepresentativeReynoldsthenraisedapointoforderastowhereintheHouseRulesamemberispermittedtoofferpersonalcommentsbeforetheHouse,towhichthepresidingofficerreferredtoSection9.5ofHouseRules.ThepresidingofficerpointedoutthattheRuleprovidesforpointsofpersonalprivilegeandthatasanitemofnewbusiness,thepointof
Rule 9. Precedents
353
personalprivilegewasproperlyscheduledthroughtheFloorLeader.Thepresidingofficernotedthatthisissomethingthatmembersarerecognizedtodoeachsession61andthepointwasnotwelltaken.62Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatresignationfromofficebyamembermaybeannouncedtotheHouseintheformofapointofpersonalprivilege.Reasoning –ThequestionofwhatmaybediscussedinthecontextofapointofpersonalprivilegeisdiscussedinSections222and223ofMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure.63Amember’sresignationdoesrelatetothememberinhisorherrepresentativecapacity.§ 9.6 VOTING AND DIVISION 9.6 - 1. (2006) Members Present in Chamber But
Not Voting May Be Named Upon Closing of Vote Rule –HouseRule9.6,paragraph(a)statesinpart:
61Atleastasfarbackasthe1980s,theearliestpointfromwhichcollectivememoryremainsamongcurrentHousestaff,memberswhoweredepartingtheHouseofRepresentativesattheendofthetermwererecognizedforapointofpersonalprivilegeforthepurposeofgivinga“farewellspeech”totheHouseofRepresentatives.62Okla.H.Jour.,199-200,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.4,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,00:32:44-01:02:38(Feb.4,2014).63Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure174-175§§222,223(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).
House Precedents
354
Every Member shall vote providing the Member is in the Chamber at the time the vote is in progress. History –RepresentativeAskinsraisedapointoforderthatHouseRule9.6(a)doesnotcontainenforcementauthorityagainstmemberswhowereintheChamberbutnotvoting.ThepresidingofficerruledthataMembermayraiseapointoforderpursuanttoHouseRule9.6(a)againstaMember,byname,whowasintheChamberbutnotvotingwhichmotionmaybesubjecttoavoteofthebody.64Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthataMembermayraiseapointofordernamingspecificMember(s)whowerepresentintheHouseChamberupontheclosingofavote,butdidnotcasttheirvote.Inaddition,itisinorderfortheHousetoconsideramotionofferedbyaMemberrequestingthatsuchinformationbeincludedintheHouseJournal.Finally,incontrast,theChairwillnothearamotionthatdoesnotnameoffendingMembersbynameduetothefactthatsucha“blanket”motionmightimplicateMemberswhocouldhavebeenexcusedforthedayormightbeoutsidetheHouseChamberconductingotherbusiness.Reasoning –ThehistoricalrootsofHouseRule9.6(a)invitesomeexaminationbeforetheparliamentaryreasonsforthepresentrulingarediscussed.ThroughoutmostofOklahoma’shistory,therulesoftheHousecontainedaprovisionrequiringMemberspresenttovoteandincludedapunitiveprovisionforMemberswhowerepresentintheChamberbutdidnotvote.Beginninginthe1931Houserules,aMemberwhorefusedto
64Okla.H.Jour.,1599,1600,50thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May19,2006);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,50thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.Track10:05,5:25-13:09(May19,2006).
Rule 9. Precedents
355
votewasrecordedasvoting“no.”65Specifically,Section59ofthe1931HouseRulesstatesinpartthefollowing: Every member shall vote when his name is called…when a member refuses to vote, he shall be recorded as voting “No”. FromtheThirteenthOklahomaLegislaturein1931throughthebeginningoftheForty-SeventhOklahomaLegislaturein1999,eachsuccessivesetofHouserulescontainedlanguagerequiringthatMemberspresentintheChambershouldvoteanduponfailingtodowouldberecordedasvoting“no.”66NeartheendofthefirstregularsessionoftheForty-SeventhLegislature,theHousepassedHouseResolution1007whichuponadoption,includedanamendmentremovingthepunitiverequirementthataMemberpresentintheHouseChamberbutnotvotingwouldberecordedasvoting“no.”WhatremainedwasaprovisionidenticaltothepresentHouseRule9.6(a)holdingthat: Every Member shall vote providing the Member is in the Chamber at the time the vote is in progress.67 WhileitiscorrectthatHouserulessinceApril29,1999,havenotincludedthepunitiverequirementthatMemberspresentbutnotvotingshouldautomaticallyberecordedasvoting“no,”thereisnothingunderthecurrentHouserulesorgeneralparliamentarylawtopreventaMemberfromraisingapointoforderforthepurposeofpointingoutthoseMemberswho,beingpresent,didnotvoteinviolationofHouseRule9.6(a).
65Okla.H.Jour.,453,13thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Jan.29,1931);Okla.H.Rules,§59(13thLeg.).66Okla.H.Jour.,1380,47thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April29,1999);1999Okla.Sess.Laws2242.67Okla.H.Jour.,1406,47thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April29,1999);Okla.H.Rules,§14(1)(a)(47thLeg.).
House Precedents
356
Furthermore,adulyrecognizedMemberafterthefactcouldproperlyofferamotionrequestingthattheHouseJournalnametheoffendingHouseMembers.AlthoughthecurrentHouserulesaresilentonthequestionofamotionrequestinginclusionofnamesintheJournal,suchamotionissimilartoothermotionspermittedbytheOklahomaHouseofRepresentatives.Additionally,undergeneralparliamentaryprinciples,amotionnotspecificallynamedbyHouserulescouldstillpassmusterasapropermotion.Bydefinition,amotionismerelyaformalstatementofaproposalsubmittedtoalegislativebodythatcertainactionsbetakenoradeterminationmade.68ThereareliterallyhundredsofmotionsnotlistedintheHouserulesthatshortofviolatingotherprovisionsoftheHouserules,OklahomaStatutes,theOklahomaConstitution,federallaworthefederalConstitution,wouldbeappropriatefortheHousetoconsider.Onamorepracticalnote,amotiontoincludeintheHouseJournalthenamesofMemberspresentintheChamberbutnotvotinguponthecloseofthevoteisamotionsubjecttomotionsofhigherrankand,assuch,wouldbesubjecttodebate.Importantly,itshouldbenotedthatitwouldnotbeappropriateforaMembertoattempttospecificallynameotherMembersnotyethavingvotedbeforethecloseofthevote.ThequestionofhowtovoteonamatterfrequentlyresultsinaMembersittingathisorherdeskcontemplatinghowtoproceeduntilthemomentrightbeforethevoteisclosed.WhilethereisnoapparentharminrequestingthatthepresidingofficergenerallyremindMembersoftheirdutytocastavote,itcouldbeaseriousdisruptiontopointoutaspecificMemberwho
68Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure111§144(1)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000);SturgisStandardCodeofParliamentaryProcedure,2ndEd.,11Chap.3(McGraw-Hill1966).
Rule 9. Precedents
357
mightbequietlydeliberatingonhowheorsheshouldvoteimmediatelybeforethecloseofthevote.Inconclusion,amotiontolistMembersbynameintheHouseJournalonthebasisoftheirfailuretovotewhenpresentshouldbeentertainedonlyimmediatelyafterthecloseofthevoteandbeforetheHousetakesupanotherorderofbusiness.9.6 - 2. (2007) Correction of Vote Mistakenly Cast
on Behalf of Member Rule –HouseRule9.6,paragraph(e)states: The Presiding Officer shall then lock the machine and instruct the Clerk to record the vote. The Clerk shall immediately activate the recording equipment and when the vote is completely recorded, shall advise the Presiding Officer of the result, and the Presiding Officer shall announce the result to the House. No vote may be changed after it has been recorded. History –OnMarch8,2007,HouseBill2019uponfinalpassagefailedadoption.Atthattime,RepresentativeSheltonlodgedamotiontoreconsiderthevotewherebyHouseBill2019failed.OnMarch13,2007,RepresentativeSheltonmovedtoreconsiderthefinalvoteonHouseBill2019.Themotiontoreconsiderprevailed.Assuch,HouseBill2019underwentasecondvoteonfinalpassage.Duringthesecondvoteonfinalpassage,amemberwhowasexcusedwasmistakenlyrecordedascastingan“aye”vote.Afterrealizingthatanexcusedmemberhadbeenmistakenlyrecordedascastingavote,theHousedidnotchangethevoteafterthevotewasclosedandrecorded.Instead,theHousevotedtosuspendHouseRule9.10(a).HouseRule9.10(a)permitsonlyonemotiontoreconsiderthefinal
House Precedents
358
voteonabill.OnceHouseRulesweresuspendedforthepurposeofallowingasecondmotiontoreconsider,RepresentativeSheltonofferedasecondmotiontoreconsiderthefinalvoteonHouseBill2019whichwasadopted.Onfinalpassage,HouseBill2019waspassedwithouttheexcusedmember’svote.699.6 - 3. (2008) Division of the Question Rule –HouseRule9.6,paragraph(g)states: When a division is requested and ordered, those in the affirmative or the negative, as the case may be, shall cast their votes accordingly… History –RepresentativeMorrissettemovedtoamendHouseBill2242bystrikingthetitle.Priortoconsiderationoftheamendment,RepresentativeIngmireofferedamotiontotabletheamendment.Priortothevote,thepresidingofficerrestatedthemotiontothefullHouseandthenproceededwithavivavoceorvoicevote.Uponhearingthe“yeas”andthe“nays,”thepresidingofficerdeclaredthetablingmotiontobeadopted.Afterthevoicevotewastakenandtheresultdeclaredbythepresidingofficer,RepresentativeMorrissetterequestedadivisionoftheHouse.Thepresidingofficerdeclinedtoorderadivision.RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderstatingthathehadrequestedadivisiononthetablingmotionandasprovidedinHouseRule9.6(g),thepresidingofficershouldhaveorderedadivisionofthequestion.
69Okla.H.Jour.,766,861-864,867-869,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March13,2007);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:49;Track10:50(March13,2007).
Rule 9. Precedents
359
ThepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltakenonthebasisofHouseRule9.6(g).Rule9.6(g)statesthatadivisionmustbebothrequestedandordered.Inthisinstance,eventhoughrequested,thepresidingofficerhadnotorderedadivision.RepresentativeMorrissetteappealedtherulingoftheChairwhichwasupheldbytheHouseuponrollcall.70Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatunderHouseRule9.6(g),itiswithinthesolediscretionofthepresidingofficerwhetherornottoorderadivisiononaquestionpendingbeforetheHouse.Reasoning –Theusualwaytovoteisbyvivavoce.ThismethodisemployedbythepresidingofficerbecauseitisthefastestwaytosettlequestionspendingbeforetheHouse.ManyquestionsconsideredbytheHouseareroutineandeasilyattractlargemajorities.71ThegeneralruleasstatedbyMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedureandotherparliamentaryauthoritiesisthatatimelyrequestforadivisionshouldbegrantedbythepresidingofficer.72However,aspermittedbytheOklahoma
70Okla.H.Jour.,565,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March3,2008);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.Track10:07,11:15-20:17(March3,2008).71Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure374§532(1)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).72Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure376§532(7)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000);SturgisStandardCodeofParliamentaryProcedure,2ndEd.,141Chap.17(McGraw-Hill1966);Cushing,LutherStearns,ElementsoftheLawandPracticeofLegislativeAssembliesoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica698§1798(Little,BrownandCo.1856).ThomasJefferson,AManualofParliamentaryPractice99§41(WashingtonCity:S.H.Smith,1801);Petyt,George,LexParliamentaria162Chap.15(London:TimGoodwin,1690).
House Precedents
360
Constitution,73theOklahomaHouseofRepresentativeshasadoptedarulewhichgrantsgreaterdiscretiontothepresidingofficer.74Thediscretionaryauthorityofthepresidingofficertodecidewhetherornottoorderadivisionisalong-standingrulewhichtheOklahomaHousefirstadoptedin1975fortheThirty-FifthOklahomaLegislature.75Whilenolegislativehistoryorrecordofdebateexistsrelevanttotheoriginaladoptionofthisprovision,theruleonitsfaceisdesignedtopreventoneortwomembersfromwastingthebody’stimewitharequestforadivisionwhenitisapparenttothepresidingofficerthatthemotionunderconsiderationclearlypassedintheaffirmativeorinthenegative.Asalways,thepresidingofficershouldexercisegreatcarewhenjudgingthe“ayes”andthe“nays”andifindoubt,shouldorderadivisionwhetherrequestedornot.76§ 9.7 CONDUCT DURING VOTING 9.7 - 1. (2009) Point of Order Must Pertain to Vote
Itself Once Vote is Open Rule –HouseRule9.7,paragraph(a)states:While a vote is in progress and until the completion of a vote, and the announcement of the result, no Member shall be recognized and no other business shall be transacted.
73OKCONSTV,30.74Okla.H.Rules§9.6(g)(51stLeg.).75Okla.H.Rules§13(1)(g)(35thLeg.).76Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure375§532(4)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).
Rule 9. Precedents
361
History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill2090,RepresentativeProctormovedtoamendHouseBill2090.Duringadivisiononthequestionofadoptingtheamendment,RepresentativeHickmanraisedapointoforderandrequestedarulingoftheChairastowhetherthesubjectoftheamendmentwasgermanetothesubjectofHouseBill2090.RepresentativeMcMullenthenraisedapointoforderastowhetherthequestionofgermanenessshouldhavebeenposedpriortoopeningofthevoteonadoptionoftheamendment.ThepresidingofficerruledRepresentativeMcMullen’spointofordertobewelltaken.RepresentativeProctorpressedadoptionoftheamendmentwhichwasadopteduponarollcallvote.77Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatonceavoteisopen,nopointofordershallberecognizedduringthevoteunlessitpertainsdirectlytotheconductofthevoteitself.9.7 - 2. (2009) Motion to Table Not in Order Once
Vote is Ordered Rule –HouseRule9.7,paragraph(a)states:
77Okla.H.Jour., 949,52ndLeg.,1stReg. Sess.(March11,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:53,4:59-6:41(March11,2009);seealsoOkla.H.Jour.,1542,52ndLeg.,1stReg. Sess.(April27,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:14,2:05-3:12(April27,2009);Okla.H.Jour.,1201,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May20,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB372,9:26:04-9:26:28(May20,2015).
House Precedents
362
While a vote is in progress and until the completion of a vote, and the announcement of the result, no Member shall be recognized and no other business shall be transacted. History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill834,RepresentativeJonesmovedtoamendSenateBill834withafloorsubstituteinlieuofthebillitself.InthecourseofpresentingthefloorsubstitutetotheHouse,RepresentativeJonesmovedtoadvancethequestion.Afteradivisionwasorderedbythepresidingofficeronwhethertoadvancethequestion,RepresentativeInmanmovedtotableRepresentativeJones’motiontoadvancethequestion.ThepresidingofficerruledthemotiontotableoutoforderbecausethedivisiononRepresentativeJones’motionhadalreadybeenorderedandwasunderway.RepresentativeJonespressedhismotiontoadvancethequestionwhichwasadopteduponarollcallvote.78Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatonceavoteisorderedonaquestionbythepresidingofficer,amotiontotableisnotinorder.§ 9.8 PREVIOUS QUESTION 9.8 - 1. (2009) Previous Question Applicable Only
to Immediately Pending Question Rule –HouseRule9.8statesinrelevantpart:
78Okla.H.Jour., 1346,1347,52ndLeg.,1stReg. Sess.(April15,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:33,28:25-29:56(April15,2009).
Rule 9. Precedents
363
When a debatable question is before the House, any Member may move the Previous Question…If the motion for the Previous Question passes, the pending question shall be put immediately and no Member shall be heard to debate it further or seek to amend it. History –DuringconsiderationoftheConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill810,RepresentativeTerrillmovedadoptionoftheconferencecommitteereport.RepresentativeSullivanthenmovedtoputthepreviousquestiononthequestionofpassingSenateBill810itself.ThepresidingofficerruledthatpursuanttoHouseRule9.8,themotiontoputthepreviousquestionisonlyapplicabletothependingquestionandthatthequestionpendingbeforetheHousewasadoptionoftheconferencecommitteereportnotfinalpassageofSenateBill810.Assuch,thepresidingofficerdidnotentertainthemotiontoputthepreviousquestiononthequestionofpassingthebillitself.79Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatthemotiontoputthepreviousquestionisonlyapplicabletothequestionimmediatelypendingbeforetheHouse.9.8 - 2. (2011) Recognition of Previous Question
after Adoption of Motion to Advance Question Rule – HouseRule9.8states: When a debatable question is before the House, any member may move the Previous Question. It shall be put in the following form: "The Previous Question has been moved. The Question is,
79Okla.H.Jour., 1824,52ndLeg.,1stReg. Sess.(May20,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:52,39:45-41:38(May20,2009).
House Precedents
364
shall the pending Question now be put?" If the motion for the Previous Question passes, the pending question shall be put immediately and no member shall be heard to debate it further or seek to amend it. History – AfterSenateBill923underwentThirdReading,RepresentativePetersmovedtoadvancethequestion.RepresentativeSheltonmovedtotablethePetersmotion,whichtablingmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.RepresentativePeterspressedhismotiontoadvancethequestion,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.RepresentativeSheltonmovedtotableSenateBill923itself,whichtablingmotionfaileduponarollcallvote.RepresentativeInmanthenmovedtoextenddebatetimebytwoandone-half(21/2)minutesperside,whichmotionwasnotrecognized.RepresentativeInmanraisedapointoforderastowhatHouseRulepreventedconsiderationofhismotiontoextenddebate.ThepresidingofficerruledthatbecausetheHousehadvotedtolimitdebateitwouldbedilatorytorecognizeamotiontoextenddebateandassuch,themotionwasoutoforder.RepresentativeInmanmovedtoappealtherulingoftheChair.RepresentativePetersmovedtotabletheappealoftheChair,whichtablingmotionwasadopteduponadivisionofthequestion.RepresentativeInmanmovedtosuspendHouseRulesforthepurposeofextendingdebatetime,whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.RepresentativeProctormovedtosuspendHouseRulesforthepurposeofallowingconsiderationofanuntimelyfiledfloor
Rule 9. Precedents
365
amendmentonThirdReading,whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.RepresentativeSheltonmovedtopostponeindefinitelyconsiderationofSenateBill923.RepresentativePetersmovedtoputthepreviousquestionontheSheltonmotiontopostponeindefinitely.RepresentativeDormanmovedtotablethePetersmotiontoputthepreviousquestion,whichtablingmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.RepresentativePeterspressedhismotiontoputthepreviousquestionontheSheltonmotiontopostponeindefinitely,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.RepresentativeSheltonthenpressedhismotiontopostponeindefinitely,whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.RepresentativePetersmovedtoputthepreviousquestiononthequestionofpassageofSenateBill923.RepresentativeInmanraisedapointoforderastowhetherthemotiontoputthepreviousquestionwasinordersubsequenttoadoptionbytheHouseofamotiontoadvancethequestion.ThepresidingofficerruledthatthemotiontoputthepreviousquestionwasadifferentquestionandaccordingtoSection361,Paragraph2ofMason’sManual,alegislativebodymaystoporpreventdebateatanytime.80AssuchitwouldbeinorderfortheHousetoconsiderthemotiontoputthepreviousquestionatanytimepriortorecognitionofthefirstmemberfordebate.RepresentativeInmanmovedtoappealtherulingoftheChair.RepresentativePetersmovedtotabletheInmanappealofthe
80Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure252§361(2)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).
House Precedents
366
Chair,whichtablingmotionwasadopteduponadivisionofthequestion.RepresentativePeterspressedhismotiontoputthepreviousquestiononSenateBill923,whichmotionwasadopteduponadivisionofthequestion.81Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatamotiontoputthepreviousquestionisinordersubsequenttoadoptionofamotiontoadvancethequestion. § 9.9 MOTION TO ADVANCE QUESTION 9.9 - 1. (2010) Adoption of Motion to Advance
Question Must Have a Procedural Effect Rule –HouseRule9.9states:When a debatable question is before the House, any Member may move to Advance the Question. If the motion to Advance the Question passes, no further amendments to the matter considered shall be allowed and debate shall be limited to fifteen (15) minutes, equally divided between the proponents and opponents of the question, provided that no Member may speak for more than five (5) minutes. After debate is concluded, the question shall be put immediately. History –UponconsiderationoftheConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill2941,RepresentativeDenneymovedthat
81Okla.H.Jour.,1033-103853rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April20,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB923,04:39:44-05:00:42(April20,2011);Okla.H.Jour.,1394,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May24,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,CCRtoSB1034,03:56:31-03:59:06(May24,2013).
Rule 9. Precedents
367
theHouseadoptthereport,whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.RepresentativeDenneythenmovedtorejecttheConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill2941andrequestfurtherconference,whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.RepresentativeKieselthenmovedtorejecttheConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill2941withattachedinstructions.AfterthemotiontorejectthereportwithattachedinstructionsofferedbyRepresentativeKiesel,RepresentativeReynoldsmovedtoadvancethequestion,whichmotionwasruledoutoforder.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointofinquiryastowhythemotiontoadvancethequestionwasoutoforder.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatthemotiontoadvancethequestion,ifadopted,wouldlimitdebatetofifteen(15)minutes.Thedebatetimeallottedforamotiontorejectaconferencecommitteereportwithinstructionswasfifteen(15)minutesaswell.82Assuch,themotiontoadvancethequestionwasruledoutoforderbecauseitwouldhavenoproceduraleffect.83
82Okla.H.Rules,§9.4(a)(52ndLeg.).83Okla.H.Jour., 1632,52ndLeg.,2ndReg. Sess.(May20,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,2:14:17-2:25:04(May20,2010).SeealsoOkla.H.Jour.,1651,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May21,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,06:28:50-06:29:19(May21,2010).Inthisinstance,thepresidingofficerdidnotallowdebateonthequestionofadoptionoftheemergencysectionofSenateBill1267.Becausedebatehadalreadybeendisallowed,thepresidingofficerrefusedtorecognizeasubsequentmotiontoputthepreviousquestionbecauseadoptionofthemotionwouldnothaveresultedinanyproceduralchange.SeealsoOkla.H.
House Precedents
368
Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatamotiontoadvancethequestionisoutoforderwhenadoptionofthemotionwouldnothaveanymeaningfulproceduraleffect.§ 9.10 RECONSIDERATION 9.10 - 1. (2007) Electronic Availability upon Motion
to Reconsider Rule –HouseRule9.10,paragraphs(a)through(f)providetheguidelinesgoverningthemotiontoreconsiderthefinalvoteonbills,emergenciesandresolutions.History –SubsequenttoamotiontoreconsiderthevotewherebyHouseBill2019failedadoption,RepresentativeSullivanraisedapointoforderregardingwhetherornotreconsiderationofHouseBill2019wasinorderunderHouseRulesduetothefactthatthebillunderreconsiderationwasnotelectronicallyavailableontheHouseFloorCalendar.ThepresidingofficerruledtheSullivanpointoforder“notwelltaken”onthebasisthatthebillunderreconsiderationwasavailabletothemembersoftheHouseontheLegislature’selectronicbilltrackingsystem,BTOnline.Assuch,themembershadaccesstothebillevenifthebillnolongerwasavailableontheHouseFloorCalendar.84Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatHouseRule9.10shallbeinterpretedtomeanthatabillmaybetakenupon
Jour.,1892,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May28,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,07:33:19-07:37:21(May28,2010).84DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:44,9:12-11:43(March13,2007).
Rule 9. Precedents
369
theHousefloorforreconsiderationwhetherornotitisavailableontheHouseFloorCalendarifitisavailablefromsomeothersourcesuchasBTOnline.9.10 - 2. (2008) Consideration of Other Business
Prior to Reconsideration Notice Rule –HouseRule9.10,paragraph(a)statesinpart: The final vote on Third Reading…on any bill or joint resolution, or on the Emergency Section thereof…may be reconsidered only if a Member serves notice immediately after such final vote is taken, prior to the consideration of any other business…
History –RepresentativeCoveyattemptedtoservenotice,or“lodgeamotion,”thatonsomefuturelegislativedatehemightdesiretoofferamotiontoreconsiderthevotebywhichHouseBill2561passedthefullHouse.ReferringtoHouseRule9.10(a),thepresidingofficerruledtheattemptednoticenottimelyandoutoforderbecauseRepresentativeCoveyhadnotservednoticeimmediatelyafterthevoteon“ThirdReading”andfinalpassage.Subsequentbusinesshadtranspired.Specifically,threeotherHousebills,HouseBill2729,HouseBill2640andHouseBill2764,hadbeenconsideredandpassedbythefullHousepriortotheattempttoservenoticetoreconsiderHouseBill2561.85 85Okla.H.Jour.,716-719,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March10,2008);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,51stLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.Track10:26,00:00-06:00(March10,2008);SeealsoOkla.H.Jour.,1772,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May26,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,05:13:12-05:13:44(May26,2010);inthisruling,thepresidingofficerheldthatanintroductionofguestsconstitutedadifferentorderofbusinessresultinginareconsiderationmotion
House Precedents
370
Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatHouseRule9.10(a)shallbeinterpretedtomeanthat“otherbusiness”includesconsiderationofotherbillsandassuch,theChairwillnotrecognizeanattempttoservenoticeofreconsiderationonceotherbillshavebeentakenupbytheHouse.9.10 - 3. (2009) Notice to Reconsider Measure Itself
May Not Be Lodged Once Emergency is Under Consideration Rule –HouseRule9.10,paragraph(a)statesinpart:The final vote on Third Reading or Fourth Reading on any bill or joint resolution, or on the Emergency Section thereof…may be reconsidered only if a Member serves notice immediately after such final vote is taken, prior to the consideration of any other business, of said Member's intention to present a motion to reconsider such action… History –SenateBill239wasreadforthethirdtimeandpassedbytheHouse.Onthequestionofadoptionoftheemergencyclause,theemergencyfailed.RepresentativeSullivanimmediatelyservednoticeofhisintentiontoreconsiderthevotewherebytheemergencyfailed.AfterRepresentativeSullivanservednoticeofhisintentiontoreconsiderthevoteontheemergencyclause,Representative
offeredsubsequenttotheintroductiontoconstituteaneworderofbusinesstobescheduledthroughtheMajorityFloorLeader;Okla.H.Jour.,732,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April3,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1152,01:12:30-01:13:35(April3,2014);Okla.H.Jour.,1099,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May14,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB3143,02:44:20-02:45:36(May14,2014).
Rule 9. Precedents
371
ReynoldsservednoticeofhisintentiontoreconsiderthevotewherebySenateBill239passedtheHouse.ThepresidingofficerruledthatRepresentativeReynolds’attempttoservenoticeonthebillitselfwasoutoforderatthattimebecausetheHousehadalreadymovedontothenextorderofbusinesswhenittookupconsiderationoftheemergencyclause.86Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatoncetheHousehasmovedfromconsiderationofameasuretoconsiderationoftheemergencyclausenoticetoreconsiderthemeasureitselfmaynotbelodged.Reasoning –Inordertopromoteorderlinesswithinthelegislativeprocess,considerationofameasureandconsiderationofameasure’semergencyclauseshouldconstitutetwodistinctordersofbusiness.ThismeansthatnoticetoreconsiderthemeasureitselfmustbelodgedpriortotheHousetakinguptheemergencyclauseforconsideration.ThisapproachreflectstheguidanceprovidedinHouseRule8.18whichsays:“theemergencysectionshallconstituteaseparatequestion.”
86Okla.H.Jour., 1264,52ndLeg.,1stReg. Sess.(April9,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:14,47:45-49:40(April9,2009);affirmedatOkla.H.Jour., 1305-1306,52ndLeg.,1stReg. Sess.(April14,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:21,00:00-6:31(April14,2009);Okla.H.Jour., 1910,52ndLeg.,1stReg. Sess.(May22,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:19,4:42-6:15(May22,2009);Okla.H.Jour., 1385,52ndLeg.,2ndReg. Sess.(April20,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,9:42:24-9:53:32(April20,2010);seealsoPrec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§9.10(6.),52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April20,2010);Okla.H.Jour.,1246-1247,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May23,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,CCRtoSB1336,05:46:02-05:48:00(May23,2012).
House Precedents
372
9.10 - 4. (2009) Use and Distinction of Motion to Rescind Rule –HouseRule9.10,paragraph(f)states: Except as otherwise specifically provided in these Rules, no question shall be subject to reconsideration in the House. History –DuringconsiderationoftheConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill810,RepresentativeSchwartzmovedadoptionoftheconferencecommitteereportwhichfaileduponadivisionofthequestion.RepresentativeTerrillattemptedtoservenoticetoreconsiderthevotewherebytheconferencecommitteereportfailedofadoption.ThepresidingofficerruledthemotionoutoforderpursuanttoHouseRule9.10(f).RepresentativeTerrillthenmovedtorejecttheconferencecommitteereportandtorequestfurtherconferencewiththeSenate.RepresentativeSullivanmovedtotableRepresentativeTerrill’smotiontorejecttheconferencecommitteereport.Themotiontotablefaileduponadivisionofthequestion.RepresentativeTerrillwithdrewhismotiontorejecttheConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill810.RepresentativeTerrillthenmovedtorescindthevotewherebyadoptionoftheconferencecommitteereporthadfailed.Themotiontorescindthevotewasadopteduponadivisionofthequestion.RepresentativeTerrillthen,forasecondtime,movedtoadopttheConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill810.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointofinquiryastowhetherthesecondmotiontoadopttheConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill810wasdilatorybecausethequestionofadoptingtheconferencecommitteereporthadbeenpreviouslyconsideredanddefeatedbytheHouse.
Rule 9. Precedents
373
Thepresidingofficerruledthatbecausethefirstvotetoadopttheconferencecommitteereport,whichhadfailed,hadbeenrescinded,furtherconsiderationoftheconferencecommitteereportwasinorder.87Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatonceavoteisrescinded,itisasifthevoteneveroccurredandthequestionmaybeonceagainconsideredbytheHouse.Reasoning –Whilethemotiontoreconsiderissimilarinresulttothemotiontorescind,thereareseveralcharacteristicsdistinguishingtheonefromtheother.ThemotiontoreconsiderisgovernedbyHouseRules8.13and9.10.Rule8.13isapplicabletoflooramendmentsandRule9.10tobillsandresolutionsonfinalpassage.Asuccessfulmotiontoreconsidermeansthatthevoteisliterallyretakenontheamendmentormeasureinquestion.88Incontrast,asuccessfulmotiontorescindmeansthevoteisconsideredstrickenormadeineffectiveasifithadneverbeforebeentaken,asifthequestionwerebeingconsideredforthefirsttime.WhenamotiontoreconsiderislodgedithastheeffectofsuspendingtheactionpreviouslytakenuntilthereconsiderationisdecidedbytheHouseoruntilthetimetoreconsiderexpiresbyoperationofHouseRules.89Ontheother
87Okla.H.Jour., 1823-1826,52ndLeg.,1stReg. Sess.(May20,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:52,35:06-48:46(May20,2009);Okla.H.Jour., 1405,52ndLeg.,2ndReg. Sess.(April21,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,3:20:09-3:21:54(April21,2010). 88Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure317§468(2)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).89Id.at315-316§467;Okla.H.Rules,§§8.13,9.10(52ndLeg.).
House Precedents
374
hand,themotiontorescinddoesnotsuspendactionspreviouslytaken.ItisusedtoundoactionsthatarenotsusceptibletoreconsiderationeitherbecauseamotiontoreconsiderisprohibitedbyHouseRulesorbecausethetimetodosohasexpired.WhenaquestionmaybereachedbyamotiontoreconsiderunderHouseRules,amotiontorescindisnotinorder.909.10 - 5. (2010) Motion to Reconsider Must Be
Exhausted Prior to Use of Motion to Rescind Rule –HouseRule9.10,paragraph(a)states:The final vote on Third Reading or Fourth Reading on any bill or joint resolution, or on the Emergency Section thereof, or the final vote on adoption of a simple or concurrent resolution, may be reconsidered only if a Member serves notice immediately after such final vote is taken, prior to the consideration of any other business…the motion to reconsider a final vote shall not be presented or considered on the same day that such final vote was taken… Only one (1) reconsideration of the final vote on a bill, resolution or Emergency Section shall be allowed.
History –AfterpassageofHouseBill2747onThirdReadingbutbeforethevotewastakenonthequestionofadoptionofthemeasure’semergencyclause,RepresentativeCoxrequestedunanimousconsentthattheJournalreflectthathehadmeanttovote‘aye’onHouseBill2747buthadaccidentallyvoted‘nay’. 90Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure321§480(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000);Cf.Okla.H.Jour.,1182,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May18,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,CCRtoSB502,02:34:22-02:41:26(May18,2015),opportunitytooffermotiontoreconsiderexpiredpriortoattempttorescind.
Rule 9. Precedents
375
RepresentativeMorganraisedapointofinquiryastowhetheritwaspermissibleinasituationsuchasthistorescindthevoteonthemeasurewhenamemberhadvoteddifferentlythantheyintended.AfterquotingSection480,paragraphfour(4)ofMason’sManual,91thepresidingofficerstatedthatamembermaylodgenoticetoreconsiderthepassageorfailureofameasure,andoncethatapproachhadbeenexhaustedtheycouldofferamotiontorescindthevotebywhichthemeasurehadpassedorfailed.RepresentativeBrownraisedapointoforderthatsincenoonehadservednoticetoreconsiderthevoteandtheHousehadtakenupconsiderationoftheemergencyclause,themotiontorescindwouldnowbeinorder.Thepresidingofficerdeclaredthepointnotwelltaken.RepresentativeWright(John)thenrequestedunanimousconsenttorescindthevotewherebyHouseBill2747passed.ThepresidingofficerreaddressedthepointoforderpreviouslyraisedbyRepresentativeBrown.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatuponfurtherconsiderationRepresentativeBrownwascorrectinstatingthatsincetheHousehadmovedontoconsiderationoftheemergencyclause,theoptionofservingnoticetoreconsiderthevoteonthemeasureitselfhadbeenexhaustedresultinginthemotiontorescindthevoteonpassageofthemeasureitselftobeinorder.92 91Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure321§480(4)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000);Cf.Okla.H.Jour.,1182,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May18,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,CCRtoSB502,02:34:22-02:41:26(May18,2015),opportunitytooffermotiontoreconsiderexpiredpriortoattempttorescind.92Okla.H.Jour.,645,64652ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March3,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,2:10:11-2:20:07(March3,2010).
House Precedents
376
Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatifamotiontoreconsidercanproperlybeoffered,themotiontoreconsidermustbeexhaustedbeforeamotiontorescindwillbeentertained.9.10 - 6. (2010) Principal Author Favored to Lodge
Notice of Reconsideration Rule –HouseRule9.10,paragraph(a)statesinpart:The final vote on Third Reading or Fourth Reading on any bill or joint resolution, or on the Emergency Section thereof…may be reconsidered only if a Member serves notice immediately after such final vote is taken, prior to the consideration of any other business, of said Member's intention to present a motion to reconsider such action… History –HouseBill2363wasreadforafourthtimeandpassedbytheHouse.WhentheemergencyclauseforHouseBill2363wasconsidered,itfailedofadoption.Themeasure’sprincipalauthor,RepresentativeMiller,thenservednoticethathemightchooseatsomefuturetimetoreconsiderthevotewherebytheemergencyfailed.ImmediatelyafterRepresentativeMillerlodgednotice,RepresentativeBlackwellraisedapointofinquiryastohowmuchtimeamemberwouldbegrantedforthepurposeofservingnoticeofapossiblefuturemotiontoreconsiderasprovidedinHouseRule9.10.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatthemembermustseekrecognitionimmediatelyuponthecloseofthevote.RepresentativeBlackwellraisedanadditionalpointofinquiryastowhenthevotewouldbeconsideredinprogress.
Rule 9. Precedents
377
Thepresidingofficerstatedthatthevoteisinprogressoncethepresidingofficerhasorderedthevoteandthatitiswithinthediscretionofthepresidingofficerwhethertorecognizeornotrecognizeamemberseekingrecognition.RepresentativeKieselrequestedclarificationastowhenthevotewouldbeactuallyconsideredinprogress.Woulditbeatthebeginningoftheorderingofthevoteorattheendoftheorderingofthevote?Thepresidingofficerclarifiedthatitwouldbeattheendoftheorderingofthevoteandthatitiswithinthediscretionofthepresidingofficerwhethertorecognizeornotrecognizeamemberseekingrecognitioninthecontextofmaintainingproperorder.RepresentativeMorganthenraisedapointofclarificationastowhatwouldbethebestmethodforamembertoseekrecognitiontoservenoticetoreconsiderasprovidedinHouseRule9.10.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatamembermayactivatetheir“requesttospeakbutton”orstandandaddressthepresidingofficer.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatitisthecustomoftheHousetofavorthemeasure’sauthorwhenseveralmembersareattemptingtoobtainrecognitionforthepurposeofservingnoticeofreconsideration,butintheeventtheauthordidnotseekrecognition,othermemberswouldberecognizedforthepurposeofservingnotice.93
93Okla.H.Jour.,1386-1387,52ndLeg.,2ndReg. Sess.(April20,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,10:08:11-10:32:09(April20,2010);Okla.H.Jour.,673-674,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March12,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1062,09:23:12-09:26:54(March12,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,260,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.19,2014);
House Precedents
378
Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthat,asiscustomary,theprincipalauthorofameasurewillberecognizedinpreferencetoothermemberswhenseekingrecognitiontoservenoticeofpossibleintenttoreconsider.
DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB1020,02:00:57-02:01:32;02:02:53-02:03:32(Feb.19,2014),afterconclusionofthevoteonHouseBill1020,thepresidingofficerrecognizedtheactingfloorleaderforannouncementofthenextorderofbusiness;priortothestatementofthenextorderofbusiness,theauthorofHouseBill1020attemptedtolodgenoticeofpossiblereconsiderationofthebillandwasrecognizedbythepresidingofficertodoso;uponapointoforder,thepresidingofficerruledthatitwastheprerogativeoftheChairtowithdrawrecognitionfromtheactingfloorleaderandtorecognizetheauthorfornoticeofpossiblereconsideration;Okla.H.Jour.,1159-1160,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May13,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,CCRtoHB1442,02:43:53-02:47:50(May13,2015),afterFourthReadingandfinalpassage,amember,whowasnottheauthorofthemeasure,attemptedtolodgenoticeofpossiblereconsiderationontheCCRtoHB1442;thepresidingofficerdidnotrecognizehimstatingthattheHouseRulesdidnotpermitreconsiderationofaCCR;apointoforderwasraisedastowhetherthetypicalcourseofactionwouldbeforthepresidingofficertoassistamemberintheproperphrasingofnoticetoreconsider;althoughnotexplicitlystated,thepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltakenlikelybecauseitwassomeoneotherthantheauthorattemptingtolodgenoticewiththeChair,seealsoOkla.H.Jour.,836-837,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April19,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1211,10:08:05-10:15:09(April19,2016);Okla.H.Jour.,1232,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May21,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,CCRtoHB1332,11:13:40-11:15:37(May21,2015),customandpracticeoftheHouseforChair,whenneeded,toclarifyauthor’sstatementofnoticetopossiblyreconsiderandthatothermembersarenotextendedsameassistancewhenattemptingtolodgenoticeonsomeoneelse’sbill.
Rule 9. Precedents
379
9.10 - 7. (2011) Main Question Open to Debate
upon Reconsideration Rule – HouseRule9.10,paragraph(a)andHouseRule10.1,paragraph(d)stateinrelevantpart:94 The final vote on Third Reading…may be reconsidered…
When a question shall be under consideration… [a] motion…shall be…debatable or not debatable, as set forth below:
(d) Main Motions
To reconsider (not amendable - debatable)
History – RepresentativeKeymovedtoreconsiderthevotewherebySenateBill801failed,whichmotionprevaileduponarollcallvote.SenateBill801wasthenreadatlengthforthethirdtimeandpassedbytheHouse.95 Afterconsiderationofadditionalbusiness,RepresentativeMcPeakraisedapointoforderstatingthatwhenSenateBill801wasunderreconsideration,thepresidingofficercalledforquestionsanddebateonthemotiontoreconsiderbutdidnotcallforquestionsordebateonthemeasureitselfwhenthemeasurewasbeforetheHouseonThirdReading. ThepresidingofficerobservedthatRepresentativeMcPeakdidnotrequestdebateuponThirdReadingpriortothevotebeingorderedandnotedthatdebateonthebillitselfwouldhave
94SeealsoOkla.H.Rules,§§8.16(a),9.4(a)(53rdLeg.).95Okla.H.Jour.,916,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April13,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB801,00:37:19-00:42:18(April13,2011).
House Precedents
380
beeninorderatthetimethemotiontoreconsiderwasbeforetheHouse.96 Afterconsiderationofadditionalbusiness,RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointofinquiryregardingRepresentativeMcPeak’spointoforder.RepresentativeReynoldsinquiredastowhethertheChairhadruledthatdebatewouldnotberecognizedonThirdReadingafteramotiontoreconsiderhadbeenadopted. ThepresidingofficerstatedthatrequestsfordebateonThirdReadingwouldcontinuetoberecognizedandthatdebateofferedonamotiontoreconsidercouldincludediscussionofthemeritsofthebillunderreconsideration.97Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatdebateofferedonamotiontoreconsidercouldproperlyincludediscussionofthemeritsofthebillunderreconsideration. 9.10 - 8. (2012) Final Action Stayed Until
Conclusion of Reconsideration Period Rule – HouseRule9.10,paragraph(a)andparagraph(b)state:
96Okla.H.Jour.,918,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April13,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB801,01:11:22-01:13:52(April13,2011);Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure318,319§471(1)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).97Okla.H.Jour.,918,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April13,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB801,01:20:40-01:23:53(April13,2011);Okla.H.Jour.,1025,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April22,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB183,06:45:05-06:45:51(April22,2015).
Rule 9. Precedents
381
(a) The final vote on Third Reading or Fourth Reading on any bill or joint resolution, or on the Emergency Section thereof, or the final vote on adoption of a simple or concurrent resolution, may be reconsidered only if a member serves notice immediately after such final vote is taken prior to the consideration of any other business, of said Member’s intention to present a motion to reconsider such action, and the Presiding Officer shall afford any Member such opportunity prior to proceeding to consideration of any other business. (b) Unless presented and considered within three (3) legislative days, including the day upon which notice is served, a motion to reconsider shall be considered as having failed of adoption.
History – DuringconsiderationofHouseBill2941,RepresentativeSherrerraisedapointoforderastowhether,pursuanttoHouseRule6.8,theDerbyamendmentwasinorderforconsiderationbecausetheamendmentcontainedlanguagesimilartothelanguagecontainedinHouseBill2808whichwaspreviouslydefeatedbytheHouse.98ThepresidingofficerstatedthatalthoughHouseBill2808hadbeendefeatedbytheHouse,theprincipalHouseauthorhadlodgednoticetoreconsiderthevotewherebythemeasurehadfailedanduntildispositionofapossiblemotiontoreconsider,finalactionhadnotoccurredonHouseBill2808.99
98Okla.H.Jour.,602-603,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March13,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB2808,03:12:52-04:57:40(March13,2012).99Okla.H.Jour.,605,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March13,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2941,05:26:44-05:31:03(March13,2012).
House Precedents
382
Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatfinalactionhasnotoccurredonameasurethatpreviouslyfailedonThirdReadingwhileapossiblereconsiderationmotionispendingonthesamemeasure.9.10 - 9. (2012) Motion to Reconsider Offered
Immediately Not Item of New Business Rule – HouseRule9.10,paragraph(c)states: A motion to reconsider may be offered immediately or upon the same day the final vote is taken by the member who served notice, or by another member with said member's consent. On the last day of the reconsideration period, any member may seek recognition for a motion to reconsider. History – HouseBill3149wasreadatlengthforthethirdtimeandwaspassedbytheHouseuponarollcallvote.RepresentativeSearsservednoticeofthepossibilitythathemightchooseinthefuturetoreconsiderthevotewherebyHouseBill3149hadpassed.Onpassageoftheemergency,theemergencyfaileduponarollcallvote.RepresentativeSearsmovedtoreconsiderthevotewherebyHouseBill3149passed.RepresentativeReynoldsattemptedtoservenoticetoreconsiderthevotewherebytheemergencyfailed,whichnoticewasnotrecognizedbythepresidingofficer.RepresentativeProctorraisedapointoforderastowhethertheSearsmotiontoreconsiderwasoutoforderbecauseRepresentativeSearshadnotpreviouslyscheduledthemotionwiththeMajorityFloorLeader.
Rule 9. Precedents
383
ThepresidingofficerstatedthattheSearsmotionhadnotbeenruledoutoforder.RepresentativeDormanraisedapointofinquiryastowhetherrecognitionoftheSearsmotiontoreconsider,withoutthemotionhavingbeenpreviouslyscheduledwiththeMajorityFloorLeader,rosetothelevelofanewprecedent.ThepresidingofficerstatedthattheSearsmotionwasnotanitemofnewbusinessbecauseitpertainedtothebusinesspresentlybeforetheHouse.RepresentativeSearswithdrewhismotiontoreconsiderthevotewherebyHB3149passed.RepresentativeSearsservednoticetoreconsiderthevotewherebytheemergencyfailed.RepresentativeTrebilcockraisedapointofinquiryastowhethertheSearsmotionwasnewbusiness.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatthemotionwasnotnewbusinessbecauseitpertainedtothebusinessbeforetheHouse.100Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatamotiontoreconsidermadewhileameasureisstillbeforetheHouse,offeredbythememberwhoservednotice,eitheronthemeasureitselforontheemergencysection,isnotplacinganewitemofbusinessbeforetheHouseandmayberecognizedtoproceedwiththereconsiderationmotion.
100Okla.H.Jour.,1223-1225,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May23,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB3149,00:29:1015-00:43:2120(May23,2012).
House Precedents
384
9.10 - 10. (2013) No Requirement to Lodge Notice when Motion to Reconsider Offered Immediately after Final Passage
Rule – HouseRule9.10,paragraph(c)statesinrelevantpart: A motion to reconsider may be offered immediately or upon the same day the final vote is taken by the member who served notice… History – ImmediatelyafterfinalpassageofSenateBill1022,RepresentativeEcholsmovedtoreconsiderthevotewherebySenateBill1022passed.RepresentativeDerbymovedtotabletheEcholsmotiontoreconsider.RepresentativeInmanattemptedtoservenoticetoreconsiderthevotewherebySenateBill1022passed,whichmotionwasruledoutoforder.RepresentativeInmanthenraisedapointoforderastowhereinHouseRulesitallowsforamembertoreconsiderthevoteonameasurewithouthavingservednoticeonthemeasure,towhichthepresidingofficerrepliedHouseRule9.10,paragraph(c).ThepresidingofficerstatedthatitisnotlogicaltointerpretRule9.10,paragraph(c)torequireamembertoservenoticeofpossiblefutureintenttoreconsiderwhenthemotiontoreconsideristobeofferedimmediately.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatpursuanttoHouseRule9.10,paragraph(c)themotiontoreconsiderwasimmediatelyinorder.RepresentativeInmanappealedtherulingoftheChair,receivingtherequiredfifteen(15)standingseconds.Priortoexplanationoftheappeal,RepresentativeWrightmovedto
Rule 9. Precedents
385
tabletheInmanappeal,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.101Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatwhenamotiontoreconsiderisofferedimmediatelyafterfinalpassage,thereisnorequirementtofirstlodgenoticeofpossiblefutureintenttoreconsiderpriortoofferingtheactualmotiontoreconsider.9.10 – 11. (2018) Notice is Lodged on Immediately
Disposed of Motion Rule –HouseRule9.10,paragraph(a)states:The final vote on Third Reading or Fourth Reading on any bill or joint resolution, or on the emergency clause thereof, … may be reconsidered only if a member serves notice immediately after such final vote is taken prior to the consideration of any other business, of said member's intention to present a motion to reconsider such action, and the presiding officer shall afford any member such opportunity prior to proceeding to consideration of any other business.
History –ImmediatelyfollowingthevoteontheemergencyclauseonSenateBill1153,RepresentativeLepakservednoticethatatsomefuturelegislativedate,hemightwishtoreconsiderthevotewherebySenateBill1153passed.RepresentativeProctorthenservednoticethatatsomefuturelegislativedate,hemightwishtoreconsiderthevotewherebytheemergencyclausetoSenateBill1153passed.ThePresiding 101Okla.H.Jour.,1329-1331,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May22,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,CCRtoSB1022,02:14:57-02:28:30(May22,2013).
House Precedents
386
OfficerruledthatRepresentativeLepakhadalreadyservednotice.RepresentativeProctorstatedRepresentativeLepakservednoticeonthemeasureitselfandthatRepresentativeLepakdidnotspecificallysaytheemergencyclause.ThePresidingOfficerstatedthattheClerkrecordedthatRepresentativeLepakservednoticeontheemergency.RepresentativeProctorrosetoaPointofOrderstatingthenoticegivenbyRepresentativeLepakwasonlyonthemeasureitselfandthePresidingOfficerrespondedthattheClerkrecordednoticeontheemergencybecausetheabilitytoservenoticeonthebillitselfhadpassedsoanynoticegivenwasappliedtotheemergency,asitwastheonlyactioneligibletoservenoticeon.RepresentativeProctorappealedtherulingoftheChairandreceivedone-fifteenthoftheHousestandingtosecondtheappeal.RepresentativeProctorreceivedfiveminutestoexplaintheappeal.ThedecisionoftheChairwassustainedbyavoteoftheHouse.102Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatwhenaMemberservesnoticeonanemergencybutdoesnotspecificallystate“emergency,”theMemberisrecordedashavingproperlyservednoticeasanyotherattempttoservenoticeonthemeasurewouldbeoutoforder.
102Okla.H.Jour.,876-878,56thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April26,2018);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,56thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1153,11:29:43-11:40:12(April26,2018).
Rule 9. Precedents
387
§ 9.11 MEASURES VETOED BY THE GOVERNOR 9.11 - 1. (2012) Veto Override Motion Subject to
Motion to Lay on Table Rule –HouseRule9.11,paragraph(a)states:When a bill or joint resolution is returned to the House because of a veto by the Governor, a motion to vote to override the veto shall be in order at any time.History –RepresentativeProctormovedthatHouseBill2296becomelawnotwithstandingthevetooftheGovernor.SpeakerSteelemovedtotabletheProctormotiontooverridetheGovernor’sveto.RepresentativeDormanraisedapointofinquiryastowhetheritwasinorderforanymembertomakethemotiontolaythemotiontooverridetheGovernor’svetoonthetable.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatanymembermayofferthemotiontotableandthatthemotiontooverridetheGovernor’svetocouldbeofferedagainatalatertime.RepresentativeDormanraisedapointofinquiryastowhetheradditionalmotionspresentedbyRepresentativeProctorthatHouseBill2296becomelawnotwithstandingthevetooftheGovernorwouldbeconsidereddilatorymotions.Thepresidingofficerstatedthemotionwouldnotbedilatoryiftheparliamentarysituationhadchanged.103
103Okla.H.Jour.,875-876,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April16,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2296,02:26:55-02:28:00(April16,2012);Okla.H.Jour.,1036,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May5,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,01:48:04-01:56:47(May5,2014).
House Precedents
388
Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatamotiontooverridetheGovernor’svetoisproperlysubjecttoamotiontolayonthetable.Reasoning –AmotiontooverridetheGovernor’svetoisamainmotion.104Assuch,itissubjecttomostmotionshavinghigherprecedence.Itisdistinguishablefromordinarymainmotionsinthatitisnotsubjecttoamendment.ItisunusualinthatitcanbebroughtupagainandagainunderthecustomsandpracticesoftheOklahomaHouseofRepresentativesbutcannotbereconsideredunderHouseRules.105Subsequentattemptswouldnotbeconsidereddilatoryiftheparliamentarysituationhaschanged.106§ 9.12 QUORUM 9.12 - 1. (2010) Member Must Personally Answer
Quorum Call Rule –HouseRule9.12,paragraph(a)states:
104Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure293-294,§§440,441(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).105Okla.H.Rules,§8.13(53rdLeg.)andOkla.H.Rules,§9.10(53rdLeg.);theprecedingprovisionsofHouseRuleslimitthescenariosinwhichamotiontoreconsidermaybeoffered;amotiontooverridetheGovernor’svetoisnotamongtheactionsthattheHousemayreconsider;mostlikelythispracticewascodifiedintheHouseRulesbecauseamotiontooverridewasentertainedmultipletimeswhenpreviouslyunsuccessful.106Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure305-306,§456(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).
Rule 9. Precedents
389
If, at any time during the daily sessions of the House, a Member recognized by the Presiding Officer raises aquestion as to the presence of a quorum, the Presiding Officer shall, without debate, forthwith direct that the electronic voting machine be activated to determine the presence or absence of a quorum, and shall announce the result. History –ShortlyafterconveningtheHouseofRepresentativesonThursday,April8,2010,thepresidingofficerdirectedtheclerktoactivatetheelectronicmachinetodeterminethepresenceofaquorum.Followingdeterminationofthepresenceofaquorum,RepresentativeBlackwellraisedapointofinquiryastowhetheramembermustansweraquorumcallpersonallybyactivatingtheelectronicbuttonattheirdeskorwhetheritwouldbepermissibleforonemembertodirectanothermembertoactivatethebuttonontheirbehalf.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatamembermustactivatethebuttonfromtheirowndeskduringthedeterminationofthepresenceofaquorum.107Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatwhentheHouseisunderaquorumcall,amembermustpersonallyactivatethebuttonfromtheirowndeskandnotrequestanothermembertoanswerthequorumcallontheirbehalf.
107Okla.H.Jour.,119852ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April8,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,03:12-06:21(April8,2010).
391
PRECEDENTS for
RULE TEN MOTIONS
10 - 1. (2007) Rejection of Multiple Senate Amendments1 10 - 2. (2010) No Requirement for Fiscal Impact
Statement for Other Motions Rule –MotionsutilizedbytheHouseofRepresentativesareprincipallygovernedbyHouseRuleTen,“Motions”.2History –RepresentativeCoxmovedtoreconsiderthevotewherebytheemergencyfailedonHouseBill2437,whichmotionprevaileduponarollcallvote.
1Discarded:effectivelydiscardeduponadoptionofJointRulesforthe53rdOklahomaLegislature(2011-2012).SeeJointRuleSeven.Forthe54ththrough56thOklahomaLegislatures(2013-2018),seeJointRuleFour.2SeeOkla.H.Rules,§§7.11(a),7.20(b)(56thLeg.),formotionsthat,accordingtoHouseRules,mustbeaccompaniedbyafiscalimpactstatement.
House Precedents
392
RepresentativeLamonsmovedthatthedebateonthemotiontoreconsiderthevotewherebytheemergencyfailedbeprintedverbatimintheHouseJournal.RepresentativeReynoldsmovedtoextendthedebatetimeonthemotiontoreconsiderthevotewherebytheemergencyfailed,whichmotionwasruledoutoforder.RepresentativeHickmanraisedapointoforderstatingthattheLamonsmotionwasnotaccompaniedbyafiscalimpactstatementandthereforewasnotinorderforconsideration.ThepresidingofficerruledthatthereisnorequirementwithinHouseRulesthatamotionbeaccompaniedbyafiscalsummaryandassuchthepointwasnotwelltaken.RepresentativeLamonspressedhismotionthatthedebateonthemotionbeprintedverbatimintheHouseJournal,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.3Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatnomotionshallberequiredtobeaccompaniedbyafiscalimpactstatementexceptsuchmotionsasarespecificallyrequiredbyHouseruletoincludeafiscalimpactstatement.10 - 3. (2012) Renewal of Motion to Advance from
General Order Rule –MotionsutilizedbytheHouseofRepresentativesareprincipallygovernedbyHouseRuleTen,“Motions”. History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill2586,RepresentativeOwnbeymovedthatHouseBill2586beadvancedfromGeneralOrder. 3Okla.H.Jour.,1676-1678,52ndLeg.,2ndReg. Sess.(May24,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,3:44:20-3:45:33(May24,2010).
Rule 10. Precedents
393
RepresentativeProctormovedtotabletheOwnbeymotion,whichtablingmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponrollcallvote.Afteradditionalquestionsandanswers,RepresentativeOwnbeyagainmovedthatHouseBill2586beadvancedfromGeneralOrder.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderastowhetherrenewalbyRepresentativeOwnbeyofthemotiontoadvancethebillfromGeneralOrderwasadilatorymotion.ThepresidingofficercitedMason’sManual,Section160,Paragraph7,whichsaysinpartthatmotionsthathavebeenpresentedandrejected,undercertaincircumstances,maybeproposedagainunderthetheorythataproposalmadeunderonesetofcircumstancesisnotthesameastheproposalmadeunderadifferentsetofcircumstances.AftertheHouseadoptedamotiontotableRepresentativeOwnbey’sinitialmotiontoadvancethebill,thepresidingofficerentertainedadditionalquestionsandanswersonthemeasure.Assuch,thepresidingofficerruledthatcircumstanceshadchangedandthatrenewalbyRepresentativeOwnbeyofhismotiontoadvancethebillfromGeneralOrderwasapropermotion.Assuch,thepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltaken.4Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatuponachangeintheparliamentarysituation,amotiontoadvanceameasurefromGeneralOrder,previouslyrejected,mayberenewed.
4Okla.H.Jour.,475-476,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March7,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2586,01:51:35-02:13:32(March7,2012).
House Precedents
394
10 - 4. (2012) Renewal of Motion to Suspend
House Rules Rule –MotionsutilizedbytheHouseofRepresentativesareprincipallygovernedbyHouseRuleTen,“Motions”.History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill2808,RepresentativeSeanRobertsmovedtosuspendHouseRule8.6,paragraph(b)forthepurposeofallowingconsiderationofanuntimelyfiledflooramendment,whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.RepresentativeSeanRobertsrenewedhismotiontosuspendHouseRule8.6,paragraph(b)forthepurposeofallowingconsiderationofthepreviouslyoffereduntimelyfiledmainflooramendment.RepresentativeHollandraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwasdilatorytorenewthemotiontosuspendHouseRulesbecausetheHousehadpreviouslydefeatedthesamemotion.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatbecauseofadditionalquestionsandanswers,adifferentparliamentarysituationhadarisenandruledthepointnotwelltaken.ThepresidingofficersubsequentlyentertainedasecondmotiontosuspendHouseRule8.6,paragraph(b).RepresentativeSeanRobertspressedadoptionofthemotiontosuspendHouseRule8.6,paragraph(b),whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.5 5Okla.H.Jour.,601-602,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March13,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2808,03:39:48-03:41:51(March13,2012);Okla.H.Jour.,1189,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May19,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HJR1030,10:28:32-10:30:30(May19,2015),presidingofficerentertainedrenewalofasecondmotionto
Rule 10. Precedents
395
Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatuponachangeintheparliamentarysituation,amotiontosuspendHouserulespreviouslyrejectedmayberenewed.10 - 5. (2012) Timing of Objection to
Consideration of Question Rule –MotionsutilizedbytheHouseofRepresentativesareprincipallygovernedbyHouseRuleTen,“Motions”.History –AftersubstantialconsiderationhadoccurredonSenateBill327,RepresentativeTerrillobjectedtotheconsiderationofthequestiononSenateBill327.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatpursuanttoMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure,Section296,6objectiontoconsiderationwasnotpresentlyinorder.7Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatobjectiontoconsiderationmustbemadeimmediatelyafterthepresidingofficerrecognizesamemberforpresentationofameasure.
suspendHouseRulesforthesameuntimelyamendmentonthebasisofachangeintheparliamentarysituationarisingfromadditionalquestions,answersandmotions;Okla.H.Jour.,1139,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May26,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,12:59:15-1:06:05(May26,2016).6Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure219§296(1-2)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).7Okla.H.Jour.,730,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March29,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB327,01:13:25-01:15:24(March29,2012);Okla.H.Jour.,482,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March4,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1721,01:32:49-01:34:42(March4,2013).
House Precedents
396
Reasoning –ThemannerofapplyingthemotiontoobjecttoconsiderationisnotdefinedinHouseRulesexcepttosaythatitisnotamendableordebatable.8Assuch,thepresidingofficerlookedtoMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedureforadditionalguidance.Mason’sManualsaysthatobjectiontoconsiderationmustbemadeimmediatelyfollowingstatementofthequestion.9Inthisinstance,objectionwasnotraisedimmediatelyafterthememberreceivedrecognitiontopresentthebillinquestion.10 - 6. (2012) Identical Amendment Offered to
More Than One Measure Rule –MotionsutilizedbytheHouseofRepresentativesareprincipallygovernedbyHouseRuleTen,“Motions”.History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill1214,RepresentativeInmanmovedtoamendSenateBill1214.RepresentativeRandyMcDanielthenmovedtotabletheInmanamendment.PriortotheHousetakingupthemotiontotabletheInmanamendment,RepresentativeNelsonraisedapointoforderastowhethertheamendmentwasdilatorybecausetheHousehadpreviouslytabledanidenticalamendmentofferedbyRepresentativeInman.Thepresidingofficerruledthatthoughidenticaltothepreviouslytabledamendment,considerationofthepresent
8Okla.H.Rules,§10.1(b)(53rd.Leg.).9Supra.
Rule 10. Precedents
397
amendmentwasnotdilatorybecausetheamendmentwasbeingofferedtoadifferentmeasure.10Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatanidenticalamendmentmaybeofferedtomorethanonemeasure.Reasoning –ThisparticularrulingoftheChairmustbebalancedagainsttherequirementsofSection180ofMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedurewhichsays:Any regular parliamentary motion, when improperly used for the purpose of delaying or obstructing business, is a dilatory motion. For the convenience of legislative bodies, it is necessary to allow some highly privileged motions to be renewed again and again after progress in debate or the transaction of business…11 Whetheranamendmentisofferedrepeatedlyforpurposesofdelayorobstructionisajudgmentcallonthepartofthepresidingofficeranditisconceivablethatsuchaneffortcouldeventuallybecomedilatoryandberuledoutoforder.10 - 7. (2014) Point of Order Yields to Motions
having Higher Precedence than Motion Out of which Point of Order Arose
10Okla.H.Jour.,784,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April5,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1214,01:25:40-01:26:40(April5,2012);Okla.H.Jour.,886,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April21,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SJR68,3:38:07-3:58:46(April21,2016),presidingofficerruledamendmentoutoforderonthebasisofhavingidenticallanguagetoanamendmentpreviouslyofferedbuttabledeventhoughsecondamendmentincludedslightlydifferentpunctuationthandidtheamendmentpreviouslyoffered.11Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure141§180(1)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).
House Precedents
398
Rule –TherankingofmotionsutilizedbytheHouseofRepresentativesisestablishedinHouseRuleTen,“Motions”.History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill1848,RepresentativeFishermovedtoamendSenateBill1848.RepresentativeReynoldsmovedtoputthePreviousQuestion.RepresentativeMcDaniel(Jeannie)thenraisedapointoforderastowhethertheFisheramendmentwasgermanetoSenateBill1848. ThepresidingofficerrecognizedthepointoforderbutrefusedtoruleonthequestionofgermanenessoftheamendmentbecausethemotiontoputthePreviousQuestionwasthenpending. RepresentativeInmanraisedapointoforderstatingthatapendingmotiontoputthePreviousQuestiondidnotprohibitthepresidingofficerfromtakingupapointoforderpertainingtothequestionofgermaneness. Thepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltakenbecausethepointwasnotraisedatthepropertime.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatapointoforderyieldstomotionshavingahigherprecedencethanthemotionfromwhichthepointoforderarose.12 RepresentativeInmanappealedtherulingoftheChairandthedecisionofthepresidingofficerwasuphelduponarollcallvote.13
12Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure190§246(para.1)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).SeealsoMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure239-240§345(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).13Okla.H.Jour.,966-967,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April24,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1848,02:01:26-02:25:06(April24,2014).
Rule 10. Precedents
399
Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatapointoforderyieldstomotionshavingahigherprecedencethanthemotionoutofwhichthepointoforderarose.
House Precedents
400
§ 10.1 PRECEDENCE OF MOTIONS 10.1 - 1. (2009) Precedence of Main Motions
Pertaining to Disposition of Conference Committee Reports 14 10.1 - 1. (2010) Appeal of the Chair May Be
Tabled 15 10.1 - 2. (2011) Precedence of Main Motions
Pertaining to Disposition of Senate Amendments16 10.1 - 3. (2011) Renewal of Motion to Adopt
Senate Amendments on Subsequent Legislative Day Rule – HouseRule10.1,paragraph(d)saysinrelevantpart: A main motion shall be defined as a substantive proposal such as a bill, resolution or any other question which requires passage, adoption, rejection, approval or disapproval by the House of Representatives... History – ThependingSenateAmendmentstoHouseBill1223werecalledupforconsideration. 14Discarded:effectivelydiscardeduponadoptionofHouseRulesfor53rd
OklahomaLegislature.SeeSection10.1,paragraph(d)ofHouseRulesfor53rdthrough56thOklahomaLegislatures(2011-2018).15Codified:seeSection10.1,paragraph(b)ofHouseRulesforthe55thand56thOklahomaLegislatures(2015-2018).Priortothe55thOklahomaLegislature(2015-2016),thisprecedentwasdenotedasHP10.2-1.(2010)AppealoftheChairMayBeTabled.
Rule 10. Precedents
401
RepresentativeMcCulloughmovedthattheHouseadopttheSenateAmendmentstoHouseBill1223. RepresentativeThomsenthenraisedapointofinquiryastowhetherthemeasureunderconsiderationwasthesamemeasurethathadpreviouslyfailedintheHouse. ThepresidingofficerstatedthatwhilethemotiontoadopttheSenateAmendmentstoHouseBill1223hadfailedofadoption,themeasureitselfhadnotfailed.RepresentativeInmanraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwaspropertoconsiderarenewedmotiontoadopttheSenateAmendmentstoHouseBill1223whenthesamemotionhadbeenpreviouslydefeatedbytheHouse.Thepresidingofficerruledthatbecausethemotionhadfailedonapreviouslegislativedayresultinginachangeintheparliamentarysituation,arenewedmotiontoadoptSenateAmendmentstoHouseBill1223wasinorder.17Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthattheHousemayproperlyentertainarenewedmotiontoadoptSenate
16Discarded:effectivelydiscardeduponadoptionofHouseRulesfor56thOklahomaLegislature.SeeSection10.1,paragraph(d)ofHouseRulesfor56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018).17Okla.H.Jour.,1359,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May18,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SAHB1223,00:22:47-00:24:30(May18,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SAstoHB1223,02:26:30-02:33:50(May18,2011).ThevideorecordcitedinthisfootnoteincludessignificantdiscussionregardingresolutionofconflictsarisingbetweenprovisionsoftheHouseRulesandMason’sManual.Wheninconflict,adoptedHouseRulestakeprecedenceoverMason’sManual.Also,thereisdiscussionregardingthelimitationsonuseofthemotiontoreconsiderasexpressedinHouseRules.
House Precedents
402
AmendmentstoaHousebillwhensuchSenateAmendmentsfailedofadoptiononapreviouslegislativeday.Explanation – InthisinstanceRepresentativeMcCulloughofferedamotiontoadopttheSenateAmendmentsonMay10,2011andthemotionfailedofadoption.18Onasubsequentlegislativeday,RepresentativeMcCulloughagainmovedtoadopttheSenateAmendmentsonHouseBill1223.19HouseRulesdonotaddressthequestionofwhetherornotafailedmotiontoadoptSenateAmendmentsmayberenewed;however,Sections8.13and9.10ofHouseRulesclearlyidentifywhichmotionsmaybereconsidered.Withoutquestion,motionsdispositiveofSenateAmendmentsarenotamongthemotionsthatcanbereconsidered.20Withthismind,Section161ofMason’sManualprovideshelpfulguidance.Paragraph(1)saysthat“mainmotionsorothersubstantiveproposals,suchasamendmentstomainmotionsthatmaybereconsidered,maynotberenewed”.21IfafailedmotiontoadoptSenateAmendmentscannotbereconsideredunderHouseRules,itmaybeproperlyrenewedatsomefuturetime.IfrenewalofamotiontoadoptSenateAmendmentsisproperatsomefuturetime,whenshouldthepresidingofficerentertainsuchamotion? 18Okla.H.Jour.,1257,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May10,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SAHB1223,00:10:18-00:48:27(May10,2011).19Seefootnote1.20Okla.H.Rules,§§8.13,9.10(53rdLeg.);seealsoOkla.H.Rules,§6.8(53rdLeg.).21Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure127§161(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).
Rule 10. Precedents
403
Again,Section161ishelpful.Paragraph(2)saysthatamotiontoadoptanamendmentthatisidenticaltoonethatwaspreviouslyrefusedcannotbeattemptedonthesamelegislativeday.Theconverseisthereforetrue.Considerationofanamendmentthatfailedonapreviouslegislativedaymaybeproperlyrenewedonasubsequentlegislativeday.22 10.1 - 4. (2012) Vote on Failed Motion to Adopt
(JCR) May Be Rescinded Rule – HouseRuleHouseRule10.1,paragraph(d)states: Main Motions
A main motion shall be defined as a substantive proposal such as a bill, resolution or any other question which requires passage, adoption, rejection, approval or disapproval by the House of Representatives.
Main questions include but are not limited to the following and shall rank in the following order:
22AsdefinedunderthecustomsandpracticesoftheOklahomaHouse,theterm“properly”asusedabove,meansrequestingthattheMajorityFloorLeaderschedulearenewedmotiontoadoptSenateAmendmentsonasubsequentlegislativeday,seePrec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§6.3(1.),50thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April7,2005).Inaddition,theHousemeasuretowhichtheSenateAmendmentsareattachedmustyetbewithinthephysicalcustodyoftheHouseofRepresentativesatthetimethemotiontoadoptSenateAmendmentsisrenewed.AtthepointamotiontoadoptSenateAmendmentsinitiallyfailsandperhapsisfollowedbyasuccessfulmotiontorejectSenateAmendmentsandrequestconferencewiththeSenate,thebillmayenterastatuswhereuponitisnotpossibletoentertainarenewedmotiontoadoptSenateAmendments,seeMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure549§761(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).
House Precedents
404
To reconsider (not amendable - debatable) To rescind (not amendable - debatable) To adopt a conference committee report/joint committee report (not amendable - debatable) To reject a conference committee report/joint committee report (not amendable - debatable) To reject a conference committee report/joint committee report with instructions (instructions amendable - debatable) To commit with instructions (instructions amendable - debatable) Any other main question not specifically listed shall be taken up in the order offered.
History – RepresentativeSearsmovedtorescindthevotewherebytheJointCommitteeReportonSenateBill1983failed. Afterconsiderationofotherproceduralmotions,RepresentativeSearspressedhismotiontorescindthevotewherebytheJointCommitteeReportonSenateBill1983failed,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.RepresentativeSearsmovedadoptionoftheJointCommitteeReportonSenateBill1983.Afterconsiderationofotherproceduralmotions,RepresentativeSearspressedadoptionoftheJointCommitteeReportonSenateBill1983,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.23
23Okla.H.Jour.,1282-1287,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May25,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB1983,04:48:34-05:00:05(May25,2012);seealso,Okla.H.Jour.,1272-1273,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May25,2012).
Rule 10. Precedents
405
Precedent –ItistheprecedentoftheHousethatthevoteonafailedmotiontoadoptaJointCommitteeReport(JCR)mayberescinded. § 10.4 WITHDRAWAL OF MOTIONS10.4 - 1. (2009) Withdrawal of Measure by Author2410.4 - 2. (2011) Withdrawal of Amendment after
Adoption of Motion to Reconsider Amendment Rule – HouseRule10.4,paragraph(a)states:Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, prior to commencement of debate thereon, or prior to action being taken thereon if there be no debate, any motion may be withdrawn by the member making same. Otherwise, such motion may be withdrawn only upon adoption of a motion to withdraw same.
History – RepresentativeMcNielmovedtoreconsiderthevotewherebyHouseBill1954failed,whichmotionprevaileduponarollcallvote. RepresentativeMcNielmovedtorescindtheThirdReadingofthemeasure,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.
24Discarded:effectivelydiscardeduponadoptionofHouseRulesfor53rdOklahomaLegislature.SeeSection10.4,paragraph(b)ofHouseRulesfor53rdthrough56thOklahomaLegislatures(2011-2018).Publishedpriorto53rdOklahomaLegislature(2011-2012)asHousePrecedent10.5-1.(2009)WithdrawalofMeasurebyAuthor.
House Precedents
406
RepresentativeMcNielmovedtorescindthepreviouslyadoptedmotiontoadvanceHouseBillHouseBill1954fromGeneralOrder,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote. OncethebillwasreturnedtoGeneralOrderstatus,RepresentativeMcNielthenmovedtoreconsiderthevotewherebytheDerbyamendmentwasadopted. RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderastowhetherreconsiderationofanamendmentwasinorder.ThepresidingofficerruledthereconsiderationmotioninorderpursuanttoHouseRule8.13. RepresentativeReynoldsmovedtotabletheMcNielmotiontoreconsidertheDerbyamendment,whichtablingmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote. RepresentativeMcNielpressedhermotiontoreconsiderthevotewherebytheDerbyamendmentwasadopted,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote. Uponadoptionofthemotiontoreconsidertheamendment,RepresentativeDerbyrequestedthattheamendmentbewithdrawn. RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderstatingthatbecausetheDerbyamendmenthadbeenpreviouslyconsideredbytheHouse,theamendmentwasinpossessionoftheHouseandtheDerbyrequestwasnotinorder. ThepresidingofficerstatedthatpursuanttoSection468ofMason’sManual,oncetheHousehadvotedtoreconsideradoptionoftheDerbyamendment,theHouseeffectivelyhadnotyettakenactionontheDerbyamendment.25Assuch,itwas
25Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure316,317§468(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).
Rule 10. Precedents
407
properforRepresentativeDerbytorequesttowithdrawhisamendment.Thepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltaken.26 Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatuponadoptionofamotiontoreconsideranamendment,theauthoroftheamendmentmayrequesttowithdrawtheamendment.10.4 - 3. (2011) Withdrawal of Motion to
Reconsider Prior to Action or Debate Rule – HouseRule10.4,paragraph(a)states: Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, prior to commencement of debate thereon, or prior to action being taken thereon if there be no debate, any motion may be withdrawn by the member making same. Otherwise, such motion may be withdrawn only upon adoption of a motion to withdraw same. History – UponconsiderationofSenateBill935onFourthReading,themeasurefaileduponarollcallvote.RepresentativeMcCulloughattemptedtoservenoticetoreconsiderthevotewherebySenateBill935failed.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatthemeasurewouldhavetobereconsideredimmediatelypursuanttoHouseRule9.10,paragraph(f).RepresentativeMcCulloughthenmovedtoreconsiderthevotewherebySenateBill935failed.RepresentativeBlackwellraisedapointoforderastowhethertheHousehadadoptedaresolutionsettingthedateforsinedie
26Okla.H.Jour.,540,54453rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March10,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1954,01:59:53-02:15:37(March10,2011).
House Precedents
408
adjournment.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatthepresentrulingwasbasedonstatementsmadebytheSpeakeroftheHouseandtheMajorityFloorLeaderindicatingthatFriday,May20,2011,wouldbethefinaldayoftheFirstSessionoftheFifty-ThirdOklahomaLegislature.RepresentativeProctormovedtotablethemotionofferedbyRepresentativeMcCulloughtoreconsiderthevoteonSenateBill935.Themotiontotablewasnotstatedtothebodybythepresidingofficer.ThepresidingofficerthenrecognizedRepresentativeSullivan,theMajorityFloorLeader,forexplanationofmattersrelatedtosinedieadjournmentoftheHouseofRepresentatives.TheMajorityFloorLeaderstatedthatbecausearesolutionsettingthedateofsinedieadjournmenthadnotbeenconsideredbytheHouse,inhisopinion,itwasproperfornoticetobeservedforapossiblemotiontoreconsiderwithoutrequiringthatsuchmotionbetakenupimmediately.Assuch,RepresentativeMcCulloughwithdrewhismotiontoreconsiderthevotewherebySenateBill935failed.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderstatingthatRepresentativeMcCulloughhadmovedtoreconsiderthevoteandRepresentativeProctorhadsubsequentlymovedtotabletheMcCulloughmotion,andthereforetheHouseshouldtakeimmediateactiononthependingmotiontotable.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatthemotionbyRepresentativeMcCulloughhadbeenwithdrawnandruledthepointnotwelltaken.RepresentativeReynoldsappealedtherulingoftheChair.RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwasproperforRepresentativeMcCulloughtowithdrawhismotiontoreconsiderthevote.
Rule 10. Precedents
409
ThepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltakenpursuanttoHouseRule10.1,paragraph(a).RepresentativeWrightmovedtotablethependingappealoftheChair,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.27Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatunlessactionordebateoccursonamotiontoreconsider,itmaybewithdrawnbythememberofferingthemotion.Explanation – TheMcCulloughmotiontoreconsiderthevotebywhichSenateBill935failedwasnoteverputtothebodyasaquestionforitsdetermination.28Discussionaroseastowhetherornotthemotiontoreconsiderhadtobetakenupimmediatelybecausethatday,Friday,May20,2011,mightpossiblyconcludewiththesinedieadjournmentoftheHouseofRepresentatives.ThepresidingofficerrecognizedtheMajorityFloorLeaderforthepurposeofhearinghisopinionregardingthedateofsinedieadjournment.AftertheMajorityFloorLeaderrenderedhisopiniononthematter,RepresentativeProctorofferedamotiontotabletheMcCulloughmotiontoreconsiderwhichthepresidingofficerdidnotputtothebody.Beforeanyfurtheractionwastaken,RepresentativeMcCulloughwithdrewhismotiontoreconsider.
27Okla.H.Jour.,1426-1428,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May20,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB935,00:37:59-00:51:11(May20,2011);Okla.H.Jour.,1440,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May20,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,ReconsiderationonSB935,00:53:00-01:05:00(May20,2011).28Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure119§156(2-3)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).
House Precedents
410
PriortonotificationtothepresidingofficerofRepresentativeMcCullough’sintenttowithdrawthemotion,nomotiontotablewasputtotheHousebythepresidingofficerandnodebateonthemotiontoreconsiderwasentertainedorattempted.Assuch,themotiontoreconsiderdidnotbecomepropertyoftheHouseandRepresentativeMcCulloughwasproperlyallowedtowithdrawhismotion.10.4 - 4. (2012) Withdrawal of Measure Itself
during Consideration of an Amendment Rule – HouseRule10.4,paragraph(b)states: When a bill or resolution is under consideration within the House, the principal author or the member designated to present the bill or resolution on behalf of the principal author may withdraw said measure at any time prior to the vote being ordered on adoption of a recommendation or final passage of the bill or resolution. History – DuringconsiderationofHouseBill2503,RepresentativeReynoldsmovedtoamendthebill.RepresentativeWatsonmovedtotabletheReynoldsamendment,whichtablingmotionfailedofadoptionuponrollcallvote.UponrequestofRepresentativeWatson,HouseBill2503waswithdrawnfromfurtherconsideration.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderstatingthattherequestmadebyRepresentativeWatsontolaythebilloverwasoutoforderbecausetheHousewasconsideringtheamendmentandnotthebillitself.ThepresidingofficerruledthatpursuanttoHouseRule10.4,paragraph(b)theauthormaywithdrawthebillfrom
Rule 10. Precedents
411
considerationatanypointuntilthevoteisorderedonfinalpassageofthemeasure,andthereforeruledthepointnotwelltaken.29Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthattheauthormaywithdrawthebillfromconsiderationatanypointuntilthevoteisorderedonfinalpassageofthemeasure.10.4 - 5. (2012) Ability to Withdraw Measure upon
Successful Reconsideration of Measure Rule – HouseRule10.4,paragraph(b)states: When a bill or resolution is under consideration within the House, the principal author or the member designated to present the bill or resolution on behalf of the principal author may withdraw said measure at any time prior to the vote being ordered on adoption of a recommendation or final passage of the bill or resolution.
History – RepresentativeVaughanmovedtoreconsiderthevotewherebyHouseBill2198failed,whichmotionprevaileduponarollcallvote. UponreturnofthemeasuretoThirdReading,RepresentativeVaughanwithdrewHouseBill2198fromfurtherconsideration.30OnthefollowingMonday,RepresentativeVaughnwasrecognizedtocontinueconsiderationofHouseBill2198. 29Okla.H.Jour.,302-303,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.27,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2503,01:13:50-01:14:45(Feb.27,2012).30Okla.H.Jour.,362-363,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March1,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2198,03:15:26-03:17:04(March1,2012).
House Precedents
412
RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwasinordertoproceedwithconsiderationofthebillbecausetheperiodforreconsiderationhadlapsedunderHouseRules.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatHouseRule10.4,paragraph(b)allowstheprincipalauthorofabill,orthememberdesignatedtopresentthebillonbehalfoftheprincipalauthor,towithdrawthebillatanytimebeforethevoteisorderedonfinalpassage.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatifabillissuccessfullyreconsidered,thebilliseffectivelymovedbacktothestatusofThirdReadingwhichispriortothefinalvote,thusreturningtotheauthorortheauthor’sdesigneetheabilitytodecidewhetherornottowithdrawthebill.ThepresidingofficernotedthatthesameactionhadbeentakenbytheHouseduringthisLegislatureandruledthepointnotwelltaken.31Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatuponsuccessfulreconsiderationofameasure,themeasuremaybewithdrawnfromfurtherconsiderationbytheauthororthememberdesignatedbytheauthortopresentthemeasure.10.4 - 6. (2012) Author May Withdraw Measure during Author’s Debate
31Okla.H.Jour.,399,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March5,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB2198,02:09:00-02:06:48-02:14:56(March5,2012);Okla.H.Jour.,595,603,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March7,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB1660,02:31:27-02:42:22;00:32:13-02:35:49(March7,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,1103-1104,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April25,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB631,01:35:14-01:45:16(April25,2013).
Rule 10. Precedents
413
Rule – HouseRule10.4,paragraph(b)states: When a bill or resolution is under consideration within the House, the principal author or the member designated to present the bill or resolution on behalf of the principal author may withdraw said measure at any time prior to the vote being ordered on adoption of a recommendation or final passage of the bill or resolution. History – WhenSenateBill1971wascalledupforfurtherconsideration,RepresentativeSearspressedhismotiontoadopttheJointCommitteeReport(JCR)andrequestedpermissiontoyieldtoRepresentativeCoxforcontinuedpresentationoftheJointCommitteeReport(JCR),towhichnoobjectionwasheard.RepresentativeCoxmadeadditionalexplanationoftheJointCommitteeReport(JCR),includingadescriptionofhispreviousmisunderstandingsoftheJointCommitteeReport(JCR),andconcludedwitharequestoftheHousetoadopttheJointCommitteeReport(JCR).Uponinquirybythepresidingofficer,RepresentativesSearswaivedtheremainderofhisdebatetimeandthepresidingofficerputthequestionofadoptionoftheJointCommitteeReport(JCR)totheHouse.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderastowhetheradditionaltimefordebateontheJointCommitteeReport(JCR)shouldbepermittedandwhethertheauthorofabillmayproperlywithdrawhisorhermeasurefromfurtherconsiderationinthecourseoftheirowndebateorduringthedebateofothermembers.Thepresidingofficerruledthattheauthorofabillmaychoosetowithdrawhisorherbillfromfurtherconsiderationduring
House Precedents
414
theirowndebateorbetweenthebeginningandconclusionofdebateofothermembers,butthatthepresidingofficerwouldnotrecognizesucharequestmadebytheauthorduringthedebateofanothermember.32Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthattheauthorofabillmaychoosetowithdrawthebillduringhisorherowndebateorbeforethebeginningoraftertheconclusionofdebateofothermembers,butnotduringthedebateofanothermember. 10.4 - 7. (2012) Withdrawal of Measure after
Failed Motion to Adopt Joint Committee Report (JCR)
Rule – HouseRule10.4,paragraph(b)states: When a bill or resolution is under consideration within the House, the principal author or the member designated to present the bill or resolution on behalf of the principal author may withdraw said measure at any time prior to the vote being ordered on adoption of a recommendation or final passage of the bill or resolution.
History – RepresentativeSearsmovedadoptionoftheJointCommitteeReport(JCR)onSenateBill1983,whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.UponrequestofRepresentativeSears,SenateBill1983waslaidoverpursuanttoHouseRule10.4,paragraph(b).
32Okla.H.Jour.,1270-1271,1279-1281,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May25,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB1971,01:04:24-01:06:20(May25,2012).
Rule 10. Precedents
415
RepresentativeTrebilcockraisedapointofinquiryastowhetheranauthorisallowedtolayabilloverandtherebypreventconsiderationofamotiontorejectwithinstructionsfiledonthebill,towhichthepresidingofficerrespondedbycitingHouseRule10.4,paragraph(b).RepresentativeBlackwellraisedapointoforderastowhethertherewasevenabillstillunderconsiderationifthemotiontoadopttheJointCommitteeReport(JCR)hadfailedofadoption.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatafailedmotiontoadoptaJointCommitteeReport(JCR)doesnothavethesameproceduralresultasasuccessfulmotiontorejectaJointCommitteeReport(JCR).33Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthattheauthorofameasuremay,underHouseRule10.4,paragraph(b),withdrawameasurethatwouldotherwisebebeforetheHouseinordertopreventamotiontorejectortorejectwithinstructions.Reasoning –AfailedmotiontoadoptaJointCommitteeReport(JCR)doesnothavethesameproceduralresultasasuccessfulmotiontorejectortorejectwithinstructions.AfailedmotiontoadoptaJointCommitteeReport(JCR)doesnotresultin“finalaction”ontheJointCommitteeReport(JCR)oronthemeasureitself.AfailedmotiontoadoptaJointCommitteeReport(JCR)isnotamongtheactionsconstitutingfinalactionunderHouseRules.34
33Okla.H.Jour.,1272-1273,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May25,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB1983,01:27:25-01:32:40(May25,2012);Okla.H.Jour.,1371-1372,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May23,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,JCRtoSB1127,09:52:36-10:10:21(May23,2013).34Okla.H.Rules,§6.8(53rd.Leg.).
House Precedents
416
AtthepointamotiontoadoptaJointCommitteeReport(JCR)fails,thetypicalnextstepisfortheMajorityFloorLeadertomoveontothenextitemofdailybusiness.Priortothatmoment,itisindeedpossibleforanothermembertoofferamotiontorejectorrejectwithinstructionsunlesstheauthorwithdrawsthemeasure.ItispermissibleundertheprovisionsofHouseRule10.4,paragraph(b),thattheprincipalauthorortheauthor’sdesigneepresentingthemeasure,maytakewhatamountstoadefensivesteptoprotecthisorhermeasurewithdrawingthebillorresolutionfromfurtherconsideration.10.4 – 8. (2013) Withdrawal of Measure after
Failed Motion to Adopt Conference Committee Report (CCR)
Rule – HouseRule10.4,paragraph(b)states: When a bill or resolution is under consideration within the House, the principal author or the member designated to present the bill or resolution on behalf of the principal author may withdraw said measure at any time prior to the vote being ordered on adoption of a recommendation or final passage of the bill or resolution. History – OnTuesday,May21,2013,theConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill2097wascalledupforconsideration.Afterexplanationandquestions,RepresentativeJacksonmovedadoptionoftheconferencecommitteereport.
Rule 10. Precedents
417
Afteradditionalproceduralmotions,RepresentativeJacksonrequestedthatthereportbewithdrawnfromfurtherconsideration.35OnThursday,May23,2013,theConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill2097wasagaincalledupforconsideration.Again,RepresentativeJacksonmovedadoptionoftheconferencecommitteereport.RepresentativeInmanmovedtorejectthependingconferencecommitteereportandrequestedfurtherconferencewithattachedinstructions.ThemotiontorejectwithinstructionswasnotrecognizedbythepresidingofficerbecausethependingmotiontoadopttheconferencecommitteereportwasofhigherrankunderSection10.1,paragraph(d)ofHouseRules.RepresentativeReynoldsmovedtotablethependingmotiontoadoptthereport,whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.RepresentativeJacksonpressedadoptionoftheConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill2097,whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.UponrequestofRepresentativeJackson,HouseBill2097waswithdrawnfromfurtherconsideration.AfterthemeasurewaswithdrawnfromfurtherconsiderationbyRepresentativeJackson,theauthor,RepresentativeInmanofferedamotiontorejecttheConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill2097andrequestfurtherconferencewithinstructions,whichwasnotrecognizedbythepresidingofficerpursuanttoHouseRule10.4,paragraph(b).
35Okla.H.Jour.,1321-1322,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May21,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,CCRtoHB2097,01:28:12-02:30:11(May21,2013).
House Precedents
418
RepresentativeDormanandRepresentativeInmanthenraisedapointoforderstatingthattheapplicablerulewasJointRule5.1,paragraph(c)ratherthanHouseRule10.4,paragraph(b),whichpointwasnotwelltakenbythepresidingofficer.RepresentativeInmanappealedtherulingoftheChair,receivingtherequiredfifteen(15)standingsecondsandthedecisionoftheChairwasuphelduponarollcallvote.Aftertheappealanduponreceivingrecognitionfromthepresidingofficer,RepresentativeJacksonconsentedtofurtherconsiderationoftheConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill2097.RepresentativeInmanwasthenrecognizedforthemotiontorejecttheConferenceCommitteeReportonHouseBill2097andrequestfurtherconferencewithinstructions,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopted.36Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatuponfailureofamotiontoadoptaconferencecommitteereport,theauthorofthemeasuremaywithdrawthemeasurefromfurtherconsiderationpursuanttoSection10.4,paragraph(b)ofHouseRules.Reasoning –Priorto2011,theHouseRulethatgovernedwithdrawalofameasurebyitsauthorwasfoundinSection10.5ofHouseRulesandlookedmuchthesameasthepresentSection10.4,paragraph(a).Itsaid:
10.5 - Withdrawal of Motions
36Okla.H.Jour.,1352-1354,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May23,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,CCRtoHB2097,02:16:53-02:38:20(May23,2013);Okla.H.Jour.,1372,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May23,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,JCRtoSB1127,10:10:23-10:12:56(May23,2013).
Rule 10. Precedents
419
Prior to commencement of debate thereon, or prior to action being taken thereon if there be no debate, any motion may be withdrawn by the Member making same. Otherwise, such motion may be withdrawn only upon adoption of a motion to withdraw same.37 IdenticallanguagewaspresentinHouseRules,Section10.5,atleastfrom2005,thebeginningpointofkeepingwrittenprecedentsasatypeofrecordintheHouseofRepresentatives.38In2009,aftertheThirdReadingofHouseBill2013,debateontheHouseFloorwasrequested,entertainedandconcluded.Afterdebatebutbeforethevoteonfinalpassagewasordered,theprincipalauthor,requestedunanimousconsentto“laythebillover”,meaningthattheauthorwishedtowithdrawthebillfromfurtherconsideration.Therewasanobjection,theauthorpressedhismotionandthemotionwasdeclaredadoptedbythepresidingofficer.39Twopointswerethenraised.OnememberraisedapointastowhetheritwasthetraditionoftheHousetopermittheprincipalauthorofabilltoexercisesoleresponsibilityoverwhethertowithdrawabillfromfurtherconsideration.Onthispoint,thepresidingofficertookthepointunderadvisementwithoutruling.40
37Okla.H.Rules,§10.5(52ndLeg.). 38Cf.HouseRules,50thOklahomaLegislaturethrough52ndOklahomaLegislature(2005-2009).39Okla.H.Jour.,570-571,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.19,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:08,42:51-47:03(Feb.19,2009).40Id.
House Precedents
420
Thesecondpointinquired,onthecontrary,astowhetherthebillshouldbeconsideredpropertyoftheHouseratherthanremainingwithinthesolecontroloftheauthor,meaningthattheHouseshouldproceedontothevoteonthebill.Onthesecondpoint,thepresidingofficerruledthepointwelltaken.41Severaldayslater,thepresidingofficerofferedadditionalguidance,sayinginrelevantpart:The Chair would like to clarify at what points the author may withdraw his or her bill from further consideration by the House versus at what point a bill becomes property of the House. When the author says he or she wants to ‘lay the bill over’, if the bill has not been amended or received debate, the author may withdraw the bill without the consent of the House. If the bill has been amended or undergone any debate, the bill cannot be withdrawn from further consideration by the House except upon a successful unanimous consent request or…motion to request leave to withdraw the question… …in House Rules, the two threshold events for a bill becoming property of the House are adoption of an amendment or commencement of debate.”[emphasisadded].42Duringthe2010session,HouseBill2538wasamendedduringconsiderationontheHouseFloor.Aftertwoamendmentswereadopted,theauthormovedtowithdrawHouseBill2538fromfurtherconsideration.43 41Id. 42Okla.H.Jour.,614,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.23,2009);H.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:29,1:31-3:01(Feb.23,2009).43Okla.H.Jour.,833-835,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March10,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,4:07:24-4:16:10(March10,2010).
Rule 10. Precedents
421
Apointoforderwasraisedassertingthattheauthorshouldbeabletowithdrawtheirownmeasurefromfurtherconsideration,atwill.ThepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltakenpursuanttoHousePrecedent10.5–1.(2009)WithdrawalofMeasurebyAuthor,theprecedentfrom2009whicharosewhentheauthorofHouseBill2013desiredtowithdrawthebillfromfurtherconsideration.44RepresentativeTibbs,theauthor,againmovedtowithdrawHouseBill2538fromfurtherconsideration,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.45WhenHouseRuleswereadoptedfortheFifty-ThirdOklahomaLegislature,(2011-2012),theHouserulegoverningwithdrawalofameasurebytheauthorwasrelocatedfromSection10.5toSection10.4,andreflectedamoreauthor-centricoutlookthanthatofthepreviousversionoftheruleorofgeneralparliamentarylaw.46ThesamelanguagewasincludedagainfortheFifty-FourthOklahomaLegislature.47OnlyintwospecificinstancesdoesSection10.4,paragraph(b)limittheauthor’srighttowithdrawameasure.One,theauthorisnotallowedtowithdrawabillincommitteeafterthecommitteechairordersthevoteonamotionforacommitteerecommendationand,second,theauthorisnotpermittedto
44Id.45Id.at835.46Okla.H.Rules,§10.4(b)(53rdLeg.);Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure206-207§272,273(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).WhenaHouseruleconflictswithgeneralparliamentarylaw,theHouseruleprevails;seePrec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§14.2(3.),53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May13,2011)andMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure30-32§37(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).47Okla.H.Rules,§10.4(b)(54thLeg.)
House Precedents
422
withdrawthemeasureontheHouseFloorafterthepresidingofficerordersthevoteonfinalpassage.48Neitherinstanceisapplicableinthiscase.MotionspertainingtoaCCRarenotaddressedbySection10.4,paragraph(b)butratherby10.4,paragraph(a).Underparagraph(a),althoughthepresidingofficerwouldnothavepermittedwithdrawalofamotiontoadopttheCCRoncethevotewasordered,nothinginHouseRulesorJointRuleswouldprecludeanauthorfromwithdrawingthebillitselfafterafailedmotiontoadoptaCCR.49Withoutconfusingtheterms,“possession”and“property”,50inthiscase,themotiontoadopttheCCRonHouseBill2097,when
48Avoteon“finalpassage”couldariseafterThirdorFourthReading,dependingonhowfarameasurehasprogressedinthelegislativeprocess.49Okla.H.Rules,§10.4(a)(54thLeg.);seealsoMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure533§761(8)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).50Tosaythatameasureisinthe“possession”oftheHouseisnottosaythatitisalsothe“property”oftheHouse,withinthemeaningofparliamentarylaw.Inthecontextofthelegislativeprocess,“possession”isestablishedbyphysicalcustodyofameasure’s“billfile”.The“billfile”isthecustomary,tangiblefilefolderthatholdsallallieddocumentsandaccompaniesthebillthroughoutthelegislativeprocess,fromthetimeofintroductiontoarrivalinthelegislativearchivesmaintainedbytheOklahomaSecretaryofState.Possessioncannotoccursimultaneouslyandisalwayssequential.Onlyoneoffourentitiescanhavephysical“possession”ofameasureatanygiventime,theHouseofRepresentatives,theSenate,theGovernorortheSecretaryofState.Incontrastto“possession”,ameasurebecomesthe“property”oftheHousewhentheauthorcannolongerexercisetheright,undertheHouseRulesorgeneralparliamentarylaw,tounilaterallywithdrawthemeasurefromfurtherconsiderationbytheHouse.AlthoughtheHousemusthavepossessionofameasureforittoeverbecomethepropertyoftheHouse,itispossiblefortheHousetohavepossessionofameasurewithoutitbeingconsideredasthepropertyoftheHouse,e.g.priortothevotebeingorderedincommitteeforrecommendationorontheHouseFloorforfinalpassage.
Rule 10. Precedents
423
itfailed,didnotresultinthebillautomaticallybecomingthe“property”oftheHouse,thusexposingthebilltoadditionalproceduralactionsrepugnanttotheauthor.51JointRule5simplyprovidesthebasicmechanicsoftheconferenceprocessestablishingwhichchamberhaspossessionofabillatspecificpointsinthe“conference”process.52Afailedmotiontoadoptaconferencecommitteereport(CCR),addressedinSection5.1,paragraph(c),saysthattheHousewillcontinuetoretaincontrolofaHousebillwhenamotiontoadoptaCCRonthatsamebillfailsofadoptionintheHouse.53Likewise,regardlessofwhethertheauthormakesanadditionalattemptatalatertimetoadoptthesameCCRorsomeoneoffersamotiontorejectthatsameCCRandrequestfurtherconference,ifthemeasureisaHousebill,itcontinuesinthepossessionoftheHouseperSection5.1,paragraph(c)ofJointRule5.54WithpossessionestablishedbyJointRule5,theproceduralactionsnormallyavailablewithintheHouseRules,includinganauthor’squalifiedrighttounilaterallywithdrawhisorherbillfromfurtherconsideration,remainviableandareinnowaybarredorhinderedbythefactthattheJointRule5designatestheHouseasthechambercontinuingtohavepossessionofabillafterafailedmotiontoadoptaCCR.
51Asimilarsituationoccurredinthe2012legislativesessionwhenamotiontoadopttheJointCommitteeReport(JCR)onSenateBill1983failedandtheauthorwithdrewthebillfromfurtherconsideration.SeePrec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§10.4(7.),53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May25,2012).52Possessionofameasureataparticulartimeisasignificantmatterinthelegislativeprocess.SeeMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure533§761(8)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).53Okla.J.Rules,§5.1(54thLeg.).54Id.
House Precedents
424
10.4 - 9. (2015) Return to Same Procedural Point
where Previous Consideration Ceased Rule –HouseRule10.4,paragraph(a)states: When a bill or resolution is under consideration within the House, the principal author or the member designated to present the bill or resolution on behalf of the principal author may withdraw said measure at any time prior to the vote being ordered on adoption of a recommendation or final passage of the bill or resolution. History – InthecourseofpresentingHouseJointResolution1030,RepresentativeFaught,theauthor,withdrewtheresolutionfromfurtherconsideration.ImmediatelyafterRepresentativeFaughtwithdrewtheresolutionfromfurtherconsideration,apointofinquirywasraisedbyanothermember.Afterthepresidingofficerrespondedtothepointofinquiryfromtheothermember,RepresentativeFaughttheninquiredoftheChairastowhethertheHousecouldimmediatelyresumeconsiderationofHouseJointResolution1030.BeforethepresidingofficerrespondedtotheinquiryofRepresentativeFaught,RepresentativeProctorraisedapointoforderastowhethertheproceduralstepspreviouslytakenonthemeasurewouldberepeatedwhenthemeasurewasbroughtagainbeforetheHouseforconsideration,towhichthepresidingofficerrespondedthattheHousewouldproceedwith
Rule 10. Precedents
425
themeasureatthesameproceduralpointwherepreviousconsiderationhadceased.55Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatwhenconsiderationresumesonameasurepreviouslytakenupbytheHouse,suchconsiderationwillbeginagainatthesameproceduralpointwherepreviousconsiderationceased.
55 Okla.H.Jour.,1190,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May19,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HJR1030,10:36:46-10:37:58(May19,2015).
427
PRECEDENTS for
RULE TWELVE ADJOURNMENT OR RECESS
§ 12.3 SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT 12.3 – 1. (2011) Early Sine Die Adjournment
Determined by House Rule – HouseRule12.3says: The date and time of sine die adjournment of each Regular Session of the Legislature shall be fixed by motion or resolution. Once the date and time so fixed has arrived, no further business shall be conducted by the House and the presiding officer shall declare the House adjourned sine die. History – UponconsiderationofSenateBill935onFourthReading,themeasurefaileduponarollcallvote. RepresentativeMcCulloughattemptedtoservenoticetoreconsiderthevotewherebySB935failed.
House Precedents
428
ThepresidingofficerstatedthatthemeasurewouldhavetobereconsideredimmediatelypursuanttoHouseRule9.10,paragraph(f). RepresentativeBlackwellraisedapointoforderastowhethertheHousehadadoptedaresolutionsettingthedateforsinedieadjournment.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatthepresentrulingwasbasedonstatementsmadebytheSpeakeroftheHouseandtheMajorityFloorLeaderindicatingthatFriday,May20,2011,wouldbethefinaldayoftheFirstSessionoftheFifty-ThirdOklahomaLegislature. ThepresidingofficerrecognizedRepresentativeSullivan,theMajorityFloorLeader,forexplanationofmattersrelatedtosinedieadjournmentoftheHouseofRepresentatives. TheMajorityFloorLeaderstatedthatbecausearesolutionsettingthedateofsinedieadjournmenthadnotbeenconsideredbytheHouse,inhisopinion,itwasproperfornoticetobeservedforapossiblemotiontoreconsiderwithoutrequiringthatsuchmotionbetakenupimmediately.1 Precedent – ItistheprecedentoftheHousethatthedateofearlysinedieadjournmentwillbedeterminedbytheHouseandthatapplicabledeadlineswithinHouseRuleswillbecalculatedonthebasisofanestablisheddateforsinedieadjournment. 1Okla.H.Jour.,1426-1428,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May20,2011);DailyH.
Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB935,00:37:59-00:51:11(May20,2011).SeealsoSCR20adoptedbytheHouseofRepresentativeslaterinthedayonMay20,2011.SCR20providedthatafterregularadjournmentonMay20,2011,eachchambercouldreconveneatanytimepriorto5:00p.m.onFriday,May27,2011,theconstitutionallyrequireddateofsinedieadjournment,uponthemutualagreementofthePresidentProTemporeoftheSenateandtheSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentativesandwithatleasttwenty-four(24)hoursofnotice.
429
PRECEDENTS for
RULE FOURTEEN RULES
§ 14.1 SUSPENSION OR AMENDMENT OF
RULES 14.1 - 1. (2010) Previous Rule Suspension Still
Effective After Temporary Postponement of Question Rule –HouseRule14.1,paragraph(c)states:Two-thirds (2/3) of the Members elected to and constituting the House may suspend the Rules, or a portion thereof, but a motion for that purpose shall be decided without debate.
House Precedents
430
History –The2ndConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill481whichhadbeentemporarilypostponedwascalledupforfurtherconsideration.1RepresentativeKieselraisedapointofinquiryastowhetheritwasnecessarytosuspendHouseRule9.3(b)againinordertocontinueconsiderationofthe2ndConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill481.ThepresidingofficerruledthatanadditionalsuspensionofHouseRule9.3(b)wasnotnecessaryinordertoproceedwithconsiderationoftheconferencecommitteereport.2Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatonceaHouseruleissuspended,thesameruledoesnotneedtobesuspendedasecondtimewhenthequestiontowhichthesuspensionisincidentalistakenupagainafterbeingtemporarilypostponed.14.1 - 2. (2012) Applicability of Rule Suspension
over Multiple Days Rule –HouseRule14.1,paragraph(c)states: Two-thirds (2/3) of the members elected to and constituting the House may suspend the Rules, or a portion thereof, but a motion for that purpose shall be decided without debate.
History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill2220onTuesday,February28,2012,RepresentativeFaught,themeasure’sauthor,requestedthatHouseBill2220bewithdrawnfrom
1Okla.H.Jour.,1864,1865,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May28,2010).2Okla.H.Jour.,1900,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May28,2010);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,52ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,8:14:10-8:14:42(May28,2010).
Rule 14. Precedents
431
furtherconsideration.Onthenextday,HouseBill2220wascalledupforfurtherconsideration.RepresentativeInmanraisedapointoforderastowhereintheHouseRulesitstatesthatamotiontosuspendaHouseRuleremainsineffectfromonelegislativedaytothenext.ThepresidingofficerreferencedHouseRule14.1,paragraph(c),statingthattheHousehadvotedtosuspendHouseRule9.6,paragraph(c),the“twominuterule”,throughtheremainderofRepresentativeFaught’ssunsetreviewbillspublishedontheFloorCalendaronthepreviousday3andthatthesuspension,asadopted,remainedineffectfortheSunsetReviewbillsonthelistfromthepreviousday.RepresentativeInmanappealedtherulingofthepresidingofficerwhichwasuphelduponarollcallvote.4Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthattheHousemayadoptarulesuspensionthatremainsineffectovermultipledays.Reasoning –Insubstance,themotioninquestionwasthattheHousesuspendHouseRule9.6,paragraph(c),the“twominuterule”,fortheremainderofthe“sunsetreviewbills”availableontheFloorCalendarforTuesday,February28,2012andtobepresentedbyRepresentativeFaught.TheHousemayadoptamotiontosuspendrulesthathasavarietyofterms,conditionsandqualifiersincludedinthemotion.
3Okla.H.Jour.,324,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.28,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,02:17:20-02:20:25(Feb.28,2012).4Okla.H.Jour.,342-343,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.29,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,01:23:50-01:41:20(Feb.29,2012).
House Precedents
432
Themotionasadoptedsuspendedthe“twominuterule”forafinitenumberofbillsofaspecifictype.BecausethetermsofthemotionwerenotfullysatisfiedonTuesday,February28,meaningthatforlackoftime,theHousedidnotconsiderallofthesunsetbillsavailableontheFloorCalendarontheTuesdaythatweretobepresentedbyRepresentativeFaught,theHouse,onWednesday,February29,properlyproceededwithconsiderationoftheremaining“sunsetbills”underthetermsofthemotionadoptedonthepreviousday.14.1 - 3. (2013) Qualified Motion to Suspend Rules
in Order Rule –HouseRule14.1,paragraph(c)states:Two-thirds (2/3) of the members elected to and constituting the House may suspend the Rules, or a portion thereof, but a motion for that purpose shall be decided without debate. History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill408,RepresentativeSheltonmovedtosuspendSections8.6and8.11ofHouseRulesforthepurposeofconsideringtwountimelyflooramendmentsandforthepurposeofsuspendingtherequirementthatproposedamendmentsbegermanetothesubjectofthemeasureunderconsideration.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointofinquiryastowhethertheHousewouldhavetovotetosuspendtheHouseRulesontwoseparateoccasionsinordertoindividuallyconsiderthetwountimelyamendments.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatwhenofferinghismotion,RepresentativeSheltonqualifiedhismotiontosuspendHouseRulesasbeingforthepurposeofallowingconsiderationoftwountimelyamendmentsandforthepurposeofavoidingthe
Rule 14. Precedents
433
germanenessrequirementandassuch,onevotetosuspendHouseRuleswouldbesufficient.RepresentativeSheltonpressedadoptionofhismotiontosuspendSections8.6,and8.11ofHouseRules,whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.5Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthataqualifiedmotiontosuspendmorethanonerequirementinHouseRulesatthesametimeisinorder.Reasoning –ThereasoningrelieduponinthisrulingisthesameasthatrelieduponinHousePrecedent14.1-2,“ApplicabilityofRuleSuspensionoverMultipleDays”from2012,whichholdsthat“[t]heHousemayadoptamotiontosuspendrulesthathasavarietyofterms,conditionsandqualifiersincludedinthemotion.”6Todoso,complieswiththeprinciplesofgeneralparliamentarylaw.714.1 – 4. (2018) Motions to Suspend Rules to Allow
for Amendments to Senate Amendments Not in Order Rule –HouseRule14.1,paragraph(c)states:
5Okla.H.Jour.,1105-1106,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April25,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB408,02:09:47-02:14:45(April25,2013).6Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§14.1(2.),53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(Feb.29,2012);seealsoOkla.H.Jour.,1140,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May26,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,1:07:14-1:08:03(May26,2016),presidingofficerentertainedmotiontosuspendHouseRulesapplicabletomorethanonebill.7Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure210-212§§279,281-282(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).
House Precedents
434
Two-thirds (2/3) of the members elected to and constituting the House may suspend the Rules, or a portion thereof, but a motion for that purpose shall be decided without debate. The motion shall include the specific rule to be suspended.
History –DuringtheconsiderationofSenateAmendmentstoHouseBill1014XX,RepresentativePerrymanmovedtosuspendHouseRulesforthepurposesofsubmittinganuntimelyfiledflooramendment.RepresentativeDustinRobertsmovedtotableRepresentativePerryman’smotiontosuspendHouseRules.Priortothevoteonthemotiontotable,RepresentativeStoneraisedaPointofOrderstatingamotiontosuspendHouseRuleswasnotsubjecttotable.PriortoarulingfromtheChair,RepresentativePerrymanmovedtosuspendJointRulestoallowaJointCommitteeonAppropriationsandBudgetmeasuretobeamendedontheHouseFloor.TheChairruledthattheonlyprocedureavailabletotheHousewastoeitheracceptorrejectSenateAmendmentstoHouseBill1014XXandthatthereisnoprocedurethatcouldotherwisebefollowedevenifthemotiontosuspendJointRuleswereadopted.RepresentativePerrymanappealedtherulingoftheChair.RepresentativePfeiffermovedtotabletheappealandthatmotionwasadoptedbytheHouse.8
8Okla.H.Jour.,1593-1595,56thLeg.,2ndSpec.Sess.(April17,2018);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,56thLeg.,2ndSpec.Sess.,SB1114,11:14:15-11:50:35(April17,2018).
Rule 14. Precedents
435
Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatmotionstosuspendHouseorJointRulesthatwouldamendmeasuresthathavebeenpreviouslyamendedbytheSenatetobeoutoforder.TheonlyprocedurethatisapplicableiseithertheacceptanceorrejectionofSenateAmendments.§ 14.2 PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITIES 14.2 - 1. (2007) Constitutional Rulings 9 14.2 - 1A. (2009) Constitutionality of Measure’s
Title 10 14.2 - 2. (2009) Authority to Publish Rulings of the
Chair11 14.2 - 3. (2011) House Rules Prevail in Conflict
with Parliamentary Authority
9Codified:seeSection9.2,paragraph(i)ofHouseRulesforthe55thand56thOklahomaLegislatures(2015-2018).Priortothe55thOklahomaLegislature(2015-2016),thisprecedentwasdenotedasHP14.2-1.(2007)ConstitutionalRulings.10Codified:seeSection9.2,paragraph(i)ofHouseRulesforthe55thand56thOklahomaLegislatures(2015-2018).Priortothe55thOklahomaLegislature(2015-2016),thisprecedentwasdenotedasHP14.2-1A.(2009)ConstitutionalityofMeasure’sTitle.11Modified:seeSection14.2ofHouseRulesforthe54ththrough56thOklahomaLegislatures(2013-2018).Section14.2requirestheSpeakertopublish“substantive”rulingsoftheChairandremovesthepreviouslyalloweddiscretiontopublishsuchrulings.Notably,asmentionedinthe“reasoning”relieduponinthisPrecedent,itwouldstillbeoutoforderforthepresidingofficertoentertainamotionwhichwouldcausearulingoftheChairtobe
House Precedents
436
Rule –HouseRule14.2,paragraph(a)states:Any parliamentary questions not provided for by the Oklahoma Constitution or these Rules shall be governed by the ruling of the Speaker. The Speaker may publish these substantive rulings in a volume of precedents. In making his or her ruling, the Speaker may rely upon, but is not bound by, these published rulings or other parliamentary authorities, including, but not limited to, the 2000 edition of Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure. History –DuringconsiderationofHouseBill2170,RepresentativeMcPeakmovedtosuspendJointRules7.13,paragraph(d)and7.14,paragraph(d)forthepurposeofrejectingtheJointCommitteeReport(JCR)onHouseBill2170withinstructions.SpeakerSteelemovedtotabletheMcPeakmotion.RepresentativeMorrissettethenraisedapointoforderpursuanttoSection282ofMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedureastowhetherthemotiontotableapendingmotiontosuspendjointruleswasinorder.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatHouseRulesgoverntheprocedureswithintheHouseofRepresentativesandthatpursuanttoSection10.1ofHouserules,themotiontotableisapriormotionbecauseitisaprivilegedmotionwhilethemotiontosuspendJointRulesisanincidentalmotion.Assuch,thepresidingofficerruledthepointnotwelltakenandthetablingmotioninorder.12 placedinthe“bookofprecedents”inamanneroutsideoftheprocedureestablishedbySection14.2ofHouseRules.12Okla.H.Jour.,1287,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May13,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB2170,02:20:53-02:23:10(May13,2011);Okla.H.Jour.,1376,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May18,2011);DailyH.
Rule 14. Precedents
437
Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatwhenaconflictexistsbetweenaprovisionwithinHouseRulesandaprovisioninMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure,theHouserulecontrols.14.2 - 4. (2012) Authority and Effect of House
Precedents Rule –HouseRule14.2,paragraph(a)states:Any parliamentary questions not provided for by the Oklahoma Constitution or these Rules shall be governed by the ruling of the Speaker. The Speaker may publish these substantive rulings in a volume of precedents. In making his or her ruling, the Speaker may rely upon, but is not bound by, these published rulings or
Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SAstoHB1223,02:27:20-02:41:34(May18,2011).InthecourseofconsideringHouseResolution1003,proposedHouseRulesforthe54thOklahomaLegislature(2013-2014),RepresentativeBrownraisedapointofinquiryregardingapotentialconflictbetweentheproposedHouseRulesandtherulesineffectforthepreviousbiennium.RepresentativeBrownraisedasecondpointregardingapotentialconflictbetweentheproposedHouseRulesandMason’sManual.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatitisuptotheHousedecidewhethertoadopttheproposedrulesandthatwhenaconflictarisesbetweentheHouseRulesandMason’sManual,theHouseRulestakeprecedence,seeOkla.H.Jour.,234,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.4,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HR1003,02:29:28-02:30:45(Feb.4,2013);seeOkla.H.Jour.,1097,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May23,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1602,3:41:17-3:50:34(May23,2016),whenconflictexistsbetweenJointRulesandMason’sManual,JointRulestakeprecedence;presidingofficercanimmediatelyresorttogeneralparliamentarylawwhennoHouseruleisonpoint,Okla.H.Jour.,1139,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May26,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,1:04:39-1:05:34(May26,2016).
House Precedents
438
other parliamentary authorities, including, but not limited to, the 2000 edition of Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure.
History –RepresentativeReynoldsmovedtosuspendHouseRule9.2,paragraph(a)forthepurposeofallowingimmediateconsiderationofSenateBill1433.ThepresidingofficerruledthatpursuanttoHousePrecedent9.2-1(2005)motionsplacingnewbusinessbeforetheHousemustbescheduledthroughtheMajorityFloorLeaderandthatpursuanttoHousePrecedent9.2-5(2009),theMajorityFloorLeaderdeterminesthedaily,legislativeschedule.Assuch,theReynoldsmotionwasruledoutoforder.13RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointofinquiryastowhethertheeffectoftherulingwastopreventanynewitemofbusinessfrombeingbroughtupbeforetheHouse.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatitisthecustomoftheHousefortheMajorityFloorLeadertoschedulemotionsplacingnewbusinessbeforetheHouse.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointofinquiryastowhethertheHousePrecedentsestablishedinpreviousyearsremainedrelevanttocurrentHouseRules.ThepresidingofficerstatedthattherelevantHouseRuleshadnotchangedandthatHousePrecedentsaremerelyarecordofactionspreviouslytakenbytheHouse.RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointofinquiryastowhetheramotionproperlyscheduledthroughtheMajorityFloorLeadermustbeentertained.
13Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§9.2(1.),50thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April7,2005);Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§9.2(5.),52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March12,2009).
Rule 14. Precedents
439
ThepresidingofficerstatedthatamotionplacingnewbusinessbeforetheHousemustbescheduledbytheMajorityFloorLeaderforconsiderationpriortoadjournmentonthatsameday,exceptthatitisthecustomoftheHousefortheMajorityFloorLeadertoschedulethedaily,legislativebusinessoftheHouse.RepresentativeReynoldsmovedtoappealtherulingofthepresidingofficerbutfailedtoreceivetherequiredfifteen(15)seconds.14Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatHousePrecedentsaresimplyarecordofactionspreviouslytakenbytheHouse.Reasoning –HousePrecedentsaremerelyarecordofanactionoractionspreviouslytakenbytheHouseofRepresentatives.ThepurposeofmaintainingawrittenrecordofHousePrecedentsistoaidtheHouseandchiefly,thepresidingofficerinrememberingwhatdecisionwaspreviouslymadeconcerningthesameorasimilarquestion.HousePrecedentsarenotbindingauthority.Theyshouldonlybeviewedaspersuasiveauthority.
14Okla.H.Jour.,1000-1001,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April25,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SAstoHB2155,04:55:06-05:12:30(April25,2012).
House Precedents
440
PRECEDENTS for
JOINT RULE THREE AVAILABILITY OF LEGISLATION
(Joint Rule) 3 - 1. (2013) Layover Requirement Applicable to Senate Amendments (SAs) Rule – JointRule3states: Neither chamber of the Oklahoma Legislature shall consider legislation unless said legislation has been made available on a previous legislative day to the members of the chamber then having custody of the measure.
Joint Rule 3. – Precedents
441
History – DuringconsiderationoftheSenateamendmentstoHouseBill1661,RepresentativeSherrerraisedapointoforderastowhethertheSenateamendmentswereeligibleforconsiderationbytheHouse. ThepresidingofficerstatedthatbecausetheSenateamendmentshadbeenavailablesinceApril18,2013,theSenateamendmentswereinorderforconsiderationpursuanttoJointRule3.1Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatthelayoverrequirementsofJointRuleThreeareapplicabletoSenateamendments.Reasoning –TheSenateamendmentsinquestionwerebroughtupforconsiderationontheHouseFlooronTuesday,May14,2013,thefifty-eighthlegislativeday.Theapplicablerule,JointRuleThree,requiresthatlegislationbe“available”totheHouseona“previouslegislativeday”.Inpracticalterms,thismeanstheSenateamendmentstoHouseBill1661couldhavebeenbroughtupforconsiderationontheHouseFloorasearlyasMonday,April22,2013,theforty-fifthlegislativeday.Theirconsiderationnearlyamonthlater,withoutquestion,fulfilledtherequirementsofJointRuleThree.
1Okla.H.Jour.,1256,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May14,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SAstoHB1661,00:20:12-00:31:13(May14,2013);SenateAmendments(SAs)needonlybepublishedonapreviouslegislativedayrathertwenty-four(24)hourspriortoconsiderationontheHouseFloor,Okla.H.Jour.,1000,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April29,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SAstoHB2914,00:55:35-00:58:00(April29,2014);Okla.H.Jour.,1000,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April29,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SAstoHB2914,00:55:35-00:58:00(April29,2014).
House Precedents
442
(Joint Rule) 3 - 2. (2013) Layover Requirement Not Applicable to Motion to Reject with Instructions Rule – JointRule3states: Neither chamber of the Oklahoma Legislature shall consider legislation unless said legislation has been made available on a previous legislative day to the members of the chamber then having custody of the measure. History – RepresentativeWrightmovedtorejecttheConferenceCommitteeReportonSenateBill1030andrequestfurtherconferencewithinstructions. RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderastowhetherfurtherconsiderationofthemotiontorejectwithinstructionswasinorderpursuanttoJointRule3. ThepresidingofficerruledthatthemotiontorejectaconferencecommitteereportwithinstructionswasaproceduralmotionandthereforedidnotfallunderthepurviewofJointRule3.2Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatthelayoverrequirementofJointRule3isnotapplicabletoamotiontorejectaconferencecommitteereportwithinstructions.
2Okla.H.Jour.,1366,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May23,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,CCRtoSB1030,06:36:40-06:38:21(May23,2013).
443
PRECEDENTS for
JOINT RULE FOUR JOINT COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
AND BUDGET1
§ JOINT RULE 4.4 NOTICE OF MEETINGS (Joint Rule) 4.4 - 1. (2011) Modification of Meeting
Notice Requirement2
1TheconceptoftheJOINTCOMMITTEEONAPPROPRIATIONSANDBUDGET,wasoriginallyadoptedinSenateConcurrentResolution4,53rdOklahomaLegislature(2011-2012),asJOINTRULESEVEN.AsimilarconceptwasadoptedinSenateConcurrentResolution7,55thOklahomaLegislature(2015-2016),asJOINTRULEFOUR.2Thisprecedent,(JointRule)4.4-1.(2011)ModificationofMeetingNoticeRequirement,wasoriginallynumberedas(JointRule)7.4-1.(2011),asaninterpretationofSection7.4ofJOINTRULESEVEN,adoptedinSenateConcurrentResolution4,53rdOklahomaLegislature(2011-2012).
House Precedents
444
Rule – JointRule4.4states: Unless otherwise established by agreement between the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, twenty-four (24) hours of notice to the public shall be provided for meetings of the Joint Committee whether such meetings shall be held jointly or separately. History –RepresentativeSearsmovedadoptionoftheJointCommitteeReportonHouseBill2170. RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwasappropriatetoconsideradoptionoftheJointCommitteeReportonHouseBill2170statingthatthepresidingofficerhadruledpreviouslythatasuspensionoftheruleswasrequiredtochangethepublicnoticerequirementsformeetingsoftheJointCommitteeonAppropriationsandBudget. Thepresidingofficerstatedthatthepreviousinquirypertainedtothemannerofsuspendingajointrule.3 Thepresidingofficer’sresponsetothepreviousinquirydidnotaddresstheprovisionwhichallowstheSpeakeroftheHouseandthePresidentProTemporeoftheSenatetomodifythemeetingtimesoftheJointCommitteeonAppropriationsandBudget. RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwasappropriatetoconsideradoptionoftheJointCommitteeReportonHouseBill2170becausetheannouncedmeetingtimeoftheJointCommitteeonAppropriationsandBudgetwas
3DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,00:55:59-00:56:51(May12,2011).
Joint Rule 4. – Precedents
445
revisedandtheJointCommitteeconvenedwithouttwenty-four(24)hoursofpublicnoticeasrequiredbyJointRule4.4.4 ThepresidingofficerstatedthatSection4.45oftheJointRulespermitstheSpeakeroftheHouseandthePresidentProTemporeoftheSenatetomodifypublicnoticerequirementsformeetingsoftheJointCommitteeonAppropriationsandBudgetandruledthepointnotwelltaken. RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderastotheexistenceofsuchanagreementbetweentheSpeakeroftheHouseandthePresidentProTemporeoftheSenate.Thepresidingofficerreferencedane-mailpublishedbytheSpeakerandruledthattheChairwouldrelyupontherepresentationsoftheSpeakeroftheHouse. RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderastothemethodusedbytheSpeakertoarriveatsuchanagreementandwasnotrecognizedbythepresidingofficer.Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatintheeventthemeetingtimeoftheJointCommitteeonAppropriationsandBudgetismodifiedbyagreementbetweentheSpeakeroftheHouseandthePresidentProTemporeoftheSenate,theChairwillrelyontherepresentationsoftheSpeakerthatsuchanagreementinfactexists.
4Seesuprafootnotes3and4.Okla.H.Jour.,1286,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May13,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,JCRtoHB2170,00:41:17-00:46:51(May13,2011);seealsoOkla.J.Rules,§7.5(53rdLeg.).5Seesuprafootnotes3and4.
House Precedents
446
(Joint Rule) 4.4 - 2. (2014) Question of Proper Notice of Committee Meeting Not to be Raised Prospectively on House Floor but rather with Chair at Time of Committee Meeting Rule – JointRule4.4states: Unless otherwise established by agreement between the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, twenty-four (24) hours of notice to the public shall be provided for meetings of the Joint Committee whether such meetings shall be held jointly or separately. History – AttheconclusionofLegislativeDay59,RepresentativeDormanraisedapointofinquiryastowhether,pursuanttoJointRule4.4,theHousehadreceivedspecialleavefromthePresidentProTemporeoftheSenatefortheJointCommitteeonAppropriationsandBudgettomeetwithlessthantwenty-four(24)hoursofnotice. Thepresidingofficerruledthatpriortothetimeacommitteeisconvened,thequestionofwhetherpropernoticeforafuturemeetingwasprovidedisnotanissueforthepresidingofficertodecideontheHouseFloorandthatthequestionofpropernoticemustberaisedwiththeChairofthecommitteeinthecommitteemeetingatthetimeanattemptismadetohearabillthatthememberbelievestobeinviolationoftherule.ThepresidingofficerconcludedbystatingthattheChairwillnotruleprospectivelyonapossiblefutureviolationoftheJointRules.6
6Okla.H.Jour.,1120,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May16,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,[pt.ofref.HR1067],00:45:49-00:48:11(May16,2014).
Joint Rule 4. – Precedents
447
Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatpriortothetimetheJointCommitteeonAppropriationsandBudgetisconvened,thequestionofwhetherpropernoticeforafuturemeetingwasprovidedisnotanissuetobedecidedprospectivelybythepresidingofficerontheHouseFloorbutrathermustberaisedwiththechairofthecommitteeatthetimeofthecommitteemeetinginquestion.
§ JOINT RULE 4.11 RECOMMENDATIONS7 (Joint Rule) 4.11 - 1. (2011) Cognizance of
Jurisdictional Question by the Chair8 Rule –JointRule4.11,9paragraph(d)states: No measure shall be recommended by the Joint Committee to the chamber of origin which does not have a fiscal impact. A fiscal impact may arise from provisions affecting revenues or expenditures or from provisions giving rise to a fiscal impact upon any governmental subdivision of the State of Oklahoma. History –RepresentativePetersmovedtoreconsiderthevotewherebyHouseBill2184passed.RepresentativeHickmanmovedtotablethePetersmotion.
7Seesuprafootnote3.8Thisprecedent,(JointRule)4.11-1.(2011)ModificationofMeetingNoticeRequirement,wasoriginallynumberedas(JointRule)7.11-1.(2011),asaninterpretationofSection7.11ofJOINTRULESEVEN,adoptedinSenateConcurrentResolution4.9Seesuprafootnote3.
House Precedents
448
RepresentativeTerrillthenraisedapointoforderastowhether,pursuanttoJointRule4.11,paragraph(d),10itwaspropertoconsiderHouseBill2184becausethepublishedfiscalanalysisstatedthattherewasnofiscalimpactonthemeasure. ThepresidingofficerstatedthatthequestionofwhetherameasurereportedfromtheJointCommitteeonAppropriationsandBudgethasafiscalimpactisajurisdictionalquestion,pursuanttoJointRule4.11,paragraph(d),11andthatuponamotiontoreconsiderthemeasurethemainquestionwouldagainbeunderconsiderationthusallowingthepresidingofficertoreviewsuchaquestion. Thepresidingofficerstatedthatthependingmotionwasthemotiontotableandthatuponfailureofthemotiontotable,themotiontoreconsiderwouldagainbebeforetheHouseandatthattimethepresidingofficerwouldtakecognizanceofthejurisdictionalquestion. RepresentativeHickmanpressedhismotiontotablethePetersreconsiderationmotion,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponadivisionofthequestion.12Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthattheChairwillnottakecognizanceofajurisdictionalquestionpertainingtoamainquestionuntilthemainquestionitselfisbeforetheHouseforconsideration.
10Ibid. 11Ibid.12Okla.H.Jour.,1363,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May18,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,JCRHB2184,01:46:10-02:03:55(May18,2011).
Joint Rule 4. – Precedents
449
(Joint Rule) 4.11 - 2. (2016) JCAB Bills must have Fiscal Impact Discernable in Written Analysis
Rule –JointRule4.11,paragraph(d)states: No measure shall be recommended by the Joint Committee to the chamber of origin which does not have a fiscal impact. A fiscal impact may arise from provisions affecting revenues or expenditures or from provisions giving rise to a fiscal impact upon any governmental subdivision of the State of Oklahoma. History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill1602,RepresentativeProctorraisedapointoforderastowhetherSenateBill1602mettherequirementsofJointRule4.11,paragraph(d)requiringthatmeasuresreportedfromtheJointCommitteeonAppropriationsandBudget(JCAB)haveafiscalimpact.ThepresidingofficerruledthattheChairwasunable,basedonthewrittenfiscalanalysis,todeterminewhetherafiscalimpactactuallyexistedanddirectedthatthemeasurebelaidover.13Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatameasurereportedfromtheJointCommitteeonAppropriationsandBudget(JCAB)
13Okla.H.Jour.,1086,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May20,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1602,11:17:00-1:22:28(May20,2016);seealsoOkla.H.Jour.,1097,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May23,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1602,4:06:09-4:08:26(May23,2016),norequirementexistedthatwrittenfiscalanalysisstateadollaramountbutratherthatonlytheexistenceofafiscalimpactwasrequired.
House Precedents
450
musthaveafiscalimpactthatisdiscernablefromthewrittenfiscalanalysisaccompanyingthemeasureinquestion.Reasoning – TherulinginthiscasemustbedistinguishedfromanearlierrulingrecordedinHousePrecedent7.11-4.(2009).14IntheearlierprecedenttheChairruledthatappropriationmeasuresdonotneedtobeaccompaniedbyapublishedfiscalanalysisbecausethefiscalimpactofsuchabillisplainonitsface.Thereasoningmemorializedintheearlierprecedentremainsapplicableinthecaseoftrueappropriationbillswhichcontainliterallynothingmorethananappropriationoffundsobviouswithinthebillitself.Inthisinstance,SenateBill1602,althoughreportedoutofJCAB,wasnotanactualappropriationbillbutratherameasurethatifpassedintolawwouldresultinameasurablefiscalimpactonthestatebudget.BecauseabillmusthaveafiscalimpacttobereportedfromJCAB,15therulinginthiscase,inessence,wasthatwhenabillisreportedfromJCABthatisnotatrueappropriationbill,itmusthaveawrittenfiscalanalysisthatestablishesthebillinfacthasafiscalimpactasrequiredbythejointrule.16 § JOINT RULE 4.14 CONSIDERATION IN THE
OPPOSITE CHAMBER (Joint Rule) 4.14 - 1. (2016) Consideration of
JCAB Bill by Section Out of Order due to Prohibition against Floor Amendments
14Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§7.11(4.),52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May20,2009). 15 Okla.J.Rules,§4.11(d)(55thLeg.).16Id.
Joint Rule 4. – Precedents
451
Rule –JointRule4.14,paragraph(d)states: No bill or resolution receiving a recommendation from the Joint Committee of “Do Pass” or “Do Pass, As Amended” shall be subject to amendment. History –DuringconsiderationofSenateBill1602,RepresentativePerrymanraisedapointoforderaskingwhetherpursuanttoMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedureitwasinordertorequestthatthepresidingofficerdivideSenateBill1602intomultiplepartsforconsiderationofthoseindividualpartsbecauseSenateBill1602containedmultiplesubjects.ThepresidingofficerrespondedthattheapplicablerulewasfoundinSection4.14,paragraph(d)ofJointRuleswhichprohibitsamendmentofmeasuresreportedoutoftheJointCommitteeonAppropriationsandBudget(JCAB)andthattoallowconsiderationofthemeasuresectionbysectionwouldpotentiallyresultinamendmentofthemeasureontheHouseFloorwhichisprohibited.17Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatconsiderationofaJCABmeasurebysectionisoutoforderduetotheprohibitionagainstamendingsuchmeasuresontheHouseFloor.
17Okla.H.Jour.,1097,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(May23,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SB1602,3:41:17-3:49:47(May23,2016).
453
PRECEDENTS for
JOINT RULE FIVE CONFERENCE COMMITTEES
§ JOINT RULE 5.1 PROCEDURES (Joint Rule) 5.1 - 1. (2011) Rejection of Senate
Amendments (SAs) not Permitted after Internal House Deadline1 Rule –JointRule8.1,paragraph(a)statesinrelevantpart:2 When a bill or resolution is returned by either chamber to the other with amendments, and the chamber where the bill or resolution originated refuses to concur in said amendments, a
1Publishedpriorto54thOklahomaLegislature(2013-2014)asHP(JointRule)8.1-1.(2011)RejectionOfSenateAmendments(SAs)NotPermittedAfterInternalHouseDeadline.2RenumberedasJOINTRULEFIVEinJointRules,54ththrough56thOklahomaLegislatures(2013-2018).
House Precedents
454
conference, by a majority vote of those present and voting, may be requested…
History –SenateAmendmentstoHouseBill1223werecalledupforconsideration. RepresentativeMcCulloughmovedthattheHouseadopttheSenateAmendmentstoHouseBill1223,whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote. RepresentativeMcCulloughthenmovedtorejecttheSenateAmendmentstoHouseBill1223,whichmotionwasnotrecognizedpursuanttotheinternaldeadlineestablishedbytheSpeakeroftheHouseformotionstorejectSenateAmendmentstoHousemeasuresandrequestconference.RepresentativeBlackwellmovedtosuspendHouseRulesforthepurposeofallowingconsiderationofamotiontorejecttheSenateAmendmentstoHouseBill1223,whichmotionwasnotrecognized.3Ruling –ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatamotiontorejectSenateAmendments(SAs)willnotberecognizedafterthedeadlinecustomarilyestablishedbytheSpeakeroftheHouse.Explanation –ItisthecustomandpracticeoftheHouseofRepresentativesfortheSpeakertopublishamemorandumestablishingaspecificdeadlineforprincipalHouseauthorsto
3Okla.H.Jour.,1257,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May10,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SAHB1223,00:10:18-00:48:27(May10,2011).
Joint Rule 5. – Precedents
455
movetorejectSenateAmendmentsandmaketheirinitialrequestforconferencewiththeSenate.4Asuccessfulmotionto“rejectSenateAmendmentsandrequestconference”withtheoppositechamberisaprerequisitetotheconferencecommitteeprocessintheOklahomaLegislature.5Oncethedeadlinepasses,SenateAmendmentsmayonlybe“accepted”butnot“rejected”thuslimitingthelateentryofbillsintotheconferenceprocess.Thisreflectsanon-goingpracticebytheSpeakersoftheHouseintendedtopreventaninsurmountable“pile-up”ofbillsimmediatelypriortotherequiredtimeofsinedieadjournment.6
4TheSpeakerelectronicallypublishedamemorandumonWednesday,April6,2011,establishingtheinternalHousedeadlineforrejectionofSenateAmendments(SAs)toHousemeasures.AremindercontainingthesamedeadlineandinstructionswassentbytheSpeaker’sofficeviae-mailtotheHouseofRepresentativesonMonday,May2,2011.5Okla.J.Rules,§8.1(53rdLeg.).6OKCONSTV,26.
457
PRECEDENTS for
JOINT RULE EIGHT ADOPTION, AMENDMENT OR SUSPENSION
OF JOINT RULES
(Joint Rule) 8 – 1. (2016) Chair will not Take Cognizance of Whether Senate is Convened When Entertaining Motion to Suspend Joint Rules Rule – JointRule8statesinparagraph(b): Any Joint Rule or a portion thereof, except such joint rules as are expressions of requirements contained within the Oklahoma Constitution, may be suspended by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the membership of each chamber. History – DuringconsiderationofSenateJointResolution68,RepresentativeSherrermovedtosuspendJointRule7(b)(5)
House Precedents
458
forthepurposeofallowingconsiderationofSenateJointResolution68aftertheThirdReadingdeadline. RepresentativeBiggsraisedapointoforderastowhethertheSherrermotiontosuspendtheJointRuleswasinorderduetothefactthattheSenatehadalreadyadjournedfortheday,towhichthepresidingofficerrespondedthattheChaircouldnotspeaktoactionsoftheSenatebutthatthemotiontosuspendJointRuleswaspresentlyinorder.1Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatthepresidingofficerwillnottakecognizanceofwhethertheSenateisconvenedinsessionwhenentertainingamotiontosuspendjointrules.
1Okla.H.Jour.,888,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April21,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SJR68,4:35:34–4:37:59(April21,2016).
459
GENERAL PRECEDENTS
GP - 1. (2012) Measure Lacking Express Effective
Date1 History – DuringconsiderationofHouseBill3053,RepresentativeRousselotraisedapointoforderastowhetherHouseBill3053wasinorderforconsiderationbecausethemeasuredidnotcontainaneffectivedateoremergencyclause. ThepresidingofficerstatedthatthetimingofwhenabillgoesintoeffectisgovernedbytheOklahomaConstitutionandbecausethebilldidnotcontainaneffectivedate,thedefaulteffectivedatewouldbeninety(90)daysaftersinedieadjournmentasprescribedbytheOklahomaConstitution.TheChairalsotooknoticeofthefactthatnumerousotherbillshadbeenpassedwithoutanexpresseffectivedate.RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderastowhethertherulingmadebytheChairwasaconstitutionalruling.
1Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asGP-4.(2012)MeasureLackingExpressEffectiveDate.
House Precedents
460
ThepresidingofficerstatedthattheChair’sresponsetoRepresentativeRousselot’spreviouspointoforderwasinformationalandasinpreviousinstanceswhereconstitutionalquestionswereraisedregardingtheformatofabill,theChairwouldnotweighinonsuchquestionsanditwouldbeuptotheHousetodecidewhethertopassthebillasdrafted.RepresentativeMorrissetteappealedtherulingofthepresidingofficerwhichwasuphelduponrollcallvote.2Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatabillwithoutanexpresseffectivedatebecomeseffectiveninety(90)daysaftersinedieadjournment.GP - 2. (2013) Possession by House Required
before Final Vote on Bill may be Rescinded3 History – DuringthedailysessiononMonday,May13,2013,RepresentativeInmanrenewedapointofordersimilartothoseraisedonThursday,May9,2013,regardingthevoteonHouseBill2301.4Inthecourseoftheinterchangewiththepresidingofficer,RepresentativeInmanmovedtorescindthevotewherebyHouseBill2301hadpreviouslypassed,whichmotionwasruledoutoforderbecausethemeasurehadalreadybeen
2 Okla.H.Jour.,503-504,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March8,2012);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,HB3053,01:12:27-01:26:00;01:26:05-01:41:25(March8,2012). 3Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asGP-8.(2013)PossessionbyHouseRequiredbeforeFinalVoteonBillmaybeRescinded.4Okla.H.Jour.,1226,1228,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May9,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HB2301,03:58:53-03:59:25;03:59:32-04:00:11;04:27:05-04:27:49(May9,2013).
General Precedents
461
engrossedtotheSenateandwasnolongerinthepossessionoftheHouseofRepresentatives.RepresentativeInmanthenmovedtorequestthattheHonorableSenatereturnHouseBill2301totheHouseforfurtherconsideration,whichmotionwasrecognizedbythepresidingofficer.5Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatamotiontorescindisnotinorderwhenthemeasureinquestionisnotinpossessionoftheHouseofRepresentatives.Reasoning –OnceameasureisnolongerinpossessionoftheHouseofRepresentatives,duetotransmittaltotheSenate,6theGovernorortheSecretaryofState,theHousedoesnothaveauthoritytoproceedwithadditionalconsiderationofthatmeasure.7Inaccordancewithgeneralparliamentarylaw,therequestingchamberwouldfirstvotetosendamessagetotheopposite
5Okla.H.Jour.,1241-1243,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May13,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,locatedwithinvideorecordofHB1313,01:25:11-01:48:48(May13,2013).6Okla.H.Jour.,1229,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May9,2013).7Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure533§761(8)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010);cf.Okla.H.Jour.,1182,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(May18,2015);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,CCRtoSB502,02:34:22-02:41:26(May18,2015),measuremustbeinpossessionofHousetorescindprioractiontakenonmeasure;foradditionalexplanationoftheterm“possession”,seefootnoteno.50onpg.427,10.4–8.(2013)WithdrawalofMeasureafterFailedMotiontoAdoptConferenceCommitteeReport(CCR).
House Precedents
462
chamberaskingthatthemeasureinquestionbereturnedforadditionalconsideration.8Inthiscase,atthetimethemotiontorescindwasoffered,theSenatehadpossessionofHouseBill2301.9Tocontinueconsiderationofthebill,theHousehadnootheroptionbuttofirstattempttoregainpossessionofthebillfromtheSenate.Ifsuccessful,amotionproposingadditionalactiononthebillcouldthenbeproperlyrecognizedbythepresidingofficer.Thechamberreceivingsucharequest,thoughnotobligatedtodoso,10typicallyhasbeenwillingtocooperatewiththerequestingchamber,particularlyifthemeasureinquestionoriginatedinthechambermakingtherequest.11GP - 3. (2014) Modification of Vote Not Permitted
after Result Announced by Presiding Officer12 History –Duringthecustomarytimeallowedforintroductionsandannouncements,RepresentativeDormanrequestedunanimousconsentthathis‘Aye’vote,madeinfavorofthe
8Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure533§762(1)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).9AreviewoftherecordintheClerk’sofficeindicatesthatHouseBill2301wasreceivedbytheSenateshortlyafter5:28p.m.onThursday,May9,2013. 10Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure533§762(1)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).11Closenessintimetoabill’sdeliveryandreceiptprobablywouldhavesome
bearingonwhetherthechamberinpossessionwouldbewillingtoreturnthebilltotheoppositechamberuponrequest.12Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asGP-10.(2014)ModificationofVoteNotPermittedafterResultAnnouncedbyPresidingOfficer.
General Precedents
463
motiontotabletheamendmentproposedtoHouseBill2317,bereflectedasa‘Nay’voteintheHouseJournal.PriortothequestionbeingputtotheHouse,RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointoforderastowhethersucharequestwasinorder.ThepresidingofficerruledthepointwelltakenpursuanttoSection696,paragraph3ofMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure.13RepresentativeDormanthenrequestedunanimousconsentthattheHouseJournalreflectthatalthoughhehadvoted‘Aye’onthetablingmotion,hemeanttohavevoted‘Nay’onthemotion,towhichnoobjectionwasheard.14Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatamotionproposingtochangeamember’svoteaftertheresultisannouncedwillnotbeentertainedbythepresidingofficer.GP - 4. (2016) Successful Motion to Table
Amendment Similar in Effect to Final Action History –DuringconsiderationofSenateJointResolution68,RepresentativeInmanraisedapointoforderstatingthatpursuanttoSections65and398ofMason’sManualofLegislativeProceduretheactionoflayinganamendmentonthetabledidnotconstitutefinalactionontheamendment.
13Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure472§696(3)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).14Okla.H.Jour.,389-390,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(March3,2014);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,03:56:04-03:59:49(March3,2014).
House Precedents
464
Inresponse,thepresidingofficerreferencedSection337ofMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure15statingthatthepracticeoftheOklahomaHouseofRepresentativesistoconsiderasuccessfulmotiontotableasdispositiveasevidencedbythefactthattheOklahomaHousedoesnotrecognizeamotiontotakefromthetable.Thepointwasnotwelltaken.16Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatitistheestablishedcustomandpracticeoftheHousetoconsideranamendmentthatislaidonthetableashavingreceivedfinaladversedisposition.
15Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure234-235§337(paras.2,3)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010). 16Okla.H.Jour.,886,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April21,2016);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,55thLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.,SJR68,3:50:41-3:57:07(April21,2016).
465
ORGANIZATIONAL PRECEDENTS
ORGANIZATION OF THE HOUSE
OP - 1. (2016) Until Quorum Established Questions not Directly Related Out of Order History –AsrequiredbyArticleV,Section26oftheOklahomaConstitution,thepersonscertifiedbytheStateElectionBoardashavingwonelectiontotheHouseofRepresentativesfortheFifty-sixthOklahomaLegislatureassembledattheseatofgovernmentinthehalloftheHouseat12:00p.m.Representative-electBrumbaugh1calledtherepresentatives-electtoordertobeginorganizationoftheHouseofRepresentativesfortheFifty-sixthOklahomaLegislature.
1Followingatraditionevidentasearlyasthefirstlegislativesessionfollowingstatehood,seeOkla.H.Jour.,1,1stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Dec.2,1907),Representative-electDavidBrumbaugh,themajoritycaucuschairman,convenedtheorganizationalsessionoftheHouseofRepresentativesforthe56thOklahomaLegislature.
House Precedents
466
Aftertheinvocation,Representative-electEchols,themember-electchosenbySpeaker-electMcCall2toserveastheMajorityFloorLeader3fortheFirstRegularSessionoftheFifty-sixthOklahomaLegislature,offeredamotionproposingthatthelistprovidedtotheClerkoftheHousebytheSecretaryoftheStateElectionBoardlistingthepersonselectedtotheHouseofRepresentativesfortheFifty-sixthLegislaturebeacceptedasprimafacieevidenceofelectiontotheHouseofRepresentatives.Indoingso,Representative-electEcholsfollowedthemethodusedinrecentdecadesbythoseelectedtotheHouseofRepresentativestoestablishtheinitialquorumforconductingbusiness.4Representative-electPerrymanraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwasappropriatetoincludethenamesofmemberswhohadresignedorhadattemptedtoresignonthelist,towhichthepresidingofficerrespondedthatatpresentthemembers-electwereonlyestablishingthepresenceofa
2Aspeaker-electischosenbyeachpartycaucuspriortotheorganizationalsessiontostandasthechosenpartycandidatefortheconstitutionalofficeofSpeakeroftheHouse.Thespeaker-electcandidateselectedbytheminoritypartycaucuscustomarilygoesontoserveastheminorityleaderforthebiennium. 3Bytradition,thespeaker-electofthemajoritypartyannouncesthenameoftherepresentative-electchosenfortheroleofmajorityfloorleaderaheadoftheorganizationalday.Therepresentative-electsonamedasmajorityfloorleaderisresponsibleforassistingthemajoritycaucuschairwithmanagingtheprocessontheHouseFloorfororganizingtheHouseonorganizationalday. 4ThisreflectsthemethodreliedoninmoderntimesforinitiallyestablishingthepresenceofaquorumasconstitutionallyrequiredbyArticleV,Section30oftheOklahomaConstitution.
Organizational Precedents
467
quorumandthatissuesrelatedtotheformalseatingofamemberwouldneedtobetakenuplaterintheprocess.5Representative-electPerrymanraisedanadditionalpointoforderastowhethertheeffectoftheEcholsmotionwouldbemorethanjustestablishinganinitialquorumbutinsteadwouldcertifythoseindividualswhoseelectionshadbeencertifiedasformallyseatedmembersoftheHouse,towhichthepresidingofficerrespondedthatthemembers-electwereonlyestablishingthepresenceofaquorum.6ThepresidingofficerthenorderedtheClerktocalltherollofthemembers-electoftheHouseofRepresentativespursuanttothelistofrepresentatives-electprovidedbytheStateElectionBoard.TherollcallwascalledbytheClerkwithoutcallingthenameofRepresentative-electTomNewellwhohadpreviouslyresigned.ThenameofRepresentative-electKirbywasincludedintherollcall.Uponcompletionoftherollcall,theexistenceofaquorumwasestablished.7
5Thepointsoforderrecordedinthisprecedentarisefromtwodifferentsetsofcircumstancesinvolvingtworepresentatives-elect,whobasedontheStateElectionBoard’slist,wonelectiontotheHouseofRepresentativesintheNovember8,2016generalelection.One,Representative-electTomNewellwonelectiontoHouseDistrict28andresignedpriorto“organizationalday”,January3,2017,filingaletterofirrevocableresignationpursuantto26O.S.§12-119.Theother,Representative-electDanKirbywonelectiontoHouseDistrict75.InDecember,priorto“organizationalday”,January3,2017,Representative-electKirbysubmittedaresignationlettertoSpeaker-electCharlesMcCallbutwithoutcomplyingwiththerequirementsof26O.S.§12-119.LaterinDecember2016,butpriortotheorganizationalday”inJanuary2017,Representative-electKirbysentasecondlettertoSpeaker-electMcCallrescindinghispreviouslysubmittedletterofresignation.6Okla.H.Jour.,2,56thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Jan.3,2017);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,56thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,12:03:27-12:06:08(Jan.3,2017).7Id.
House Precedents
468
Ruling – Itistherulingofthepresidingofficerthatonorganizationaldaymattersnotdirectlyrelatedtoestablishingthepresenceofaquorumarenottobetakenupbeforeaninitialquorumisestablished.Reasoning – TheOklahomaConstitutioninArticleV,Section30requiresthepresenceofaquorumtodobusinessintheHouseofRepresentatives.Thus,whentherepresentatives-electassembleinthehalloftheHouseforpurposesoforganizingtheHouseofRepresentativesfortheensuingbiennium,thefirstorderofbusinessafterbeingcalledtoorderistoestablishthepresenceofaquorum.8Nootherbusinessmaybeproperlytakenuppriortotheestablishmentofaquorum.Whilequestionspertainingdirectlytothemethodorpurposeofestablishingtheinitialquorumarenotoutoforderatthetimethepresidingofficerisattemptingtoordertheinitialrollcall,thepresidingofficermusttakecarenottoallowpointsoforderorpointsofinquiryrelatedtoothermattersonthemindsoftherepresentatives-electbutshouldensurethatnothingelsebutestablishmentofthepresenceoftheinitialquorumisundertakenbytherepresentatives-electassembledinthehalloftheHouse.OP - 2. (2017) Appeal of Chair not Recognized
before House Formally Seated History –On“organizationalday”,January3,2017,aftertheassembledrepresentatives-electwerecalledtoorder,thefirst
8OKCONSTArt.V§§26,30.
Organizational Precedents
469
orderofbusinesswastoestablishthepresenceoftheinitialquorum.9Onceaquorumwasestablished,thesecondorderofbusinesswastoaccomplishtheformalseatingoftherepresentatives-electasmembersoftheHouseofRepresentativesfortheFifty-sixthOklahomaLegislature.ThissteparisesfromthelanguageofArticleV,Section30oftheOklahomaConstitutionwhichsays:
EachHouseshallbethejudgeoftheelections,returns,andqualificationsofitsownmembers…
Inrecentdecades,formalseatingoftherepresentatives-electhasbeencarriedoutthroughadoptionofamotionreferencingthelistprovidedafterthegeneralelectiontotheClerkoftheHousebytheStateElectionBoardnamingtherepresentatives-electwhowontheirrespectivegeneralelectioncontests.Whenthemotiontoformallyseattherepresentatives-electwasoffered,Representative-electPerrymanraisedapointoforderstatingthatthelistprovidedbytheStateElectionBoardappearedtoincludethenamesoftworepresentatives-electwhohadpreviouslyresigned.Representative-electPerrymanalsostatedthattherepresentatives-electhadnotbeenprovidedtheopportunitytoreviewthelettersofresignationreferencedinnewsreports.10
9OKCONSTArt.V§30. 10ThetwopersonsalludedtointhepointoforderwereRepresentative-electTomNewellandRepresentative-electDanKirby.Representative-electTomNewellwonelectiontoHouseDistrict28butresignedpriorto“organizationalday”,January3,2017,byfilingaletterofirrevocableresignationpursuantto26O.S.§12-119.TheNewellletterofresignationrecordedwiththeSecretaryofStateindicatesthatRepresentative-electNewelldeliveredanirrevocableletterofresignationtotheGovernoronDecember2,2016withaneffective
House Precedents
470
Representative-electPerrymanthenrequestedthatthelettersofresignationbeproducedforreviewbytheotherrepresentatives-electandthattheybepublishedintheHouseJournal.Representative-electPerrymanalsorequestedthattheHousebeplacedateasesothatrepresentatives-electwouldhavetimetoreviewthelettersinquestion.AtthistimethepresidingofficerrecognizedRepresentative-electEcholstorespond.Representative-electEcholsrespondedthathismotiontoformallyseattherepresentatives-electonlyappliedtothoserepresentatives-electthathadpreviouslytakentheoathofofficeandassuch,wouldnotapplytoformerRepresentative-electTomNewell.Representative-electPerrymanthenstatedthatformerRepresentative-electNewellhadtakentheoathofofficepreviously,towhichRepresentative-electEcholsstatedthathewouldagreetoamendhispendingmotiontoseattherepresentatives-electexpresslyexcludingTomNewell.TheamendmenttoexcludeTomNewellfromthependingmotionwasadoptedbyunanimousconsent.11Representative-electPerrymanthenofferedamotionthatthelettersofresignationofRepresentatives-electNewellandKirby dateofDecember31,2016.Representative-electDanKirbywonelectiontoHouseDistrict75.InDecember,newsreportsindicatedthatRepresentative-electKirbyhadsubmittedaresignationlettertoSpeaker-electCharlesMcCall.LaterinDecember,additionalnewsreportsstatedthatRepresentative-electKirbyhadsentasecondlettertoSpeaker-electMcCallrescindingthepreviouslysubmittedletterofresignation.RepresentativeDanKirbydidnotsendanirrevocableletterofresignationtotheGovernor,pursuantto26O.S.§12-119,untilFebruary4,2017.11Okla.H.Jour.,3,56thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Jan.3,2017);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,56thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,12:10:22-12:12:56(Jan.3,2017).
Organizational Precedents
471
beplacedintheHouseJournal,whichmotionwasnotrecognizedbythepresidingofficerwhostatedthattheprecedentoftheHousewastorequirethatnewbusinessbescheduledthroughtheMajorityFloorLeader.Representative-electPerrymanthenattemptedtoappealtherulingoftheChairbutwasnotrecognizedbythepresidingofficerforanappeal.ThepresidingofficerstatedthattheChairwouldnotentertainanappealpriortotheformalseatingoftherepresentatives-electasmembersoftheHouseofRepresentatives.Representative-electPerrymanraisedapointoforderstatingthathismotionpertainedtotheseatingofthemembers,whichpointwasnotwelltakenbythepresidingofficerwhoagainindicatedthatasamatteroforder,theChairwouldnotrecognizeanappeallodgedpriortotheformalseatingofthemembers.Representative-electVirginraisedapointoforderastowhethertheChairwouldallowquestionsontheEcholsmotion,towhichthepresidingofficerrespondedintheaffirmative.12 Ruling – ItistherulingofthepresidingofficerthatasamatteroforderanappealoftheChairwillnotbeentertainedpriortoformalseatingoftherepresentatives-electbutthatquestionsrelevanttosuchamotionwillberecognized. Reasoning – Althoughquestionspertainingdirectlytotheformallyseatingtherepresentatives-electshouldberecognizedbythepresidingofficer,thepresidingofficermustensuretheorderlyaccomplishmentofthisimportantconstitutionalstepwithoutinterferingwiththelegitimateexerciseoftheHouse’s
12Okla.H.Jour.,356thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Jan.3,2017);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,56thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,12:12:56-12:16:17(Jan.3,2017).
House Precedents
472
authoritytodeterminewhetheranindividualrepresentative-electshouldbeformallyseatedasamemberoftheHouseofRepresentatives.OP - 3. (2013) Constitutionality of Motion
Authorizing Postage and Supplies on “Organizational Day”13 History – Duringthecourseofthe“organizational”sessionrequiredbytheOklahomaConstitution14,RepresentativePetersonrequestedunanimousconsentthatamotionbeadoptedbytheHouseofRepresentativesallowingeachHouseMembertobegivenacreditintheHousepostofficeintheHouseMemberbegivenacreditintheHouseforstationeryand/orofficesuppliesintheamountof$350.00,thesametobereimbursedbytheHouseuponpresentationofreceiptstotheComptrolleroftheHouseandthattheSpeakerbeauthorizedtopurchasefromtimetotimenecessarypostage,suppliesandequipmenttoconducttheaffairsoftheHouseduringtheFirstRegularSessionoftheFifty-fourthLegislature.Anobjectionwasmadetotherequestforunanimousconsent.15RepresentativeReynoldsthenraisedapointofinquiryastowhether,pursuanttotheOklahomaConstitution,thePetersonmotionwasappropriateforconsiderationbytheHouse.
13Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asGP-5.(2013)ConstitutionalityofMotionAuthorizingPostageandSupplieson“OrganizationalDay”. 14OKCONSTV,26.15ThelongstandingcustomandpracticeoftheHouseistoadoptamotiononthefirstdayofsessiontoprovideforpostageandsuppliesforthemembersoftheHouseduringthelegislativesession.
Organizational Precedents
473
ThepresidingofficerstatedthatitisnottheprecedentoftheHouseforthepresidingofficertomakeconstitutionalpronouncements.16RepresentativeReynoldsappealedtherulingoftheChairwhichwasuphelduponarollcallvote.Aftertheappeal,RepresentativePetersonpressedhermotion,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.17Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatitisnottheprecedentoftheHouseforthepresidingofficertomakeconstitutionalpronouncements.Reasoning –AreviewofHouseJournalsfromthepastdecadeindicatesthatitisthecustomandpracticeoftheHouseofRepresentativestoadoptamotionauthorizingpurchaseofofficesuppliesandpostageforusebymembersinconductingofficialbusinessduringthelegislativesession.TheHouseJournalsforeach“organizationalday”,2003through2011,chronicleasimilarmotionwhichineachinstanceauthorizedpurchaseofpostageandsuppliesforofficialbusiness.18
ADOPTION OF HOUSE RULES
16Cf.Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§14.2(1.),51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March6,2007);Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,§14.2(1.A.),52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(March2,2009).17Okla.H.Jour.,23-25,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Jan.8,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,01:39:14-01:53:26(Jan.8,2013). 18Okla.H.Jour.,20-21,49thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Jan.7,2003);Okla.H.Jour.,29,50thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Jan.4,2005);Okla.H.Jour.,23,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Jan.2,2007);Okla.H.Jour.,31-32,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Jan.6,2009);Okla.H.Jour.,40,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Jan.4,2011).
House Precedents
474
OP - 4. (2009) Adoption of House Rules19 History –InthecourseofconsideringHouseResolution1005whichcontainedproposedHouseRulesforthe52ndOklahomaLegislature,RepresentativeMorrissetteraisedapointoforderastowhatauthority,statutorilyorconstitutionally,underwhichtheHousewasproceedingwhenconsideringadoptionofHouseRules.RepresentativeMorrissetteinquiredastowhethertheHouseofRepresentativesshouldadopttemporaryrules,asoccurredpreviouslyin2005,the50thOklahomaLegislature,20priortoadoptionofpermanentrulesforthe52ndOklahomaLegislature.ThepresidingofficerstatedthattheHouseofRepresentativeswasoperatingunderthecustomsoftheHouseandthatthecustomandpracticeoftheHousehasbeentoadoptits[permanent]rulesonthefirstdayof[regular]session.ThepresidingofficeralsoruledthatbasedonthecustomsoftheHouse,theHousewouldproceedwiththeadoptionofHouseRulesforthe52ndOklahomaLegislature.21 19Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asGP-1.(2009)AdoptionofHouseRules. 20AnexhaustivesearchofallHouseJournalsrevealsadoptionofonlyonesetoftemporaryrulesasadistinctsetofrulesintheirownright.Inallothercases,theHouseadopted“temporary”rulesinthesensethatitadoptedtheprevioussession’srulesforashortperiodpriortoadoptionofpermanentrulesforthattwo-yearLegislature.Suchanapproachseemstoindicatepermanentruleswerenotpreparedpriortotheconveningofthefirstsessionasisthecurrentpractice.SeeOkla.H.Jour.,33,50thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Jan.4,2005);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,50thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:01,0:00-44:48(Jan.4,2005).21Okla.H.Jour.,268,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.2,2009);DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:16,2:40-8:04(Feb.2,2009);Okla.H.
Organizational Precedents
475
Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatthecustomsandpracticesoftheHousewillgoverninitialadoptionofHouseRules.Reasoning –InOklahoma,underwhatauthoritymaytheHouseofRepresentativesadoptproceduralrulesandindoingso,whatisthemostappropriateproceduretofollow?Analysisofthisrulingrequiresconsiderationofinterrelatedmatterssuchashistoricalinfluences,constitutionalauthority,judicialinterpretationandgenerallyagreeduponstandardsofparliamentaryprocedure.Tobeginwith,theideathatinternalrulemakingshouldbelefttothelegislatureisanotiondeeplyrootedinAmericanconstitutionaltheoryandhistory.Whethercreatedasaroyalcolony,proprietarycolonyorbyparliamentarycharter,eachBritishcolonyinNorthAmericamaintainedsomeformofrepresentativeassembly.22Toonedegreeoranother,eachcolonialassemblyperceiveditselftopossessequivalent“privileges”asthoseclaimedbytheBritish Jour.,229,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.4,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HR1003,01:45:32-01:47:45(Feb.4,2013).22FrancisNewtonThorpe,TheFederalandStateConstitutions,ChartersandotherOrganicLawsoftheStates,TerritoriesandColoniesNoworheretoforeFormingtheUnitedStatesofAmerica[Connecticut]vol.I,528,531,[Delaware]vol.I,559,[Georgia]vol.II,768,[Maryland]vol.III,1679,[Massachusetts]vol.III,1853,1854,1864,1878,1886-1888,[NewHampshire]vol.IV,2449,[NewJersey]vol.V,2536-2538,2565,2566,2574,2575,[NorthCarolina]vol.V,2758,2781,[Pennsylvania]vol.V,3037,3047,3048,[RhodeIsland]vol.VI,3214,[Virginia]vol.VII,3810(GovernmentPrintingOffice1909);forNewYorkseeCharlesLincoln,TheConstitutionalHistoryofNewYork429,440(TheLawyersCo-operativePublishingCompany1906);forSouthCarolinaseeRichardMiddleton,ColonialAmerica,AHistory,1565-1776,at184-187(BlackwellPublishersLtd.2002).
House Precedents
476
Parliament.23Amongprivilegesclaimedwasthelong-standingassertionthatParliamentalonewoulddecidemattersofinternalprocedure.24Afterdeclaringindependence,mostAmericancoloniescodifiedthis“privilege”,thenotionthatinternalrulemakingshouldbeconductedsolelybythelegislature,explicitlyreservingittothelegislativebranchinmostoftheearlystateconstitutions.25Likewise,in1789thestatesratifiedthecurrentUnitedStatesConstitutionwhichitselfcontainsasimilarprovisionreservingcreationandadoptionofproceduralrulestoCongress.26
23MaryPattersonClarke,ParliamentaryPrivilegeintheAmericanColonies12,13(YaleUniversityPress1943);DonaldS.Lutz,“TheColonialandEarlyStateLegislativeProcess”inInventingCongress:OriginsandEstablishmentoftheFirstFederalCongress54(KennethR.Bowling&DonaldR.Kennoneds.,OhioUniversityPress1999).24TheParliamentRollsofMedievalEngland,1275-1504vol.VII,64,99,100,vol.VIII,232[TheEarlofNorthumberland’sCase],vol.XII,56[EarlofArundel’sCase,27HenryVI],vol.XII,106[ImpeachmentofDukeofSuffolk],vol.XII,254-255[BaronThorpe’sCase,31HenryVI](TheBoydellPress2005);SirEdwardCoke,TheFourthPartoftheInstitutesoftheLawsofEngland14,15(E.andR.Brooke1797);SirWilliamBlackstone,CommentariesontheLawsofEnglandvol.I,163(A.Strahan1800);JohnHatsell,PrecedentsoftheProceedingsoftheHouseofCommonsvol.IV,pref.,vi-vii(LukeHansard&Sons1818)(modernreprintIrishUniversityPress1971);A.V.Dicey,IntroductiontotheStudyoftheLawoftheConstitution52-54(MacMillanandCo.,Ltd1915).25Thorpe,TheFederalandStateConstitutions,ChartersandotherOrganicLawsoftheStates[Connecticut]vol.I,540,[Delaware]vol.I,571,[Georgia]vol.II,779,781[Maryland]vol.III,1695,[Massachusetts]vol.III,1897,1899,[NewHampshire]vol.IV,2460,2462,[NewJersey]vol.V,2602,[NewYork]vol.V,2640,[Pennsylvania]vol.V,3094,[RhodeIsland]vol.VI,3227,[SouthCarolina]vol.VI.,3260,[Virginia]vol.VII,3816(GovernmentPrintingOffice1909).26USCONSTI,5.
Organizational Precedents
477
Similartootherjurisdictions,27ArticleV,Section30oftheOklahomaConstitutioncontainsa“textuallydemonstrableconstitutionalcommitmentoftheissue”28totherespectivechambersofthelegislature.Paragraphtwo(2)saysinrelevantpart:Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings… Thattheconstitutionisreferringtothehousesofthelegislatureisbeyonddispute.Bydefinitionthewords“may”,“determine”and“rule”connotediscretionalauthority29toconclusivelyandauthoritativelyfixstandardsfororderlyconductofbusiness.30Fromtheplain,naturalandordinarymeaningofthewords,in
27Ala.IV,53;AlaskaII,12:Ariz.IV,II,8;Ark.V,12;Cal.IV,7(a);Colo.V,12;Conn.III,13;Del.II,9;Fla.III,4(a);Ga.III,Sec.IV,4;HawIII,12;IdahoIII,9;Ill.IV,6(d);Ind.IV,10;IowaIII,9;Kan.II,8;Ky.39;La.III,7(a);MeIV,PartIII,4;Md.III,19;Mass.PartII,Ch.1,Sec.II,7,Sec.III,10;Mich.IV,16;Minn.IV,7;Miss.IV,55;Mo.III,18;Mont.V,10(1);Neb.III,10;Nev.IV,6;N.H.II,22,37;N.J.IV,SecIV,Par.3;N.M.IV,11;N.Y.III,9;N.D.IV,12;OhioII,7;Okla.V,30;Or.IV,11;Pa.II,11;R.I.VI,7;S.C.III,12;S.D.III,9;Tenn.II,12;Tex.III,11;UtahVI,12;Vt.II,19;Va.IV,7;Wash.II,9;W.Va.VI,24;Wis.IV,8;Wyo.III,12;Unincorporated,organizedUnitedStatesterritories:Guam,48USCA§1423a;NorthernMarianaIslands,NMICONSTII,14;CommonwealthofPuertoRico,PRCONSTIII,9;U.S.VirginIslands,48USCA§1572g;unincorporated,unorganizedUnitedStatesterritory:AmericanSamoa,RCASII,11.28InreINITIATIVEPETITIONNO.348,1991OK110,820P.2d772,780(1991)footnote21containsdiscussionoftheGuarantyClause,USCONSTIV,4,andadoptsthefactorof“textualcommitment”whendeterminingwhetheraquestionispoliticalassetforthbytheUnitesStatesSupremeCourtinBakerv.Carr,369U.S.186,217(1962).29Sheav.Shea,537P.2d417,418(1975).30WEBSTER’STHIRDNEWINTERNATIONALDICTIONARY616,1396(ed.1993);BLACK’SLAWDICTIONARY,1357(8thed.2004).
House Precedents
478
orderofgrammaticalarrangement,31itisclearthatthepeopleofOklahomaintendedfortheLegislaturetodecideitsownrulesofprocedure.32Evenwithout“textualcommitment”tothelegislativebranch,adoptionofproceduralrulesisaninherentlylegislativefunctionintrinsictothepowersofalegislativebody33andthusfallsundertheprotectionsoftheseparationofpowersrequirement.34Thisissobecausethelegislativebranchcouldnotfunctionasaco-equalbranchofstategovernmentifitlackedtheauthoritytoorganizeitselfandmanageitsowninternalprocesses.WhiletheOklahomaConstitutionclearlygrantsauthoritytotheHousetoadoptrules,besidesrequiringaquorumbepresenttoconductbusiness,35thereislittleguidanceonhowexactlytoadoptsuchrules.WhilethereappearstobenoOklahomacaselawdirectlyonpoint,theOklahomaSupremeCourthashistoricallyexercisedrestraintwhenaskedtointerveneindisputesarisingoverintracameralprocedureorotheractivitiesofarecognizablelegislativecharacter.36
31SeeShawv.Grumbine,278P.311,315(1929);Wimberlyv.Deacon,144P.2d447,450(1943).32Thewillofthepeopleisexpressedinthevariousprovisionsofthestate'sorganiclaw.SeeCityofSapulpav.Land,101Okla.22,223P.640,644(1924);Dankv.Benson,5P.3d1088,1090(Okla.2000).33H.W.Dodds,ProcedureInStateLegislatures12,13(TheAmericanAcademyofPoliticalandSocialScience1918).34OKCONSTIV,1.35OKCONSTV,30.36TheCourtiswithoutauthoritytointerjectitselfintothelegislativeprocess[assignedbytheConstitutiontotheHouse]bydirectinghowthatbodyshallconductitsbusiness,Dankv.Benson,5P.3d1088,1092(Okla.2000).
Organizational Precedents
479
Likewise,caselawfromotherjurisdictionsdoesnotappeartospeaktothespecificquestionofhowproceduralrulesshouldbeinitiallyorotherwiseadopted.Withgreatuniformityotherjurisdictionsholdthatapartfromviolationoffundamentalrightsorotherrequirementswithinajurisdiction’sorganiclaw,thelegislatureisempoweredtodetermineforitselfitsownrulesofprocedure.37IfArticleV,Section30saystheHousemay“determinetherulesofitsproceedings”andnocaselawprovidesadditional,specificguidance,whatislefttoproceedunderbutthe“customsand
37WithitsrulesCongresscannotignoreconstitutionalrestraintsorviolatefundamentalrights,andthereshouldbeareasonablerelationbetweenthemodeormethodofproceedingestablishedbytheruleandtheresultwhichissoughttobeattained.Withintheselimitationsallmattersofmethodareopentothedeterminationofthehouse,anditisnoimpeachmentoftheruletosaythatsomeotherwaywouldbebetter,moreaccurate,orevenmorejust.Withinthelimitationssuggested,thepowertomakerulesisabsoluteandbeyondthechallengeofanyotherbodyortribunal,U.S.v.Ballin,144U.S.1,5(1892).ThecourtsacceptaspassedallbillsauthenticatedinthemannerprovidedbyCongress,Fieldv.Clark,143U.S.649,672(1892).IfthequestionofconstructionofSenaterulesaffectspersonsotherthanmembersoftheSenate,thequestionpresentedmaybedecidedbythecourts,U.S.v.Smith,286U.S.6,33(1932).Convictionforperjuryheldtobeviolationoffundamentalrightsbecausecommitteerulesrequiredpresenceofquorum;committeelackedquorumattimeperjuredtestimonywasofferedfallingshortofa“dulyconstitutedtribunal,”Christoffelv.U.S.,338U.S.84,90(1949).ConvictionforcontemptofCongressbasedonrefusaltoanswerquestionsatasubcommitteehearingreversedbecausecommitteefailedtocomplywithitsownrules,Yellinv.U.S.,374U.S.109,123,124(1963).Cf.Brownv.Hansen,973F.2d1118(C.A.3,V.I.1992);Birmingham-JeffersonCivicCenterAuthorityv.CityofBirmingham,912So.2d204(Ala.2005);MissionHospitalRegionalMedicalCenterv.Shewry,168Cal.App.4th460(C.A.3,Cal.2008);Att’yGenop.05-1,2005WL1378063(HI).
House Precedents
480
practicesoftheHouse”?38Thisbeingthecase,whatismeantbytheterms“customsandpracticesoftheHouse”?InthiscontextitisthehistoricalpracticesoftheHouseastheypertaintoadoptionofrules.Thehistoricalpracticeforadoptingrulesisasfollows:intheopeningdaysofthefirstsession,amember,usuallytheMajorityFloorLeaderhassoughtrecognitiontopresentamotiontoadoptHouseRules,typicallyintheformofasimpleresolution.Uponobtainingrecognition,theFloorLeaderprovidesadetailedexplanationoftheproposedrulesandthenyieldstoquestionsfromothermembers.Asconsiderationofthemainquestioncontinues,membersarerecognizedtoofferamendments,bothfriendlyandunfriendly.Proposedamendmentsareconsideredontheirmeritsordisposedofprocedurally.Finally,debatetakesplaceunlesscurtailedbyanappropriateproceduralmotion,followedbyavoteonthequestionofadoption.39
38Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure36§39(6)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000);Cf.Hind’sPrec.,H.ofRep.,Ch.141§§6758-6759,887(G.P.O.1907);Cannon’sPrec.,H.ofRep.,Ch.271§3386,831(G.P.O.1936);Deschler’sPrec.,H.ofRep.,Ch.1§1,6(G.P.O.1976);JosefRedlich,TheProcedureoftheHouseofCommonsvol.II,4-6(ArchibaldConstable&Co.Ltd.1908).39Cf.Okla.Terr.H.Jour.,49,1stSess.(1890);Okla.Terr.H.Jour.,55,1stSess.(1893);Okla.Terr.H.Jour.,294,1stSess.(1895);Okla.Terr.H.Jour.,503,1stSess.(1897);Okla.Terr.H.Jour.,18-19,1stSess.(1899);Okla.Terr.H.Jour.,50,1stSess.(1901);Okla.Terr.H.Jour.,85,1stSess.(1903);Okla.Terr.H.Jour.,71,1stSess.(1905);Okla.H.Jour.,47,1stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1907);Okla.H.Jour.,58,2ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1909);Okla.H.Jour.,56,3rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1911);Okla.H.Jour.,339,4thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1913);Okla.H.Jour.,203,5thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1915);Okla.H.Jour.,18,6thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1917);Okla.H.Jour.,91,8thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1921);Okla.H.Jour.,135,9thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1923);Okla.H.Jour.,300,10thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1925);Okla.H.Jour.,454,11thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1927);Okla.H.Jour.,158,
Organizational Precedents
481
TheactionstakeninadoptingHouseRulesforthe52ndOklahomaLegislaturecompliednotonlywiththerequirementsofthepriorsession’srulesbutwiththerequirementsofanygivensetofproceduralrulesadoptedbytheHouseofRepresentativessincestatehood.40
12thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1929);Okla.H.Jour.,480,13thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1931);Okla.H.Jour.,338,14thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1933);Okla.H.Jour.,204,15thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1935);Okla.H.Jour.,602,16thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1937);Okla.H.Jour.,233,17thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1939);Okla.H.Jour.,263,18thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1941);Okla.H.Jour.,492,19thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1943);Okla.H.Jour.,118,20thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1945);Okla.H.Jour.,20,22ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1949);Okla.H.Jour.,118,23rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1951);Okla.H.Jour.,7,24thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1953);Okla.H.Jour.,7,25thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1955);Okla.H.Jour.,12,26thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1957);Okla.H.Jour.,11,27thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1959);Okla.H.Jour.,9,28thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1961);Okla.H.Jour.,9,29thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1963);Okla.H.Jour.,6,30thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1965);Okla.H.Jour.,6,31stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1967);Okla.H.Jour.,10,32ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1969);Okla.H.Jour.,7,33rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1971);Okla.H.Jour.,8,34thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1973);Okla.H.Jour.,8,35thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1975);Okla.H.Jour.,89,36thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1977);Okla.H.Jour.,225,37thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1979);Okla.H.Jour.,80,38thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1981);Okla.H.Jour.,103,39thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1983);Okla.H.Jour.,295,40thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1985);Okla.H.Jour.,141,41stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1987);Okla.H.Jour.,112,42ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1989);Okla.H.Jour.,316,43rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1991);Okla.H.Jour.,8,44thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1993);Okla.H.Jour.,40,45thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1995);Okla.H.Jour.,1383,47thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(1999);Okla.H.Jour.,24,48thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(2001);Okla.H.Jour.,23,49thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(2003);Okla.H.Jour.,54,50thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(2005);Okla.H.Jour.,256,51stLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(2007).40Id.
House Precedents
482
Moreover,therulingoftheChairparallelsguidanceprovidedinMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure41bothforinitialadoptionofrules42andforgroupdecisionmaking.43Forproperdecisionmaking,Mason’sManualsaysthatthegroupattemptingtomakethedecisionmustbelegallyconstitutedandmusthavethelegalauthoritytoexercisethepowersitisattemptingtoexercise.Second,theremustbeameetingofthegroupatwhichthedecisionismade.Third,thegroupmustbegivenpropernoticeofthemeetingthusallowingopportunitytoattendandparticipate.Fourth,aquorummustbepresentatthemeeting.Fifth,theremustbeanexplicitquestionforthegrouptodecide.Sixth,whenaquestionisunderconsideration,membersofthegroupmustbegiventheopportunitytodebatethequestionunderconsideration.
41Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedureincreation,approachandfunctionisaguidebooktoparliamentarypracticeinthestatelegislaturesoftheUnitedStatesandisupdatedonadecennialbasisbyacommissioncomprisedofmembersrepresentingabroadcross-sectionofstatelegislaturesandprofessionalexperience;seealsoOkla.H.Rules,§9.2(32ndLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§9.2(33rdLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§9.2(34thLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§11.2(35thLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§11.2(36thLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§25.3(37thLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§25.3(38thLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§25.3(39thLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§25.3(40thLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§25.3(41stLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§25.3(42ndLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§25.3(43rdLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§25.3(44thLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§25.3(45thLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§25.3(46thLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§25.3(47thLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§25.3(48thLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§25.3(49thLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§14.2(50thLeg.);Okla.H.Rules,§14.2(51stLeg.).42Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure36§39(6)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000);seealsoCushing,LutherStearns,ElementsoftheLawandPracticeofLegislativeAssembliesoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica312§792,793(Little,BrownandCo.1856);U.S.H.Jour.,36,27thCong.,1stSess.(June3,1841);Cong.Globe,18,27thCong.,1stSess.(June3,1841).43Mason’s,37-40§§42,43.
Organizational Precedents
483
Seventh,inordertomakeadecisionortakeanaction,thegroupmusttakeavote.Eighth,tocarrytheproposedquestion,atleastamajorityofthegroupmustvoteintheaffirmative.Ninth,theremustnotbefraudordeceptionwiththedecision-makingprocess.Tenth,anydecisionmadebythegroupmustnotbeinviolationofanylaws,rulesordecisionsofhigherauthority.Eleventhandfinally,theremustbearecordofthedecisionmadebythegroup.Incomparison,theOklahomaHouseofRepresentativeswasdulyconstituted44andwasconstitutionallyauthorizedtoadoptproceduralrules.45Second,theHouseassembledandconvenedonthedateandatthetimeconstitutionallymandated.46Third,theconstitutionalprovisionestablishingthedayandtimeforconveningthefirstdayofregularsessionaswellasthemotiontoadjournuntil12:00noon,Monday,February2,2009adoptedbytheHouseon“organizationalday”,thepreviouslegislativeday,47providedeachmemberwithexplicitandpropernoticeofthedate,timeandlocationofthenextdailysessionoftheHouse.Fourth,aquorumwasestablished.48Fifth,aclearquestioncamebeforetheHousetobedecidedwhenRepresentativeJones,theMajorityFloorLeader,movedadoptionofHouseResolution1005whichcontainedproposedHouseRulesforthe
44Okla.H.Jour.,1-6,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Jan.6,2009).45OKCONSTV,30.46Okla.H.Jour.,35,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Jan.6,2009);Okla.H.Jour.,37,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.2,2009);OKCONSTArt.V§26.47Id.;Okla.H.Jour.,35,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Jan.6,2009).48Okla.H.Jour.,37,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.2,2009).
House Precedents
484
52ndOklahomaLegislature.49Sixth,uponconsiderationofHouseResolution1005,membersoftheHousewereaffordedopportunitytoofferdebateonthemeritsoftheproposedrules.50Seventh,thequestionbeforetheHouse,adoptionofHouseResolution1005,HouseRules,wasbroughttoavote.51Eighth,thequestionbeforetheHousepassedwithamajorityoftheHousevotingintheaffirmative.52Ninth,nothingfraudulentordeceptiveoccurredinthedecision-makingprocess.Tenth,neithertheactionofadoptingHouseRulesnortheprocessbywhichtheruleswereadoptedviolatesthefederalconstitutionorfederallawnordiditviolatetheOklahomaConstitutionoranyknowncaselawinterpretingtheOklahomaConstitution.Finally,theactionstakenbytheHouseinadoptingHouseRuleswererecordedintheHouseJournal,53includingaclearrecordofthemotiontoadoptHouseResolution1005,theproposedamendmentsofferedtothemainquestionandtheirdisposition,thefinalrollcallvoteshowingamajorityofvotescastintheaffirmativeandaverbatimrecordofHouseRulesasadopted.54Inconclusion,byrulingthatthecustomsandpracticesoftheHousegovernconsiderationandadoptionofHouseRules,theChairabidedbyrelevantconstitutionalrequirements,thetime-honoredpracticesoftheHouseandgenerallyagreeduponstandardsofparliamentaryprocedure.
49Id.at270.50DailyH.Sess.Dig.Rec.,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.Track10:16,32:18-55:29(Feb.2,2009).51Okla.H.Jour.,270,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.2,2009).52Id.53OKCONSTV,30.54Okla.H.Jour.,268-295,52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.2,2009).
Organizational Precedents
485
OP - 5. (2011) Reliance on General Parliamentary Law Prior to Adoption of House Rules55 History – UponpresentationofHouseResolution1008,RepresentativeHoskinmovedtopostponeconsiderationoftheresolutionforatwenty-four(24)hourperiod.RepresentativeSullivanmovedtotabletheHoskinmotiontopostponetoadefinitetime.RepresentativeReynoldsthenraisedapointoforderthatthemotiontotableofferedbyRepresentativeSullivanwasoutoforder.ThepresidingofficerruledthepointwelltakenpursuanttoSection370ofMason’sManual.56Ruling – ItistherulingoftheChairthatamotiontotableamotiontopostponetoadefinitetimeofferedpriortoadoptionofHouserulesisoutoforderpursuanttoSection370ofMason’sManual.Reasoning – Inpracticalterms,thisrulinghaslimitedeffect.Section370ofMason’sManualsaysthatitisnotinordertotableamotiontopostponetoadefinitetime.57ThisrulingwasmadepriortoadoptionofHouseRulesforthe53rdOklahomaLegislature.UnderHouseRule10.1,assubsequentlyadopted,amotiontopostponetoadefinitetimeissubjecttoamotiontotable.However,inviewofthefactthatHouseRulesforthe53rd
55Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asGP-2.(2011)RelianceonGeneralParliamentaryLawPriortoAdoptionofHouseRules. 56Okla.H.Jour.,253,254,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.7,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HR1008,02:53:15-02:57:47(Feb.7,2011).57Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure256-258§370(1)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).
House Precedents
486
OklahomaLegislaturehadnotyetbeenadopted,theChairreliedongeneralparliamentarylawwhendecidingquestionsoforder.58OP - 6. (2011) Motion to Extend Debate not in
Order Immediately after Adoption of Motion to Limit Debate59 History –RepresentativePetersmovedtoadvancethequestion,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.RepresentativeDormanraisedapointofinquiryastowhetheritwouldbeappropriatetoofferamotiontoextenddebate.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatbecausetheHousehadjustvotedtolimitdebate,itwouldnotbeappropriatetoimmediatelyconsideramotiontoextenddebate.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointofinquiryastothebasisforthepresidingofficer’srulingduetothefactthattheHousehadnotyetadopteditsrules. 58Okla.H.Rules,§10.1(53rdLeg.);thisisnotinagreementwiththegeneralprincipleexpressedinSection370ofMason’sManualwhichsaysthatamotiontopostponetoadefinitetimeisnotsubjecttothesubsidiarymotiontotable.WhenadoptedHouseRulesconflictwithgeneralparliamentarylaw,theHouseruleinquestiontakesprecedenceovergeneralparliamentarylawandshouldbeappliedevenifindirectconflictwiththegeneralprincipleexpressedinageneralparliamentaryauthority.Cf.Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure32-33§37(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000);Durham,W.F.,Durham’sLegislativeManual73§160(HarlowPublishingCompany1935).59Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asGP-3.(2011)MotiontoExtendDebatenotinOrderImmediatelyafterAdoptionofMotiontoLimitDebate.
Organizational Precedents
487
ThepresidingofficerstatedthathewasrelyingonthecustomsoftheHouse.60Ruling – ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatamotiontoextenddebateofferedimmediatelyafteradoptionofamotiontolimitdebateisoutoforder.Reasoning – TheOklahomaConstitutionestablishesthattheHouseofRepresentativeswilldetermineitsownrulesofprocedure.61ThisconstitutionalrightexistsevenwhentheHouseisorganizingitselfpriortothetimetheHouseformallyadoptsitsrules.62Duringthisinitialstage,thepresidingofficermustmaintainanorderlyprocessforadoptionofHouserules,allthewhileobservingtherelativelyfewproceduralrequirementspresentintheOklahomaConstitution.63Inpracticality,thismeansrelyingonthecustomsandpracticesoftheHouseandgeneralparliamentarylaw.64
60Okla.H.Jour.,257-258,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.7,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HR1008,04:38:18-04:43:22(Feb.7,2011).SeealsoOkla.H.Jour.,1034-1035,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(April20,2011);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,SB923,03:51:16-04:26:54(April20,2011).61OKCONSTV,30.62Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,GP(1.),52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.2,2009).63Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure17-18§§6-7(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000);Cf.OKCONSTV,7,18,19,24-27A,29-36,42,46,54-59;VI,7,11,12,14;VIII,3;X,23,25;XXIV,1.64Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,GP(1.),52ndLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.2,2009);Prec.Okla.H.ofRep.,GP(2.),53rdLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.7,2011);Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure32-33§37(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000);seeOkla.H.Jour.,120152ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April8,2010);seealsoOkla.H.Jour.,147452ndLeg.,2ndReg.Sess.(April28,2010),the
House Precedents
488
OP - 7. (2013) Consideration of Proposed House
Rules on Same Day as Introduction65 History –TheHousetookupconsiderationofHouseResolution1003,thesimpleresolutioncontainingproposedHouserulesforthe54thOklahomaLegislature.DuringconsiderationofHouseResolution1003,RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointofinquiryastowhetheritwasinordertoproceedwithconsiderationoftheresolutionbecauseitwouldgiverisetodebateandassuch,shouldlieoverfortwenty-four(24)hours.InresponsetoRepresentativeReynolds’pointofinquiry,thepresidingofficerstatedthatthecustomoftheHouseistoallowresolutionsrelatingtobusinessimmediatelybeforetheHousetobeconsideredonthesameday.66Precedent – ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatthecustomoftheHouseistoallowresolutionsrelatingtobusinessimmediatelybeforetheHousetobeconsideredonthesamedaytheyareintroducedandassucharesolutioncontaining
presidingofficerentertainedthemotiontoextenddebatebutonlyafterafailedmotiontotablethemotiontoadvancethequestionandwiththecaveatthatsuchamotionwouldnormallyberuledasdilatory.Obviously,theinstancescitedfrom2010arenotexhaustiveanddonotcontemplatetheentirehistoryoftheOklahomaHouseofRepresentativesbutratherdemonstratetherecenthabitsandusagesoftheHouse. 65Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asGP-6.(2013)ConsiderationofProposedHouseRulesonSameDayasIntroduction. 66Okla.H.Jour.,229,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.4,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HR1003,01:46:55-01:49:36(Feb.4,2013).
Organizational Precedents
489
proposedHouserulesmaybeconsideredonthesamedayitisformallyintroduced.Reasoning – ArticleV,Section30oftheOklahomaConstitutiongrantsauthoritytotheHouseofRepresentativestoadoptitsownproceduralrules.Pursuanttothisauthority,theHousecustomarilyadoptsrulesatthebeginningofthebienniumandoperatesunderthesameproceduralrulesthroughouttheremainderofthebiennium.IntheshortperiodpriortoadoptionofformalHouserules,asestablishedbyprecedent,theHouseofRepresentativesreliesonthecustomsandpracticesoftheHouse,withoutdepartingfromthenormsofgeneralparliamentarylaw.ThisusuallymeansfollowingtheprovisionsofHouserulesadoptedintheprecedingtwo-yeartermbecausethepreviousrulesarethebestevidenceofthecustomsandpracticesoftheHouse.67Inaninstancelikethis,thoughgenerallypropertolooktopreviousHouserulestoascertainthecustomsandpracticesoftheHouse,thepresidingofficershouldnotsustainapointoforderbasedonaprovisioninthepreviousrulesiftheeffectofsucharulingwouldbetodelayadoptionoftheHouserulesbeforetheHouseofRepresentativesatthebeginningofanewbiennium.Fewquestionsareofgreatersignificancethanadoptionofrulesforanewbiennium.Assuch,itwouldnotbethe“bestpractice”forapresidingofficertopermitdelayofconsiderationofHouserulesunlesssuchadelayarosefromauniversallyrecognized 67Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure35§39(6)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).Cf.Cushing,LutherStearns,ElementsoftheLawandPracticeofLegislativeAssembliesoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica311,312§§792,793(Little,BrownandCo.1856);Hughes,EdwardWakefield,Hughes’AmericanParliamentaryGuide,1927-192824,25,§6(StateofOhio,F.J.HeerPrintingCo.1928).
House Precedents
490
requirementorconditionorfromaclearlyexpressedprincipleofgeneralparliamentarylaw.68Moreover,itisworthnotingthatevenifthepresidingofficerhadreliedonthepreviousHouserules,considerationofthenewlyproposedHouseruleswhenandhowtheywereconsidered,wouldstillhavebeeninorderunderthecustomsandpracticesoftheHouseasevidencedbythepreviousrules.Section6.7ofHouseRules,53rdOklahomaLegislature,paragraphs(b)and(c)wouldhavepermittedHouseResolution1003tobetakenuponthesamedayas“introduced”69becausetheseparagraphsprovideasfollows:(b) The following classes of simple and concurrent resolutions may be taken up the same [emphasis added] legislative day they are introduced: 1. resolutions relating to business immediately before the House; 2. resolutions relating to business of the day on which they may be offered; AdoptionofHouserulesforthebienniumisamatterrelatingtobusinessimmediatelybeforetheHouse.Itisdirectlyrelevanttothebusinessoftheday-thatdaybeingthefirstdayofthelegislativebienniumfollowingtheshort“organizationalday”inJanuary.
68Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure30-32§§36-37(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).69WhilenotreflectedintheofficialproceedingsoftheHouseonMonday,February4,2013,theproposedlanguageforHouserulescontainedinHouseResolution1003hadbeencirculatedtoeachmemberoftheHouseofRepresentativesinthecourseofthepreviousweekinane-mailcirculatedbytheSpeakerProTempore.
Organizational Precedents
491
OP - 8. (2013) Electronic Publication of Amendments Prior to Adoption of House Rules70
History – TheHousetookupconsiderationofHouseResolution1003,thesimpleresolutioncontainingproposedHouserulesforthe54thOklahomaLegislature.DuringconsiderationofHouseResolution1003,RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointofinquiryastowhetherproposedamendmentstotheresolutionwererequiredtobeelectronicallyfiled.Thepresidingofficerstatedthatitwasuptotheauthoroftheamendmenttoprovideacopyoftheamendmenttothemembers.71 Ruling – ItisthedecisionoftheChairthatpriortoadoptionofHouserules,theauthorofanamendmentofferedtotheproposedHouserulesisnotrequiredtoprovideacopyoftheamendmenttoothermembers. Reasoning – BeforeadoptionofHouserulesatthebeginningofthebiennium,noauthorityexiststhatrequiresmemberswhowishtoofferanamendmenttoprovideacopyoftheamendmenttoothermembersoftheHouse.Specifically,noexpressionofgeneralparliamentarylawrequiresabroaddistributionofphysicalcopiesofaproposedamendmentandcertainlynoprovisionexistsrequiringelectronicdistributionofaproposedamendment. Asamatterofbestpractices,priortoadoptionofHouserules,thepresidingofficershouldrequireamemberinthissituation
70Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asGP-7.(2013)ElectronicPublicationofAmendmentsPriortoAdoptionofHouseRules. 71 Okla.H.Jour.,232,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.4,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HR1003,02:29:30-02:30:47(Feb.4,2013).
House Precedents
492
toatleastprovidetheproposedamendmenttotheReadingClerkinwrittenformsothatatthetimeofconsideration,theamendmentmaybereadtotheHouse.72Inthiscase,beyondtheminimalrequirementthattheproposedamendmentbephysicallyprovidedtotheReadingClerk,amembercouldstillutilizetheavailabletechnologicalinfrastructuretoaccomplishelectronicfilingorusethenearbycopymachines.WhiletheprovisionsofHouserulesadoptedintheprecedingtwo-yeartermarethebestevidenceofthecustomsandpracticesoftheHouse,73thepresidingofficer,priortoadoptionofnewrules,shouldnotimposerequirementsfromthepreviousrulesthatgobeyondthoseclearlyexpressedingeneralparliamentarylaw.74OP - 9. (2013) Floor Amendments Presented to
House Published in House Journal75 History – DuringconsiderationofHouseResolution1003,RepresentativeMorrissettepresentedaproposedflooramendmentofferedtoHouseResolution1003.
72 Cf.Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure265-286§§395-420(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010). 73 Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure35§39(6)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010).Cf.Cushing,LutherStearns,ElementsoftheLawandPracticeofLegislativeAssembliesoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica311,312§§792,793(Little,BrownandCo.1856);Hughes,EdwardWakefield,Hughes’AmericanParliamentaryGuide,1927-192824,25,§6(StateofOhio,F.J.HeerPrintingCo.1928). 74 Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure30-32§37(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2010). 75Publishedpriorto56thOklahomaLegislature(2017-2018)asGP-9.(2013)FloorAmendmentsPresentedtoHousePublishedinHouseJournal.
Organizational Precedents
493
RepresentativeInmanraisedapointofinquiryastowhetherthelanguageintheflooramendmentpresentedbyRepresentativeMorrissettewouldbeprintedintheHouseJournal.ThepresidingofficerstatedthattheamendmentwouldbeincludedintheHouseJournalaccordingtothecustomsoftheHouse.76Ruling –ItistherulingoftheChairthatflooramendmentspresentedtotheHousewillbepublishedintheHouseJournalaccordingtothecustomsoftheHouse.Reasoning –Inthisinstancethequestionraisedtouchesontheconstitutionalrequirementthat“eachHouseshallkeepajournalofitsproceedings…”77InherenttocreatingastrongrecordisthepracticeofincludingintheHouseJournaltheactuallanguageoftheflooramendmentspresentedduringthefloorsessionsoftheHouseofRepresentatives.
76 Okla.H.Jour.,232,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.(Feb.4,2013);DailyH.Sess.VideoRec.,54thLeg.,1stReg.Sess.,HR1003,02:09:38-02:10:29(Feb.4,2013). 77 OKCONSTV,30.