House Minority Leader Filippi Could Hold Up Session — Undecided About Suspending Rules
GoLocalProv News Team and Kate Nagle
House Minority Leader Filippi Could Hold Up Session — Undecided About Suspending Rules
In the past, House rules have typically been suspended in order for bills to move in an expedited manner at the end of session. The Minority Leader -- in concert with the House Speaker -- have to agree to a suspension of the rules.
"We're in discussions about suspending the rules -- typically they have not been suspended before they have the passed the budget," said Filippi on Monday morning.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe House Finance Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2020 budget last Friday; the full House is expected to take it up this Friday.
"My biggest concern is open and transparent government -- if we can accomplish that in suspending the rules, [we'll see]," said Filippi.
Speaker of the House Nick Mattiello responded with the following on Monday.
“I have a good working relationship with Leader Filippi and I will continue to discuss this issue with him," said Mattiello. "I leave the Leader to his good judgment as to whether or not a suspension of the House rules should occur. In either scenario, the House will be prepared to adjourn by the end of June.”
Rules Once Again in Spotlight
In January, the House voted on changes to the rules including mandating at least 24 hours between when a new version of legislation is introduced and when representatives vote on it, except for the state budget -- and changes a committee chairman deems “not substantial."
Filippi, who had argued for an amendment at the time that would have made it easier to bring bills to the floor through a discharge petition -- and was voted down -- said he is still weighing whether he would agree to a rules suspension this year.