By Randal Edgar
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The debate lasted more than an hour, but despite several attempts to provide "a more open process," the House voted 60 to 9 Thursday to pass new rules as they were recommended by its own Rules Committee.
Members rejected several floor amendments, including one that would have required changes to a bill to be available 24 hours before a hearing or vote.
As adopted, the new rules move the cutoff for starting debate on a bill from 11:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., they require audio recording of all committee meetings and establish, in an apparent first, rules for House caucuses.
The 10:30 p.m. cutoff can be waived with a two-thirds vote or with the OK of the majority and minority leaders.