Easier Committee Public Hearings

Assembly Resolution No. 52 BY: M. of A. Kolb AMENDING section 4 of Rule IV of the Assembly rules, in relation to public hearings RESOLVED, That section 4 of Rule IV of the Assembly rules is amended to read as follows: § 4. Hearings. a. During each legislative session, chairpersons of standing committees may call public hearings to permit interested persons, groups or organizations the opportunity to testify orally or in writing on legislation or other matters pending before such standing committee provided, however, that each chairperson shall call such public hearings upon a petition signed by [a majority] one-third of the members of the committee. Such testimony if submitted in writing shall be posted on the Assembly Internet site to the extent practicable. b. Consistent with the provisions of subdivision d of section one of Rule IV hereof, the chairperson of each standing committee shall call at least one public hearing after the adoption of the state budget regarding the implementation and administration of programs of departments, agencies, divisions, authorities, boards, commissions, public benefit corporations and other entities within the jurisdiction of such committee. The purpose of such public hearing shall include, but not be limited to, the impact, if any, of the state budget on the implementation and administration of the programs within such entities' jurisdiction. c. Other public hearings may be called by committee chairpersons with prior consent of the Speaker and in accordance with procedure established by law. d. Each chairperson shall prepare a schedule setting forth the date and place for hearings and the subject matter to be considered thereat. Copies of such schedule shall be made available to the general public and representatives of the news media at least seven days prior to the date of such hearing and filed with the Assembly Public Information Office.