Members of the House State Government Committee rejected a resolution Thursday that sought to change a House rule on committee voting.
The measure, brought by West Liberty Representative Scott Wells, would have allowed bills to emerge from committee with a simple majority vote of a quorum of members. He said the measure would bring more bills before the entire House.
“I think the committee system is important and is a good way to learn about bills and to filter them. And I think you shouldn’t have such a high bar to shut them down, to keep them from coming before the entire House.” said Wells.
Currently more than a majority is required even when all members are not in attendance. Former House Speaker Jody Richards believes in the current process.
“If the chairman wanted to put something, a bill on the committee agenda and made sure all of his folks that he wanted to vote for it were there and others may not be there, it would make the chair really, really significant.” said Richards.
Wells has indicated he won’t be seeking re-election.
