Senate and Assembly Rules

Question 1

What happens if the House rules are silent on a particular issue, what is the next source of reference?

Answer 1

Go to Mason’s Manual

Question 2

What is Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure?

Answer 2

Book of general code that can be used by Legislators. However, House rules triumph Mason’s Manual.

Question 3

What are the limits on debate? (generally)

Answer 3

• Each member may only speak 3 times on bill or resolution
• Senate rules: 15 mins on 1st; 10 for 2nd; 5 for 3rd
• Assembly rules: 15 for 15; 15 for 2nd; 5 for 3rd

Question 4

What are the limits on debate in the Senate?

Answer 4

Per the Senate Rules, each member may only speak 3 times on a bill or resolution.

1st Time - 15 Minutes
2nd Time - 10 Minutes
3rd Time - 5 Minutes

Question 5

What are the limits on debate in the Assembly?

Answer 5

Per the Assembly Rules, each member may only speak 3 times on a bill or resolution.

1st Time - 15 Minutes
2nd Time - 15 Minutes
3rd Time - 5 Minutes

Question 6

What is a “Motion for Previous Question”?

Answer 6

Stop the debate/question before the House and bring to a Vote

Question 7

When can there be a “Motion for Previous Question”?

Answer 7

Senate: only allowed if 1 member of majority party and 1 of minority have spoken, if they want
Assembly: only allowed after issue has been discussed for at least 2 hours; majority & minority party had 1 hour each; then motion admitted with 60 affirmative votes

Question 8

When can there be a “Motion for Previous Question” in the Senate?

Answer 8

Allowed after one (1) member of the majority party and one (1) member of the minority party have spoken

Question 9

When can there be a “Motion for Previous Question” in the Assembly?

Answer 9

Allowed after the issue has been discussed for at least 2 hours
Majority & minority party had 1 hour each
Then the motion can be admitted with 60 affirmative votes

Question 10

Where are the rules regarding pre-filing found?

Answer 10

Joint House Rules

Question 11

What is senatorial courtesy?

Answer 11

Senator can block a judge nominated from their district

Question 12

How does the Senate enter into an executive session?

Answer 12

• You would need a motion to enter, & pass motion by majority of those voting
• Only members and Senate Secretary allowed in chamber; no debate allowed