Delegation Resource Manual: Rules and Procedures
Page 120
YMCA PA Youth & Government Program
Rules for Debate
House Floor Sessions
1.
The Speaker shall establish the legislative calendar for each session. The Clerk shall read the
calendar at commencement of each session. Speaker may change the calendar at his/her
discretion except where prohibited below. Bills from the Senate must be placed at the top of the
calendar at the start of the legislative session commencing after official receipt of bill and may be
put on top of calendar, at the discretion of Speaker, if received during the session. No more than
two Senate Bills may be considered in consecutive order at any legislative session. Exception:
Sunday morning's session bills from the Senate must go to top of calendar upon receipt.
2.
Bills reported out of committee and referred to the floor may not be removed from
consideration. If the sponsor desires to withdraw a bill, the presiding officer may, at his
discretion, place the question before the Chamber and the Majority of the Chamber voting in
the affirmative may decline consideration of the bill.
3.
Clerk will read title of bill and any amendments. No more than 2 non-friendly and 2 friendly
amendments may be offered to any bill on the floor of either chamber.
4.
Sponsor of the bill will be recognized for two-minute sponsorship speech. Any time not used,
automatically reserved for sponsor's concluding remarks. Sponsor may not be interrupted
except for point of personal privilege, which point may not be delayed until sponsor's speech is
concluded.
5.
Two-minutes of technical and non-debatable questions; the Speaker will determine the
germaneness of the question.
6.
Any member from committee opposed to bill, two-minutes; if none exists then any
Representative may rise in opposition. Debate will alternate with members in favor of the bill for
the balance of debate time. Total debate time will be 16 minutes. Any time not used by a
member may be yielded to another member which member must be identified by name and be
present at the microphone. Motions to move the previous question are only in order in the
House and then are not in order until at least 8 minutes of debate time have elapsed. Debate
time on a bill may be extended once for a period of no more than 8 minutes.
7.
Amendments must be submitted to Clerk in writing and debate is limited as follows on
amendments: 1 minute to sponsor of the amendment; 1 minute to anyone opposed; 1 minute to
anyone in favor of amendment; 1 minute for opposition. Voting on amendment immediately
after last speaker, no other business may be conducted until voting is completed. It is out of
order to move to extend debate time on amendments. Votes on amendments may be voice
votes. If sponsor is agreeable to amendment, may be put to House for acceptance as friendly
amendment. Time for amendments shall be subtracted from the total debate time allowed for
the bill. The Presiding officer must decide whether amendments offered are germane. Germane
amendments are in order and may be considered. Non-germane amendments are out of order
and may not be considered unless the sponsor of the amendment appeals the decision of the
Presiding Officer to the full chamber.
8.
All voting on final passage of bill will be standing votes. No member may abstain from voting
on the question of passage of a bill.
