GOP aims to revise rules of House debate

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The transfer of power in the Missouri House has led to a debate between Republicans and Democrats -- on how to conduct formal debate.

The new Republican majority is proposing reforms that its leaders say would make legislative debate a more open process. Democrats predict the revisions would stifle debate.

"I believe that this is the free marketplace of ideas," said Rep. Rick Johnson, D-High Ridge. "Let's make sure and do whatever we can to make sure that the sign on the door says, 'Open for business.'"

For years, House members have been allowed to offer amendments or substitutes for bills at any time.

The proposed changes would require that amendments or substitutes for any bill be filed before the House is called to order on the day the measure is to be debated.

Majority Floor Leader Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, called the plan a "roadmap to all members to know where we're going. It's a disclosure that works against the majority party."

If an amendment were filed in advance of debate, Crowell said, those opposing it would have time to prepare counterarguments. Crowell, as majority leader, can bring bills up for debate as he sees fit.

But Johnson is worried that Crowell might not give Democrats advance warning that their amendments would need to be filed. Crowell said he was willing to work with the Democrats on the issue.

The revised rule would reshape the closing day of the Legislature's annual session, which typically sees a flurry of amendments and substitutes. The day would be less hectic if the amendments were filed beforehand, Crowell said.

Republicans also want to reconfigure and rename House committees, eliminating 11 committees in what they describe as an efficiency move. Democrats have said they generally favor the changes.

The House has been operating under last year's rules during the early days of the 2003 session while Republicans try to get the permanent rules changed. Other work is on hold, because permanent rules must be adopted before bills can be sent to committees.

Crowell said he plans to bring up the new rules for debate Wednesday.