Committee Basics
Why is it important to have commenters fill out the signup sheet at the witness table?
Administrative assistants and session secretaries rely on the information on the sheet when notating the meeting minutes (e.g., for name spelling).
True or false: An amendment may add or remove an entire section or change the effective date of legislation.
False. Such changes would require a motion to substitute the legislation. (HR3-2-406; SR3-2-406)
True or false: A chair must allow committee debate before ruling on a point of order.
False. A point of order is not a motion, and the chair rules without committee debate. (HR3-2-507; SR3-2-506)
Can a standing committee take action while the House or Senate is in session?
No, unless the chair received permission from the speaker/president or a majority of the chamber approves the committee to meet while the chamber is in session. (HR3-2-413; SR3-2-413)
When a committee is meeting close to the time that the House/Senate is expected to gavel down, analysts should monitor the live feed in the chamber for activity. Once the speaker/president has gaveled down, the chamber is in session and the committee meeting must cease.
How many total members serve in the Utah Legislature (House and Senate combined)?
104 (75 Representatives and 29 Senators).
Where in a standing committee meeting are news media prohibited from entering without the chair's permission?
The dais. (HR1-9-102; SR1-10-102)
What should an analyst do to ensure the committee hears the correct substitute or amendment for a bill?
(1) Check with the drafting attorney to see if there are substitutes or amendments and (2) check the bill page.
When may a committee member withdraw a motion?
Any time before the motion is placed for a vote. (HR3-2-512; SR3-2-511)
What is the difference between a concurrent, joint, and single-chamber resolution?
Concurrent: must pass House and Senate and be signed by the Governor. Joint: must pass House and Senate. House/Senate: only has to pass the single chamber.
Which legislator is currently the longest-serving woman in the history of the Utah Legislature?
Rep. Carol Spackman Moss. She has served since 2001.
When a commenter participates via video conference, what extra information and technical requirement apply (beyond name and affiliation)?
The commenter must provide place of residence and enable video. (HR3-2-308; SR3-2-308)
Relatedly, the virtual background must be simple and free from distracting visuals. (HR3-3-102; SR3-4-102)
Under what conditions may a chair accept a motion to amend during the sponsor presentation phase?
If the chair allows committee questions and debate, public comment, sponsor response, and summation by the original motion-maker. (HR3-2-306; SR3-2-306)
Senate rules also allow for a motion to substitute during the bill presentation phase, provided the same steps are followed. (SR3-2-306)
What must a standing committee member do on every motion placed for a vote while the member is present?
Vote on the motion. (HR3‑2‑502; SR3‑2‑502)
Name at least two kinds of floor actions that require a two-thirds vote.
Amendments to the Utah Constitution, calling a constitutional convention, amendments to court rules, veto overrides, impeachment, legislation with immediate effective dates, and the suspension of certain rules (e.g., rules governing debate, voting), expulsion of a legislator for cause.
Which legislator is an eight-time winner of the Utah Women's State Chess Championship?
Sen. Pitcher
Who should be notified if a standing committee is likely to need an overflow room?
The analyst should contact the IT contact (e.g., Chad Poll) who can help identify, reserve, and set up an overflow room, and then coordinate with Highway Patrol once the room is known.
What are the requirements for legislation to be place on the consent calendar?
1) A unanimous favorable recommendation; and 2) a separate unanimous vote to place it one consent (in the Senate, motion must be by chief sponsor or designee).
Additionally, must be on or before the 41st day and may not be an opposite chamber fiscal note bill ($20,000 or more in fiscal impact).
(HR3-2-405; SR3-2-405)
What must the chair do following a non‑unanimous vote on a motion in committee?
Verbally identify by name those who voted "yes" or "no" (typically whichever was the minority/losing side). (HR3‑2‑315; SR3-2-315)
What is the vote-threshold for a "constitutional majority" in the House and Senate, respectively?
38 for the House and 15 for the Senate.
Which legislator studied music in college, plays the piano and violin, and performed at Lagoon amusement park as a child?
Sen. Cullimore
What two legislative actions is a non‑member legislator forbidden from doing when attending a committee meeting?
A non‑member may not make a motion or vote. (HR3‑2‑502; SR3‑2‑502)
When can a committee reconsider its action on legislation, and how many times may it do so?
Only if the bill is still in the committee’s possession and on the agenda, the committee has not already reconsidered its action, and the committee has considered other business.
A committee may reconsider its action only once. (HR3‑2‑409; SR3‑2‑409)
Name a motion that the House expressly prohibits that the Senate does not.
While neither chamber allows motions to strike the enacting clause or circle legislation in a standing committee, only the House prohibits:
(HR3-2-510; SR3-2-509)
What is the rule for public comment at a conference committee meeting?
While conference committees are open to the public, public comment is prohibited unless a majority of committee members from one house and at least 50% from the other house vote to allow public comment. (JR3-2-902)
Name the architect who designed the Utah State Capitol.
Richard Kletting.