The Governance Work Group determined a need to clarify that there is more than one reference committee report as each committee presents a report. The GWG also agreed to modify the Standing Rules to reflect the current process of considering substitute resolutions from reference committees; therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Standing Rules of the House of Delegates, Section 5. Reference Committees, F. ‘Reports’ be amended to read as follows:
During the business meetings of the full House of Delegates, the
report of the reference committees reference committee reports are presented to the House of Delegates by their reference committee chair. Background material contained in the reports of reference committees should not be read by the chair, unless the chair and members of the committee feel that is it necessary and important to do so. In the event of debate or discussion, the chair and members of a reference committee are free to reply to any questions or to comment if recognized by the speaker of the House.
The speaker of the House will call upon the chairperson to read the committee's report. Each chair will present the reference committee's assigned resolutions to the House as well as a recommendation that reflects the reference committee’s recommendation for how the House should vote on that resolution. The chair states the number and title of each resolution and then reads the resolution in the form of a motion. For example,
“Resolution 1, Delegate Qualifications.
Resolved, that candidates for the position of Delegate be required to submit a curriculum vitae and a letter of intent.
The Chairman moves Resolution 1, with a recommendation to vote yes”.
If the reference committee supports the resolution, the chair will move the resolution with a recommendation to vote yes. If the committee opposes the resolution, the chair will move the resolution with a recommendation to vote no.
If an RC substitute resolution exists, the House votes on
whether to substitute the RC version
. for the original resolution. Debate is limited to
the wisdom of choosing the RC version.
of the resolution over the original language of the resolution. A majority vote in the affirmative disposes of the original resolution and
places the RC version on the floor for consideration adopts the RC resolution. A majority vote in the negative disposes of the RC version and places the original on the floor for consideration.