New Indiana House rules could shorten window for input
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Lawmakers may have less time to draft bill amendments in the upcoming legislative session under new state House rules.
Driving the news: House Republicans voted to shorten the time between when a bill passes out of committee and becomes eligible for amendments on the floor.
- Rep. Ben Smaltz, R-Auburn, said the previous timeline was antiquated, dating back to a time when the legislators still received paper copies of legislation.
The other side: "I think it's a mistake," said Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, speaking on the House floor during last week's Organization Day.
- Mark Russell, director of advocacy for the Indianapolis Urban League, said he's worried the rule change will lead to less transparency and less time for the public to weigh in on legislation.
How it works: A bill begins with a committee hearing, during which time members of the committee can propose changes.
- After a bill passes a committee, the committee report — to forward the bill onto the entire chamber — is then ceremoniously adopted.
- Under old rules, the bill would then be eligible for a second reading and amendments two calendar days after the new bill language had been made available to members.
Now, the two-day clock will start as soon as the report is adopted, even though it could be hours before members actually receive a copy after going through the legislative services agency.
Threat level: Lawmakers can't start drafting amendments until that process is complete.
- "We're making it harder for the public to observe, digest and understand legislation that will, in fact, impact their lives," said Rep. Blake Johnson, D-Indianapolis.
What's next: Lawmakers return to the Statehouse Jan. 8 to start the legislative session.