Pennsylvania Code Title 107 - HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania Code — Title 107
House of Representatives of Pennsylvania
Title 107 contains the rules and regulations that govern the operation, procedures, and administration of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. These rules are designed to ensure the House functions efficiently, fairly, and in accordance with state law.
1. Purpose of Title 107
Provides procedures for legislative activities in the House.
Establishes rules for:
How bills are introduced and debated.
Voting procedures.
Committee organization and responsibilities.
Administrative matters for House employees.
Ensures transparency, accountability, and order in the legislative process.
2. Organization of the House
Title 107 outlines:
Membership
Number of members, qualifications, and how vacancies are handled.
Members must meet residency and age requirements.
Officers
Speaker of the House: Presides over sessions, manages legislative agenda.
Majority and Minority Leaders: Organize their party’s business.
Clerks and other administrative officers: Handle documentation, records, and communication.
Committees
Standing Committees: Permanent committees focusing on specific areas like Education, Appropriations, or Health.
Select Committees: Temporary committees for specific investigations or issues.
Rules for committee appointments, leadership, and meetings.
3. Legislative Process
Bill Introduction
Any member may introduce a bill.
Bills must follow formal drafting and numbering rules.
Committee Review
Bills are referred to the relevant committee.
Committees hold hearings, examine details, and recommend approval, amendment, or rejection.
Floor Consideration
Rules for debating bills on the House floor.
Time limits, recognition of speakers, and procedures for amendments.
Voting
Methods for voting (voice vote, roll call, electronic).
Procedures for recording votes.
4. Rules of Debate
Title 107 sets clear rules for debate to maintain order:
Members must address the presiding officer when speaking.
No personal attacks or irrelevant remarks.
Members can move to end debate or table motions following specific procedures.
Special rules may apply for emergency legislation or budget bills.
5. Resolutions and Motions
Resolutions: Formal expressions of the House, e.g., honoring someone, expressing policy positions.
Motions: Proposals for action, such as referring bills to committees, amending bills, or suspending rules.
Title 107 defines how motions are made, debated, and voted on.
6. Ethics and Conduct
Members must adhere to rules of ethical behavior.
Conflict of interest rules prevent members from voting on issues where they have personal financial interest.
Disciplinary procedures are defined for violations, including censure or expulsion.
7. Record-Keeping
The Clerk of the House maintains all official records:
Journals of proceedings.
Voting records.
Committee reports.
Ensures transparency and historical documentation of House activities.
8. Administration and Staff
Title 107 provides rules for House employees:
Duties of clerks, assistants, and other staff.
Pay, hiring procedures, and responsibilities.
Handling of official documents, communications, and correspondence.
9. Special Rules
Rules for special sessions of the House.
Procedures for emergency legislation.
Rules for joint sessions with the Senate or the Governor.
10. Enforcement of Rules
The Speaker of the House enforces rules.
Members may challenge rulings on procedures, but the Speaker’s decisions are generally final.
Committees may investigate breaches of rules and recommend disciplinary action.
✅ Summary
Title 107 of the Pennsylvania Code ensures the House of Representatives functions smoothly, transparently, and according to law. It covers:
House organization (members, officers, committees)
Legislative procedures (bill introduction, debate, voting)
Rules of debate and motions
Ethics and member conduct
Record-keeping and staff duties
Enforcement and special procedures
Purpose: Maintain order, fairness, and transparency in the legislative process of Pennsylvania.
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