precedents - 57th oklahoma legislature (2019-2020) · precedents of the oklahoma house of...

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


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


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


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


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


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§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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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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

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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.

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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.).

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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.).

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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).

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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).

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(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).

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§ 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).

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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).

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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

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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).

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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).

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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

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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”


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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

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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

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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.

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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).

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…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).

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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).

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§ 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).

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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).

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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).

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§ 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).

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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,

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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).

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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);.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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);.

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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).

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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.

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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).

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§ 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).

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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).

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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).

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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

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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).

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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.

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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,

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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).

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“germane”,ascontainedinHouseRule8.11,wouldbeinterpretedtomeantheexistenceofacommon,closelyakinsubjectorpurposethatisplainlyvisiblebetweentheprovisionsofaproposedflooramendmentandtheprovisionsofabillorresolution.Thepresidingofficerheldthatwhenatissue,thequestionofgermanenesswouldbeconsideredaquestionoffactwhichwouldbedeterminedbytheChairasthetrieroffactandthatwhenraisedbyamembertheburdenofproofwouldrestuponthememberraisingthepointoforder.Thepresidingofficerstatedthattheinquiringmemberwouldbeexpectedtoimmediatelyandsuccinctlyexplainwhyheorshebelievedtheamendmentnottobegermaneafterwhich,thepresidingofficerwoulddeterminebythepreponderanceoftheevidencewhethertheamendmentwasgermanetothemeasuretobeamended.Thepresidingofficeralsostatedthatonthebasisofthecustomofthebody,theonlyevidencethatwouldbeconsideredinagermanenessinquirywouldbetheamendmentunderconsiderationandthepublishedbillorresolutiontobeamendedandthat,whilestillpreservingtheChair’sprerogativeunderRule8.11,torulesuasponteonquestionsofgermaneness,theChairwouldpresumethatproposedflooramendmentsare,infact,germaneuntilprovenotherwise.ThepresidingofficerruledthepointwelltakenandtheMcCulloughamendmentnotgermanetothesubjectofSenateBill269becausethesubjectoftheMcCulloughamendment,whichdealtwiththesubjectofallowingdistrictattorneysorassistantdistrictattorneystocarryconcealedweapons,morelikelythannotdidnothaveacommon,closelyakinsubjectorpurposethatwasplainlyvisibletothesubjectmattercontained

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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:

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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

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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).

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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.).

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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.).

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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

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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).

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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).

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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.).

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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).

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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

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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

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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).

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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);

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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),

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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).

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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).

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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.

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provisionsthatwouldincreasetheCapitalGainstax,withanagriculturalexemption.RepresentativeOsbornraisedaPointofOrderonthegermanenessoftheamendment.TherulingoftheChairwasthattheamendmentwasnotgermane.RepresentativeInmanthenappealedthedecisionoftheChairanditreceivedtherequiredone-fifteenthoftheHousestanding.RepresentativePfeiffermovedtotabletheappealandthemotiontotablewasadopted.RepresentativeInmanmovedtosuspendHouseRulestoallowanuntimelyfiledamendmenttoincorporatethelanguageofHouseBill3113intoSenateBill923,whichwasnotadopted.RepresentativeInmanmovedtosuspendHouseRulesforanuntimelyfiledamendmenttotakethetopincometaxbracketfrom5%to5.25%.ThePresidingOfficerruledthemotiontosuspendHouseRulesasdilatory.RepresentativeInmansoughtrecognitionbutwasnotrecognizedbythePresidingOfficerbecauseoftheMember’sactionsbeingruleddilatory.RepresentativeProctorwasrecognizedandyieldedtoRepresentativeInman;however,RepresentativeInmanwasnotrecognizedbecausehehadpreviouslybeenruleddilatory.RepresentativeMeredithwasrecognizedandyieldedtoRepresentativeInman;however,RepresentativeInmanwasnotrecognizedbecausehehadpreviouslybeenruleddilatory.

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ThePresidingOfficerannouncedthatistheobligationanddutyoftheChairtomaintainorderanddecorumintheHouseandthatthePresidingOfficerruledRepresentativeInmandilatoryafterrepeatedmotionstodelaythelegislativeprocess.RepresentativeForrestBennettwasrecognizedforaRequestforInformationandaskedwhyarequesttobringupadifferentbillwasdilatory.ThePresidingOfficerannouncedthatthesuspensionoftherulestoamendwasdilatory.RepresentativeStonewasrecognizedforaRequestforInformationandaskedwhyRepresentativeInmanwasbeingruleddilatorysincehewasraisingaPointofOrderandnotattemptingtomakeamotion.ThePresidingOfficerinquiredtoRepresentativeInmanifhisPointofOrderwasdifferentthanhispriorPointsofOrder,towhichRepresentativeInmanrepliedthatiswasdifferent.RepresentativeInmanwasrecognizedforaPointofOrderregardinghisrighttorespondtoarulingoftheChair.ThePresidingOfficerstatedthatthePointhadbeendisposedof.RepresentativeWalkewasrecognizedforaPointofOrdertowhichheinquiredwhatHouseRuledidaMembernothavetheabilitytoappealafterbeingruleddilatory.ThePresidingOfficerstatedthatMason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure§180(2)said,“WheneversatisfiedthataMemberisusingtacticstoobstructbusiness,thePresidingOfficershouldnotrecognizetheMember…”

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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


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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


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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).

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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).

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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

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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).

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InthecourseofdebateonwhethertoconcurwiththeSenateAmendments,RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointofinquiryastowhethertheauthorofameasurecouldrequesttodebateinoppositiontohisorhermeasure.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatintheopinionoftheChairitwouldnotbeagoodprecedentfortheHouseforamembertoofferamotiontotheHouseandthendebateagainstthemotion.RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointofinquiryastowhetherHouseRulesprohibitamemberfromrequestingdebateinoppositiontoamotionandthenactuallyofferingdebateinfavorofthemotion.Thepresidingofficerruledthepointwelltakenandnotedthatamembershouldofferdebateonthesidetowhichtheyrequested.RepresentativeHickmanraisedapointofinquiryastowhetheramemberwhoistheauthorofameasurecould,uponbecomingopposedtotheirmeasure,justwithdrawthemeasurefromconsideration.Thepresidingofficeransweredintheaffirmative.RepresentativeReynoldsraisedapointofinquiryastowhethertheChairwassuggestingthatamembermustdebateforabillbecausetheyaretheauthorofthebill.ThepresidingofficerstatedthatifamemberproposesabilltotheHouseandthendecidesheorsheisnotinfavorofthemeasure,thebestprocedurewouldbetowithdrawthebillfromfurtherconsideration.RepresentativeTerrillraisedapointoforderastowhetheritwouldbeappropriatetoobjecttoimproperdebate,towhichthepresidingofficeransweredintheaffirmative.RepresentativeNelsonraisedapointoforderastowhetheramemberisallowedintheirdebatetoacknowledgethe

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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).

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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.

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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


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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

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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).

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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).

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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.).

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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).

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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

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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

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amendmentonThirdReading,whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.RepresentativeSheltonmovedtopostponeindefinitelyconsiderationofSenateBill923.RepresentativePetersmovedtoputthepreviousquestionontheSheltonmotiontopostponeindefinitely.RepresentativeDormanmovedtotablethePetersmotiontoputthepreviousquestion,whichtablingmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.RepresentativePeterspressedhismotiontoputthepreviousquestionontheSheltonmotiontopostponeindefinitely,whichmotionwasdeclaredadopteduponarollcallvote.RepresentativeSheltonthenpressedhismotiontopostponeindefinitely,whichmotionfailedofadoptionuponarollcallvote.RepresentativePetersmovedtoputthepreviousquestiononthequestionofpassageofSenateBill923.RepresentativeInmanraisedapointoforderastowhetherthemotiontoputthepreviousquestionwasinordersubsequenttoadoptionbytheHouseofamotiontoadvancethequestion.ThepresidingofficerruledthatthemotiontoputthepreviousquestionwasadifferentquestionandaccordingtoSection361,Paragraph2ofMason’sManual,alegislativebodymaystoporpreventdebateatanytime.80AssuchitwouldbeinorderfortheHousetoconsiderthemotiontoputthepreviousquestionatanytimepriortorecognitionofthefirstmemberfordebate.RepresentativeInmanmovedtoappealtherulingoftheChair.RepresentativePetersmovedtotabletheInmanappealofthe

80Mason’sManualofLegislativeProcedure252§361(2)(NationalConferenceofStateLegislatures2000).

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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.).

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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);

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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.

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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).

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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).

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(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).

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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.

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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).

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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

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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).

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OfficerruledthatRepresentativeLepakhadalreadyservednotice.RepresentativeProctorstatedRepresentativeLepakservednoticeonthemeasureitselfandthatRepresentativeLepakdidnotspecificallysaytheemergencyclause.ThePresidingOfficerstatedthattheClerkrecordedthatRepresentativeLepakservednoticeontheemergency.RepresentativeProctorrosetoaPointofOrderstatingthenoticegivenbyRepresentativeLepakwasonlyonthemeasureitselfandthePresidingOfficerrespondedthattheClerkrecordednoticeontheemergencybecausetheabilitytoservenoticeonthebillitselfhadpassedsoanynoticegivenwasappliedtotheemergency,asitwastheonlyactioneligibletoservenoticeon.RepresentativeProctorappealedtherulingoftheChairandreceivedone-fifteenthoftheHousestandingtosecondtheappeal.RepresentativeProctorreceivedfiveminutestoexplaintheappeal.ThedecisionoftheChairwassustainedbyavoteoftheHouse.102Ruling –ItshallbethedecisionoftheChairthatwhenaMemberservesnoticeonanemergencybutdoesnotspecificallystate“emergency,”theMemberisrecordedashavingproperlyservednoticeasanyotherattempttoservenoticeonthemeasurewouldbeoutoforder.


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§ 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).

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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

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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

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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

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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.)

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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

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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).

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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).

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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

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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

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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).

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(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).

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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).


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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.

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(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).


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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.

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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).


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.

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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.


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).

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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).


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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)

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.


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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

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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).


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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).

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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.


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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).

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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.


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).

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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.


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).

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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).


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).

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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,


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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.

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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.


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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).

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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).


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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).

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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.


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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

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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).


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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).

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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.


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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).

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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.


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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.

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