Delegation Resource Manual: Rules and Procedures
Page 112
YMCA PA Youth & Government Program
by the committee as provided for in these rules, and the committee chairperson must see to it that
this responsibility is fulfilled.
It is the responsibility of the committee chairperson to keep the committee on schedule, and adhere
to an established calendar. For this reason, the committee chairperson shall adjourn or recess the
committee without a motion or vote of the committee when the time for the committee session has
ended. Unfinished business by the committee on any bill under consideration will be completed at
the start of the next meeting of the committee. At the discretion of the committee chairperson, the
session may be extended briefly if administratively practical and necessary.
The business of the committee is conducted based on the style and leadership of the committee
chairperson. The committee chairperson may make use of subcommittees as indicated in these
rules, must use Parliamentary Procedure, and us other means of encouragement for full participation
of all members of the committee. In any event, the committee chairperson must recognize the
rights of all the members of the committee, and use of parliamentary points by members of the
committee; which are consistent with these rules, may not be disregarded. It is important, however
to encourage a cooperative working environment among committee members, and the committee
chairperson must assure for that atmosphere by remaining a neutral, non-partisan leader. It is the
responsibility of the committee chairperson to see to it that the committee completes its task, not to
direct the committee to a certain or desired result on a bill.
Committee Calendar
The committee chairperson is responsible for establishing the committee calendar. The committee
chairperson shall review all the bills assigned to the committee, and determine the manner in which
the committee will consider the bills. Only bills assigned to the committee and which are in the Bill
Book may be considered for the calendar. In establishing the calendar, the committee chairperson
may consult with others to determine interest and priorities, and may schedule bills for consideration
accordingly.
Should any member of the committee or a bill sponsor desire that the calendar be changed; such
individual may discuss the matter with the committee chairperson. In no case shall it be appropriate
for the committee to consider the calendar. The time restrictions that exist make it necessary to use
the time in committee for those matters; which can only be decided in committee. Determining the
calendar is not such a matter, and this function is best left to one individual who has been chosen to
assume the leadership responsibility of the committee. Any changes in the committee calendar may
only be made at the discretion of the committee chairperson.
Debate Time / Previous Question
The calendar established by the committee chairperson shall also allocate the amount of time for
debate assigned to each bill. No bill may receive less than fifteen minutes or more than thirty
minutes for consideration by the committee or subcommittee. A motion to move the previous
question is not in order until at least 15 minutes of debate time has expired. In allocation time for
consideration of a bill, the chairperson shall take into account the total number of bills to be
considered by the committee, as well as the total time allotted to committee for meeting.
