Rules

This bill is a procedural order requiring Maine's Joint Select Committee on Joint Rules to convene by January 9, 2025. The committee must review and report on 12 specific rule changes affecting legislative processes, including how bills are referred to committees, limits on co-sponsorship, and procedures for public hearings. It does not change laws but directs the committee to examine potential updates to the state legislature's internal operating rules. The bill directly affects how Maine's legislature manages its workflow and committee procedures. It is sponsored by Senator Bennett (R., Oxford County).

This procedural bill (SP 2) amends the Joint Rules to increase the size of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee from 13 to 21 members. It adds 2 Senate members and 6 House members, changing the committee composition to 5 Senate and 16 House members. This directly affects how budget and financial oversight is structured in the Maine Legislature by expanding committee membership. The change is purely procedural, adjusting committee size without altering policy substance. (Sponsored by Senator Bennett, Oxford County)

This bill requires bill sponsors in Maine to submit suggested committee amendments for concept drafts at least one business day before a committee hearing. The amendments must be filed with the sponsor and made available online on the Legislature's website. This rule ensures that committee members and the public have advance access to proposed changes before discussions begin. It applies specifically to bills prepared as concept drafts under Joint Rule 208 and printed as legislative documents.

In possession of the Senate when the Legislature adjourned Sine Die and was placed in the Legislative Files. (DEAD)