Explanation of House rule change that lawmakers say led to missed votes

by Adnan Alam

By Cronkite News Service

Many lawmakers said the large number of missed floor votes during the 2009 regular session stemmed from a decision to waive House Rule 17(C).

That rule sets a minimum period for posting public notice of meetings of conference committees, which resolve differences when the Senate or House amends and approves legislation from the other chamber. Under the rule, conference committee meetings must be posted by 5 p.m. for a hearing to be held before noon the next day. If posted after 5 p.m., meetings can’t be held before noon.

The House adopted the rule in 2001 after lawmakers said late-night wheeling and dealing in the 2000 session led to costly legislation that offered Arizonans big rebates and tax incentives to purchase vehicles capable of running on alternative fuels as well as gasoline _ without requiring that those vehicles actually use alternative fuels.

Supporters said waiving the rule would prevent bills from piling up at the end of session and add flexibility and efficiency in handling budget bills, which frequently bounce between chambers for amendment and approval.