A156 House of Deputies Rules of Order on Written Comments
Resolved, the House of Deputies amends Rule VIII.B of its Rules of Order by adding a section 5 and changing the heading title as follows:
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B. Legislative Committee Hearings and Written Testimony
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5. Written Testimony
i. The Secretary of the House will provide a mechanism and guidelines for anyone to submit written testimony on any Resolution, Memorial, or other matter referred to a Legislative Committee.
ii. Written testimony must be directed at a specific Resolution, Memorial, or other matter referred to a Legislative Committee.
iii. Written testimony will be published in the form that it is received.
iv. Written testimony must be submitted before the beginning of the scheduled hearing time for the Committee on the Resolution, Memorial, or other matter that the testimony is addressing.
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B. Legislative Committee Hearings and Written Testimony
…
5. Written Testimony
i. The Secretary of the House will provide a mechanism and guidelines for anyone to submit written testimony on any Resolution, Memorial, or other matter referred to a Legislative Committee.
ii. Written testimony must be directed at a specific Resolution, Memorial, or other matter referred to a Legislative Committee.
iii. Written testimony will be published in the form that it is received.
iv. Written testimony must be submitted before the beginning of the scheduled hearing time for the Committee on the Resolution, Memorial, or other matter that the testimony is addressing.
Explanation
As there has been a shift to more work occurring in advance, this change is an essential element to encourage broader participation and deliberation in the legislative process. By including written testimony, we create a more accessible and participatory legislative process, enabling a broader range of individuals to actively engage and offer valuable feedback on resolutions.
The introduction of written testimony allows individuals to contribute their insights even if they cannot attend the committee sessions. This inclusivity ensures that more diverse perspectives can be considered.
This change also simplifies the submission of minor technical changes and grammatical corrections. By submitting them in writing, it is easier for the Committee to track such changes.
In the spirit of transparency and openness, comments and feedback received will be published, providing an additional layer of accountability and visibility to the legislative process. This practice reinforces the Convention's commitment to ensuring that all stakeholders have access to the information and insights shared during the deliberations.
Overall, this proposed change represents a significant step towards a more inclusive, efficient, and transparent legislative process, harnessing the power of written testimony to enrich the decision-making and strengthen the democratic foundations of the General Convention.