Rules and Procedures of House of Representativesfinal

THE 52ND LEGISLATURE
RULES AND PROCEDURES

OF
HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES
52ND LEGISLATURE OF LIBERIA

JOINT LEGISLATIVE MONETIZATION COMMITTEE
This program is made by the

Generous Support of the American
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Validated and Approved
No. 669-A-00-09-00070-00. The
opinions expressed herein are those
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of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views of USAID or the
House of Representatives
United states Government.
of the 52nd Legislature
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TIME TABLE
REGULAR SESSIONS
Opening: 2nd Working Monday in January of
each year
Adjournment: August 31st of each year

Session Days: Tuesdays and Thursday of each
week
BREAKS
Easter: 2 Weeks during each Easter period
Annual: 1st September each year
COMMITTEES FUNCTION
Daily Sittings: Monday and Wednesday of each
week
st
Budget Submission: 1 May of each year
th
Budget Approval: June 30 of each year
CONTENTS Page
Chapter 1: Main Disposition 1

Rule 1 Purpose 1
Rule 2 Legislative Period and Meeting Place 1
Rule 3 Secret Session 1
Chapter 2: Powers and Duties of the House 3

Rule 4 Contempt Power 3
Chapter 3: Leadership of the House 4
Rule 5 The Leadership of the House of Representatives 4
Chapter 4: Speaker and Deputy Speaker 5
Rule 6 Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker 5
Rule 7 Powers and Duties of the Speaker 5
Rule 8 Powers and Duties of the Deputy Speaker 6
Rule 9 Removal/Expulsion of Member 7
Rule 10 Succession of the Leadership 7
Chapter 5: House Members 8
Rule 11 Taking of Oath 8
Chapter 6: Quorum and Commencement of Business 9

Rule 12 Quorum 9
Rule 13 Commencement of Business 9
Rule 14 Order of Business 9
Rule 15 The Journal 10
Chapter 7: Questions, Motions, and Amendments 11
Rule 16 Questions 11
Rule 17 Motions 11
i
Chapter 8: Voting and Voting Procedure 13
Rule 18 Vote 13
Rule 19 Voting Procedures 13
Rule 20 Explanation of a Subject Matter to
Absent Member 14
Rule 21 Special Sanction for Absenteeism 14
Chapter 9: Debate and Order 15
Rule 22 Debate 15
Rule 23 Question of Order 16
Chapter 10: Election and Duties of Other Staff 18
Rule 24 Election of Other Staffs 18
Rule 25 Duties of the Chief Clerk 18
Rule 26 Duties of other Staff 19
Rule 27 List of the Speakers Staff 21
Rule 28 List of the Deputy Speakers Staff 22
Rule 29 List of Honorable Members Staff 22
Chapter 11: Bills and Petitions 24
Rule 30 Definition of Bill 24
Rule 31 Reading of Bills 24
Rule 32 Meeting of Conference Committee 25
Rule 33 Assent 25
Rule 34 Procedure on Bills 25
Rule 35 Procedure on Financial Bills (Budget) 26
Rule 36 Announcement of Members Bills 27
Rule 37 Forms of Bills 27
Rule 38 Title of Bills 27
Rule 39 Discharge Petition 27
ii
Chapter 12: House Code of Conduct 28
Rule 40 Honesty and Transparency 28
Rule 41 Using Power Properly 28
Rule 42 Prestige and Dignity of the House 28
Rule 43 Confidentiality 28
Rule 44 Being Free from Corruption 29
Rule 45 Conflict of Interest 29
Chapter 13: Observance of the Ethics of the House 30
Rule 46 General Provision 30
Rule 47 The Observance of Rights 30
Rule 48 Observing the Ethics 30
Chapter 14: Legislative Committees 32
Rule 49 General Provision 32
Rule 50 Committee Power 32
Rule 51 Oversight Responsibilities of Committees 32
Rule 52 Committee Procedure 33
Rule 53 Composition of Committees 34
Rule 54 Vacancies and Absences on Committees 34
Rule 55 Committee Chairperson Staff List 35
Rule 56 Statutory Committees 35
Rule 57 Function & Jurisdiction of Statutory Committees 35
Rule 58 Standing Committees 39
Rule 59 Functions & Jurisdiction of Standing Committees 39
Chapter 15: Messages and Ratification of Treaties 49
Rule 60 Messages 49
Rule 61 Ratification of Treaties 49
Chapter 16: Miscellaneous 50
Rule 62 House of Representative and Financial Manual 50
Rule 63-Amendment and Suspension of Rules 50
iii
CONTENTS ARRANGED BY RULE TITLE
Page
Absent Member Rule 20 14

Amendment & Suspension of Rules Rule 63 50
Announcement of Members Bills Rule 36 27
Assent Rule 33 25
Being Free from Corruption Rule 44 25
Commencement of Business Rule 13 9

Committee Chairperson Staff List Rule 55 35
Committee Power Rule 50 32
Committee Procedure Rule 52 33
Composition of Committees Rule 53 34
Confidentiality Rule 43 28
Conflict of Interest Rule 45 29
Contempt Power Rule 4 3
Debate Rule 22 15
Definition of Bill Rule 30 24
Discharge Petition Rule 39 27
Duties of other Staff Rule 26 19
Duties of the Chief Clerk Rule 25 18
Election of Other Staffs Rule 24 18

Election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker Rule 6 3
Explanation of a Subject Matter to
Forms of Bills Rule 37 27

Function & Jurisdiction of Statutory Committees Rule 57 35
Functions & Jurisdiction of Standing Committees Rule 59 39
General Provision Rule 46 30
General Provision Rule 49 32
Honesty and Transparency Rule 40 28

House of Representative and Financial Manual Rule 62 50
iv
Legislative Period and Meeting Place Rule 2 1
List of Honorable Members Staff Rule 29 22
List of the Deputy Speakers Staff Rule 28 22
List of the Speakers Staff Rule 27 21
Meeting of Conference Committee Rule 32 25

Messages Rule 60 49
Motions Rule 17 11
Observing the Ethics Rule 48 30

Order of Business Rule 14 9
Oversight Responsibilities of Committees Rule 51 32
Powers and Duties of the Deputy Speaker Rule 8 6

Powers and Duties of the Speaker Rule 7 5
Prestige and Dignity of the House Rule 42 28
Procedure on Bills Rule 34 25
Procedure on Money Bills (Budget) Rule 35 26
PurposeRule 1
Question of Order Rule 23 15

Questions Rule 16 11
Quorum Rule 12 9
Ratification of Treaties Rule 61 49

Reading of Bills Rule 31 24
Removal/Expulsion of Member Rule 9 7
Secret Session Rule 3 1

Special Sanction for Absenteeism Rule 21 14
Standing Committees Rule 58 39
Statutory Committees Rule 56 35
Succession of the Leadership Rule 10 7
v
Taking of Oath Rule 11 8
The Journal Rule 15 10
The Leadership of the House of Representatives Rule 5 4
The Observance of Rights Rule 47 30
Title of Bills Rule 38 27
Using Power Properly Rule 41 28
Vacancies and Absences on Committees Rule 54 34

Vote Rule 18 13
Voting Procedures Rule 19 13
vi
CHAPTER 1
MAIN DISPOSITIONS
RULE 1
PURPOSE
1.1 In order to ensure stability, decorum, orderliness, discipline and the
proper distribution and delimitation of power, responsibilities, and
jurisdiction in the House of Representatives, Republic of Liberia; and in
order to further guide Legislative practices and procedures and to regulate the
activities of members of this Honorable body; and in further strict adherence
to Article 38 of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, which empowers
each House of the National Legislature of the Republic to adopt its own rules
of procedure and enforce same;
1.2 We the members of the 52nd Legislature of the House of Representatives,

Republic of Liberia do hereby solemnly make, establish, proclaim, adopt and
publish these rules to govern the day-to-day activities of members of the
Honorable House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia.
RULE 2
LEGISLATIVE PERIOD AND MEETING PLACE
2.1 Daily Sessions of the House of Representatives shall be held on Tuesdays
and Thursdays of each week from the hours of 10:00am to 12:00pm and from
2:00pm to 4:00pm, at which time roll call and votes are taken, while Mondays
and Wednesdays are set aside for Committees meetings and Fridays to be
observed for constituency business.
2.2 The Honorable House of Representatives, Republic of Liberia, shall meet
on the second working Monday of January in each year, at the hour of
9:00am, except in a Presidential Election Year, in which case it shall meet the
second working Monday in December at 9:00am.
RULE 3
SECRET SESSION
3.1 When the president of the Republic of Liberia shall meet the House in the
Houses Chamber for the consideration of executive business, he/she shall
have his/her seat on the right of the Presiding Officer.
1.
3.2 When acting upon confidential or executive business, the same is
considered executive session, the House Chambers shall be cleared of all
persons; save the Chief Clerk and the Sergeant at Arms.
3.3 Whenever the injunction of secrecy shall be removed from any part of
the proceedings of the House in Executive Session or Secret Legislative
Session, the order of the House removing the same shall be entered by the
Chief Clerk of the House in the Houses Journal, and shall be published in
the Record.
2.
CHAPTER 2
POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE HOUSE
RULE 4
CONTEMPT POWER
4.1 Contempt of the Legislature shall consist of actions which obstruct the
Legislative function or which obstruct or impede members or officers of the
Legislature in the discharge of their Legislative duties, and is punishable
by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) and/or
imprisonment in a common jail for not more than one month or the duration
of the current session of the House; after a hearing consistent with due
process of law. Decisions rendered from contempt charges are not
appealable.
3.
CHAPTER 3
LEADERSHIP OF THE HOUSE
RULE 5
THE LEADERSHIP OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
5.1 The leadership of the House of Representatives shall consist of the
following officials:
a. The Speaker
b. The Deputy Speaker
c. The House Chairman on Executive
d. The House Chairman on Foreign Affairs
e. The House Chairman on Judiciary
f. The House Chairman on Ways, Means & Finance
g. The House Chairman on Rules, Order, & Administration
h. The House Chairman on Public Accounts and Expenditures and
I. The House Chairman on Gender Equity and Child Development
j. The House Chairman on National Security
k. All Co-Chairpersons of Statutory Committees
4.
CHAPTER 4
SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER
RULE 6
ELECTION OF SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER
6.1 Every six years, on the first day of Session, the Chief Clerk, whose term
of Office shall not expire until his/her successor is elected, shall call the
House to order, conduct devotions, and announce to the Members present
that the House is without a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker. The Members
then shall elect one of their members as Speaker to serve for a term of six
years. The Chief Clerk shall then appoint a Special Committee, which shall
escort the Speaker to his seat, and the Chief Clerk shall then retire. On the
same day, the Deputy Speaker shall be elected to serve a term of six years.
The Speaker shall then direct that a message be sent to the Senate and
President of the Republic of Liberia informing them that a quorum of the
House has been established, that a new Speaker and Deputy Speaker have
been elected and that members have been given the oath of office and that the
House is ready to conduct legislative business and is prepared to receive any
communication from the Senate or the President.
6.2 Election of Deputy Speaker shall be presided over by the Speaker.
RULE 7
POWERS & DUTIES OF THE SPEAKER
7.1 The Speaker shall perform the following duties:
7.2 Call the Honorable House of Representatives to order at the

commencement of each days session and shall proceed to business in
manner prescribed in these rules.
7.3 Preserve order and perfect decorum and shall decide all questions of
order subject to an appeal to the Honorable House of Representatives.
The Speaker shall see that members conduct themselves in a civil and
orderly manner. When necessary, the Speaker may order the Sergeant-at-
Arms to clear the aisles and compel members to take their seats.
5.
7.4 Appoint the Chairpersons and Co-chairpersons of Statutory
Committees.
7.5 Appoint members of Statutory Committees in consultation with the

Houses Leadership.
7.6 Appoint Chairpersons, Co-chairpersons and Members of Standing

Committees in consultation with the Houses Leadership.
7.7 Transmit all directives of the Honorable House of Representatives to

the Chief Clerk.
7.8 In appointing the chairpersons, co-chairpersons and members of each

Standing Committee, the Speaker shall take into consideration the partisan
composition of the House, professional knowledge, expertise or
experience of the individual appertaining to the functions of the committee
to which he or she is appointed.
7.9 Represent the Honorable House of Representatives at all public and

official functions whether or not the Honorable House of Representatives is
in session.
7.10 Sign all bills, resolutions and addresses after they have been enrolled
and also approve transactions after the account department, Ways, Means,
& Finance and the Deputy Speaker shall have initialed them.
7.11 The Speaker shall carry out other duties assigned to him by plenary.
RULE 8
POWERS & DUTIES OF THE DEPUTY SPEAKER
8.1 In the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker of the Honorable
House of Representatives shall preside over the sitting of the August
Body and shall exercise all rights and powers assigned to the Speaker.
8.2 The Deputy Speaker shall assist the Speaker in the discharge of his/her
functions, and he/she shall perform such duties as the Speaker shall
delegate or deem appropriate and shall also initial any financial and other
transactions prior to the approval of the Speaker.
8.3 The Speaker and Deputy Speaker shall serve as Ex-Officials of all
committees.
6.
RULE 9
REMOVAL/EXPULSION OF MEMBER
9.1 The Speaker, Deputy Speaker and other Officers of the House, may be
removed from office for cause by a resolution of a two-thirds majority of the
member of the House.
9.2 A member may be expelled from the House for cause by a resolution of a
two-thirds majority of the members of the House.
RULE 10
SUCCESSION OF THE LEADERSHIP
10.1 When the office of the Speaker shall become vacant by reason of
removal, death, resignation, inability or other disabilities, the Deputy
Speaker shall act as Speaker until a new speaker is elected within sixty days.
When the Speaker is absent from session, the Deputy Speaker shall act in
accordance with Rule 8.1 and 8.2. In the absence of the Speaker and Deputy
Speaker, such member of the House, as the House may elect for that purpose
shall preside. Such member shall be known as Speaker Pro-Tempore.
7.
CHAPTER 5
HOUSE MEMBERS
RULE 11
TAKING OF OATH
11.1 Each member of the House of Representatives before taking his/her

seat, shall take an oath or affirmation to uphold and defend the Constitution
and the Laws of the Republic of Liberia as well as to faithfully discharge the
duties and functions of the office as a member of the House of
Representatives. The oath shall be taken from the Constitution of the
Republic of Liberia and shall read thus: I, (state name), do solemnly swear
that I will support, uphold, protect and defend the Constitution and Laws of
the Republic of Liberia and bear true faith and allegiance to the Republic and
will faithfully, conscientiously and impartially discharge the duties and
functions of the office of the Honorable House of Representatives, to the
best of my ability. SO HELP ME GOD. After the oath has been duly
administered, the Speaker shall order the Chief Clerk to call the roll for the
official start of duty.
8.
CHAPTER 6
QUORUM AND COMMENCEMENT OF
BUSINESS
RULE 12
QUORUM
12.1 A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the members of the

Honorable House of Representatives. Quorum shall be necessary for the
transaction of business. However, a minority may meet from day to day.
Meetings at which a quorum is not present, only a motion to compel the
attendance of absent members or to adjourn may be made.
RULE 13
COMMENCEMENT OF BUSINESS
13.1 Upon a quorum being present and the Presiding Officer having taken
the chair, the Sergeant-At-Arm shall cry for the commencement of the
days session, following which the Chaplain shall offer prayers.
RULE 14
ORDER OF BUSINESS
14.1 Regular order of business shall be as follows:
a. Session call to order

b. Prayers
c. Roll call
d. Reading of Daily Journal and adoption
e. Reading and adoption of the agenda
f. Call for petitions
g. Call for reports of Standing Committees
h. Call for reports of Special Committees
I. Call for Motions, Resolutions and Bills
j. Call for the consideration of Senate Amendments
k. Call for business on the Speakers desk
l. Call for unfinished and miscellaneous business
m. Announcement of pending reports by the chief clerk
n. Adjournment
9.
RULE 15
THE JOURNAL
15.1 The proceedings of the Honorable House of Representatives shall be

summarized and accurately recorded in the Daily Journal. It shall contain
matters dealing with messages from the President, Bills, Resolutions,
Petitions, Motions, Reports, Memorials, Letters, Papers, Votes, Hearings,
Investigations, Impeachment proceedings when sitting as a Court of
Impeachment and Recordation, of debates and decisions arising there from.
The records shall reflect the name, party and county that represents each
member who speaks, makes motions, or otherwise address an issue during
any deliberation of the House.
15.2 Owing to the voluminous nature of the House Journal, it shall not be
necessary to read the House Journal daily in open session. Rather, the Chief
Clerk of the House shall peruse the Journal for editing after which copies of
the edited Journal shall be distributed to the Members of the House for any
further corrections and such corrections shall be completed within two (2)
days. Upon the receipt of corrections or the lack thereof, the Journal shall be
adopted and be in the final typed form and reproduced for circulation among
the House Members in open session.
10.
CHAPTER 7
QUESTIONS, MOTIONS & AMENDMENTS
RULE 16
QUESTIONS
16.1 All questions, whether in committee or before the House, except
privileged questions, shall be put in the order in which they are made.
16.2 The call for the vote shall be directly put in this form, Those in favor
of (as the question may be) say yea, and after the affirmative vote is
expressed, those of a contrary opinion say nay. If the Speaker is in
doubt, or a division be called for, the House shall divide and a roll call be
taken. The Speaker shall announce the results.
RULE 17
MOTIONS
17.1 When a motion is put and seconded, it shall be stated by the Presiding
Officer or, being in writing, shall be handed to the Presiding Officer who
shall order it read by the Chief Clerk of the House before debate.
17.2 When a motion is stated by the Presiding Officer or read by the Chief
Clerk of the House, it shall be deemed to be in possession of the House.
17.3 Any motion or resolution may be withdrawn or modified by a mover

at any time before a decision, amendment or order of the yeas and nays,
except a motion to reconsider which shall not be withdrawn without the
consent of the mover.
17.4 When a matter is pending or is being debated or considered, no motion

shall be entertained, except a motion:
a. To adjourn to a day certain or that when the House adjourns it shall
be a day certain;
b. To take a recess to a time certain;
c. To proceed to the consideration of executive business;
d. To lay on the table;

11.
e. To postpone to a day certain;
f. To decide the issue at hand;
g. To recommit;
h. To amend;
i. To postpone indefinitely
j. The following questions shall be decided without debate:
k. To adjourn
l. To take a recess
m. The question of consideration
n. All questions relating to the priority of business
o. The question of consideration
p. When a motion for reconsideration has been accepted in keeping with
the rules, a bill in respect of that motion shall not be put on the floor
until after three days.
q. When an issue is decided by the House, any legislator who voted on
that issue may, on the same day, or within the next two days immediate
following session days move for reconsideration of the decision; every
motion for reconsideration shall be decided by a majority vote. If the
House refuses to reconsider or the motion for reconsideration is
withdrawn, or if upon reconsideration the House shall affirm its first
decision, no further motion to reconsider shall be entertained. A motion
to reconsider may be laid on the table without affecting the question in
reference. Such action to lay on the table shall be a final disposition of
the motion for reconsideration.
12.
CHAPTER 8
VOTING & VOTING PROCEDURE
RULE 18
VOTE
18.1 No new member of the House who has not yet been qualified shall be
permitted to vote on any issue, but pending his/her qualification he/she may
be permitted by the Speaker to discuss any matter on the floor, to express
his/her view, or to make any suggestion, which might be beneficial to the
House.
18.2 Any member who has a personal or private interest in any bill or
question before the House shall disclose same; if disclosure determined by
the House to be a conflict of interest, he/she shall recues himself/herself from
being appointed on the committee to make recommendation on the issue.
RULE 19
VOTING PROCEDURES
19.1 When a question is put, the consensus of the House of Representatives
shall be taken by the voices of the Members, and the Speaker shall announce
the vote as it appears to him/her by the sound. Sometimes it is difficult for the
Speaker to determine, based on the volume of each response, whether more
Members shouted Aye or Nay. In such case, vote shall be conducted by a
show of hand. When considering a measure by unanimous consent, the
Speaker may say without objection the question is adopted in lieu of a
vote. However, any Member may object to that and force a vote.
19.2 If the Speaker is unable to decide by the sound of the voices, or if a

member calling for a decision doubts his announcement made thereupon,
he/she shall call for a vote or by the show of hands or standing.
19.3 All elections shall be by secret ballot.
18.4 When a bill or the budget is being passed, a treaty or concession is being
ratified; the vote shall be taken by roll call.
13.
RULE 20
EXPLANATION OF A SUBJECT MATTER TO
ABSENT MEMBER
20.1 Any member of the House of Representatives who was not present
when discussion was held but enters before a vote is taken thereon may ask
to be enlightened on the subject matter. He/she may thereupon cast his/her
vote on the question.
RULE 21
SPECIAL SANCTION FOR ABSENTEEISM
21.1 No House member shall stay away from sessions without the expressed
approval of the House for a period of more than two weeks; for a period less
than two weeks, permission may be sought from the Speaker. Violators shall
be penalized in a manner deemed appropriate by the leadership of the House
in consultation with plenary.
14.
CHAPTER 9
DEBATE AND ORDER
RULE 22
DEBATE
22.1 When a member of the Honorable House of Representatives desires to

speak, he/she shall raise his/her hand and address the Presiding Officer; and
the Presiding Officer shall recognize the member who first addresses
him/her. When two or more members rise at about the same time, the
Presiding Officer shall name the member who is to speak first. This decision
shall be final and not open to debate or appeal. No member shall proceed
until he or she is recognized. No member shall interrupt another in a debate
without the Speakers consent and to obtain such consent, he/she shall first
address the Presiding Officer.
22.2 No member shall speak for more than twice on a subject on the same
day without permission from the Speaker. The debate shall be relevant,
germane and confined to the specific matter which is pending before the
House.
22.3 When two or more members rise at the same time to speak, the
Presiding Officer shall exercise his/her discretion as to whom he/she shall
recognize as the first to speak and this discretion shall not be questioned or
challenged by any member of the House.
22.4 No member during a debate shall directly or indirectly by any form or

word, impute to another member or members any conduct or motive
unworthy of or unbecoming of a member.
22.5 No member during a debate shall refer offensively to any of the

counties or ethnic groups in Liberia, or to his/her creed, sex, religion/faith or
political party.
22.6 If a member is speaking or otherwise transgresses the rules of the

House, any member may call him/her to order. The member who is
called to order shall remain standing, unless the Presiding Officer directs
otherwise.
15.
22.7 While the Presiding Officer is putting a question or addressing the
House, no member shall walk out or cross the floor, nor introduce or
entertain private conversation.
22.8 While the Honorable House of Representatives is in session, no

member is permitted to read newspapers, etc. Also, members shall not have
any outside contacts by way of mobile phones and members may not speak
to nor listen to another on the other end of the pew.
22.9 Conversations among or between members, while a matter is pending

before the body, outside of the subject being discussed, is strongly
discouraged. The Presiding Officer will censure violators.
22.10 No alcoholic beverages of any kind will be allowed within the
Chambers. Members are also encouraged to abstain from drinking alcohol
before and during sessions. Any member found to be intoxicated or under
the influence of alcohol during sessions will be made to excuse
himself/herself at once from the Chambers by the Presiding Officer. Failure
to leave, the Presiding Officer shall ask the Sergeant-At-Arms to escort the
member outside the chamber.
22.11 Every member attending session shall be properly attired (a business

suit, slack, and jacket higher heights/French Suit or African attire).
Ladies are especially solicited to dress in a manner depicting their elevated
status in society. (All pants are specifically prohibited for ladies, except
where a pants-suit is worn and the upper garment hangs below the knees or
at least at knee level).
22.12 Members may not introduce or otherwise make reference to visitors or
the press while addressing the presiding officer or the House.
22.13 Members of the House may not be addressed by only their names on
the House floor. They are to refer to each other in such manner My
distinguished colleague from .County or The Gentleman or
Gentlewoman from County or Honorable.
RULE 23
QUESTION OF ORDER
23.1 A question of order may be raised at any stage of the proceedings, and
unless submitted to the House, it shall be decided by the Presiding Officer
without debate, subject to appeal to the House. When an appeal is taken, the
Presiding Officer without debate shall decide any subsequent order, which
may arise before the decision of such appeal.
16.
Any appeal emanating there from may be laid on the table without prejudice
to the pending proposition, and thereupon shall be held as affirming the
decision of the Presiding Officer.
23.2 The Presiding Officer may submit any question or order for the decision
of the House. In addition to the Standing Rules of the House, the Roberts
Rules of Order, Debate and Procedure as laid down in Jeffersons
Manual shall be observed except where they conflict with these rules and
the constitution of the Republic of Liberia; and in such instance, these Rules
shall take precedence.
17.
CHAPTER 10
ELECTION AND DUTIES OF
OTHER STAFFS
RULE 24
ELECTION OF OTHER STAFFS
24.1 The election and appointment of the support staff of the Honorable
House of Representatives shall reflect geographical and regional balance.
24.2 The House within a weeks time shall elect the Chief Clerk, Deputy
Chief Clerk, Sergeant-At-Arms and recommend for employment, each of
the following employees for the duration of the Honorable House of
Representatives:
a. Engrossing Clerk
b. Enrolling clerk
c. Chaplains
d. Two Stenographers
e. The Doormen
f. Desktop Publisher
g. Reproduction Clerk
h. Filing/Recording Clerk
I. Messengers
j. Recording Clerk
RULE 25
DUTIES OF THE CHIEF CLERK
25.1 The Chief Clerk shall perform the following duties and supervise all
clerical businesses of the Honorable House of Representatives:
25.2 Ensure that the properties of the House are safeguarded.
25.3 The Chief Clerk is the custodian of the bills, amendments, resolutions
and other legislative documents that are in possession of the House.
25.4 Ensure that the Journals and Records of the House are properly kept,
and that the Records are deposited with the Achieves of the House
immediately after the adjournment of the Honorable House.
25.5 Provide the House Drafting Service with copies of all bills and
resolutions introduced in the House and make available all information
required for its work.
18.
25.6 Preside over the House during the elections of the Speaker as provided
for in Rule 17 above.
25.7 Carry out all directives address to him/her by the House through the
Presiding Officer.
25.8 Prepare and distribute at the beginning of every session a list of reports
required to be made to the House.
25.9 Attest and affix the seal of the House to all writs, warrants, subpoenas
and formal documents issued by the (plenary) of the House. The Chief Clerk
shall not permit a bill, amendment, resolution or other legislative document
to be removed from the Chief Clerks custodian except in the course of
regular business of the House. A bill, amendment, resolution or other
legislative document in the Chief Clerks custody shall be available for
public inspection.
25.9 Receive all communications, including but not limited to messages

from the President and the Senate when the House is not in session.
25.10 Manage and supervise, in consultation with the committee on Rules,
Order and Administration the office of any deceased, resigned, or expelled
member until a successor is elected.
25.11 Under the supervision of the Speaker, prepares and distributes the
agenda at the beginning of every session.
RULE 26
DUTIES OF OTHER STAFFS
26.1 The Deputy Chief Clerk shall assist the Chief Clerk in the smooth
operations of the staff of the House. In the absence of the Chief Clerk,
he/she shall perform all duties and responsibilities as appertained to the
office of the Chief Clerk.
26.2 The Engrossing Clerk shall properly engross all bills and other
documents. He/she shall cooperate with the Legislative Drafting Service in
making available information required for the House. He/she shall also hold
in his custody all documents turned over to him/her by the Chief Clerk for the
Archives.
26.3 The Enrolling Clerk shall make a correct copy in hand writing of all bills
which have originated in the House and which have been passed by the
House and shall see that such copy is put in the Archives of the House.
He/she shall prepare or cause to be prepared the official copies provided
there from.
19.
He/she shall ensure that the Legislative Drafting Service verifies the official
copy before processing it to the Executive Committee for transmittal to the
President. He/she shall also call the roll of members (and staff) of the House
and, together with the Typist, be responsible for preparing documents.
He/she shall perform such other duties as may be assigned him/her by the
Speaker, Deputy Speaker or the Chief Clerk.
26.4 The Chaplain shall open each days proceedings with prayers. The
Assistant Chaplain shall act in the absence of the Chaplain.
26.5 The Sergeant-At-Arms: shall be the chief police officer; under the
direction of the Presiding Officer, the Sergeant-At-arms shall maintain
good order in the hall, gallery, corridors, committee rooms, and on the floor
of the House and in the adjoining rooms while the House is in sessions.
He/she shall dispatch all correspondence and shall sign for and receive all
documents and other items coming to the House before turning them over to
the Chief Clerk. He/she shall supervise all Messengers and Doorkeepers.
He shall be in attendance upon the Speaker, Deputy Speaker or Chief Clerk
at all official functions; shall strictly enforce the rules regulating admission
of persons to the floor of the House; shall maintain good order in the
corridor, committee rooms, offices, and other areas under the exclusive use
and control of the House; shall serve all subpoenas and warrants issued by
the House or any duly authorized officer or committee; and on an order for a
call of the House, shall forthwith proceed to arrest and bring those subpoena
into the House.
26.6 The Desktop Publishers shall type all documents required for the
business of the Honorable House of Representatives, or any of its
committees. They shall also perform such other duties as may be assigned
them by the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, or the Chief clerk.
26.7 The Stenographers shall take stenographic notes of the deliberations of

the House and transcribe same for adoption at the session on the subsequent
day. Failure of the Stenographers to take proper care in keeping the daily
records shall subject them to be punished be punished by the House in such
manner, as it may deem appropriate. A Stenographer engaged in keeping the
stenographic records shall assist the Chief Clerk in preparation of the
correspondence of the House. The Stenographers shall perform such other
duties as may be assigned them by the Speaker, Deputy Speaker or the Chief
Clerk. He/she shall use modern equipment for the feasibility of records.
20.
26.8 The Reproduction Clerk shall help the Desktop Publisher to cut the
stencils and mimeograph all records of the House and all other documents
turn over to him/her for that purpose by the Chief Clerk. He/she shall
perform such other duties as may be assigned to him/her by the Speaker,
Deputy Speaker, or the Chief Clerk. He/she shall perform the functions of a
photocopier/Desktop Publisher to meet the demands of current realities.
26.9 The Record and Filing Clerk shall be responsible for filing all
documents turned over to him/her. He/she shall record in a proper book
provided for the purpose of all Journals of the House, which have been
adopted to form a part of the Archives. He/she shall also perform such other
duties as may be assigned him/her by the Speaker, Deputy Speaker or the
Chief Clerk.
26.10 The Director of Maintenance shall be responsible for keeping in a
clean and orderly condition the facilities of the Capitol Building and, with
the cooperation of the Chief Clerk, shall be responsible for the care and
safety of the properties of the House. They shall be under the direct
supervision of the chairman on the committee on Rules, Order and
Administration and report all irregularities or disrepair of any property that
they observe.
26.11 The Doorkeepers shall enforce strictly the rules relating to the
privileges and use of the hall. They shall allow no person to enter the
chambers of the House during its sitting and 15 minutes before the hour of
the meeting of the House each day. They shall ensure that the floor is cleared
of all persons except those privileged to remain, and kept so until ten (10)
minutes after adjournment. They shall act in the absence of the Sergeant-At-
Arms. No member shall enter or leave the hall during devotion.
RULE 27
LIST OF THE SPEAKERS STAFF
27.1 The Speakers staff shall consist of the following:
a. Chief of Office Staff - 1

b. Adm. Assistant - 2
c. Special Assistant - 1
d. Appointment Secretary - 1
e. Executive Secretary - 1
f. Secretary - 1
g. Press Secretary - 1
h. Receptionist - 2
I. Page - 3
j. Mimeographer - 1
k. Desktop Publisher - 1
21.
l. Security - 4
m. Yard Boy - 3
n. Cooks - 2
o. Steward - 1
p. Driver (Chauffeur) - 4
RULE 28
LIST OF THE DEPUTY SPEAKER STAFF
28.1 The Deputy Speakers staff shall consist of the following:

d. Appointment Secretary - 1
e. Executive Secretary - 1
f. Secretary - 1
g. Receptionists - 2
h. Page - 2
i. Mimeographer - 1
j. Security - 2
k. Yard Boy - 2
l. Cooks - 2
m. Steward - 1
n. Driver (Chauffeur) - 2
RULE 29
LIST OF HONORABLE MEMBERS STAFF
29.1 The staff of a member shall consist of the following:

d. Executive Secretary - 1
e. Page - 1
22.
f. Secretary - 1
g. Filing Clerk - 1
h. Receptionist - 1
i. Yard Boy - 1
j. Cook - 1
k. Security - 2
l. Resource Officer - 1
23.
CHAPTER 11
BILLS AND PETITIONS
RULE 30
DEFINITION OF BILL
30.1 Whenever the word bill is used in these Rules, it shall include but not
be limited to constitutional amendments and resolutions.
RULE 31
READING OF BILLS
31.1 Every bill shall be read at length on three different session days. No bill
shall become law unless it has been so read. The House may unanimously
direct that, and the Speaker shall give notice at each reading, whether the first
shall constitute the second and third readings.
31.2 Bills shall be read for the first time in order of presentation, given a
number and printed copies of same shall be made available to Honorable
Members the next legislative day. Action on a bill after reading for the first
time shall be taken immediately unless the House moves to take a recess; it
shall be in order to move to have the House continue in session in order to
take action on such bill.
31.3 Action on a bill after reading shall be taken on a motion, to adopt, to
remain on the Speakers desk, to take for time indefinite, or to commit. No
member shall debate any such motion unless he/she desires to defeat the bill.
31.4 When a Bill has been read the first time, the Bill shall stand committed
to a Standing Committee of the House by the Speaker unless the Plenary
otherwise directs to the contrary.
31.5 When a Bill has been reported from the Committee after public hearings
and mark-up by the Committee, the Bill shall be considered in the
Committee of the Whole House during the Second Reading of the Bill.
31.6 Bills read for the second time shall be subject to amendments, one part
at a time.
31.7 Bills adopted on Third Reading shall be ordered engrossed.
31.8 When a Bill originating in the House has been read the Third time, a
printed copy of it signed by the Chief Clerk and endorsed by the Speaker,
shall be forwarded by the Chief Clerk of the House to the Secretary of Senate
together with a message desiring concurrence of the Senate.
31.9 When a Bill which originated in the Senate has been read the Third time,
the Chief Clerk shall either:
24.
a. Retain the Bill and send a message to the Senate That the House of
Representatives has agreed to the Bill without amendment, or
b. Cause any amendment or amendments that may have been made to it by
the House of Representatives to be entered in the original copy of the Bill
received from the Senate, which copy, signed by the Chief Clerk and
endorsed by the Speaker, shall then be returned to the Senate desiring the
concurrence of the Senate in the amendment or amendments made by the
House of Representatives.
RULE 32
MEETING OF CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
32.1 When a Bill passed by the House and sent to the Senate for concurrence
is sent back to the House with Senate amendments, the House shall resolve
itself into a Committee of the Whole House which shall proceed to
determine if the Senate amendment (s) are acceptable.
32.2 If the Senate amendments are not acceptable to the House, then the
Conference Committee of the House and Senate shall meet.
32.3 Selected Members of the House including some Members of the
Committee that considered the Bill shall represent the House in the
Conference Committee.
32.4 The Conference Committee shall deliberate only on areas of
disagreement between the House and the Senate. The Conference
Committee shall not insert in its report matter not committed to it by either
the House or Senate, nor shall it be in order to strike out from the Bill matter
agreed to by the House and Senate.
32.5 The sitting of the Conference Committee may be opened or closed to
the public depending on the subject matter under discussion and the majority
view of the Members.
RULE 33
ASSENT
33.1: When a Bill has been passed by the House and the Senate with or
without amendments, a clean copy certified by the Chief Clerk of the House,
the Secretary of the Senate, signed by the Speaker and President Pro-
Tempore of the Senate shall be delivered to the Executive Committee of the
House for onward transmittal to the President of the Republic for assent.
33.2 Where the President of the Republic withholds his/her assent; recourse
shall be made to Article 35 of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia.
RULE 34
PROCEDURE ON BILLS
34.1 House members having bills, petitions, memorials or resolutions to
present shall deliver them to the Chief Clerk of the House.
25.
34.2 Only House members, who have already been qualified to hold office
and not under suspension from office, shall sponsor or introduce to the
House, matters such as bills and resolutions.
RULE 35
PROCEDURE ON FINANCIAL BILLS (BUDGET)
35.1 During each year, there shall be introduced into the House, an
Appropriation Bill which shall contain the estimated financial requirements
for expenditure on revenue accounts on all the services of the government
for the succeeding financial year. The details of these financial
requirements shall be contained in the Estimates which shall be presented at
the same time.
35.2 On presentation, the Bill shall be deemed to have been read the first
time; it shall stand committed to the Ways, Means and Finance Committee.
The Standing Committees of the House shall, for this purpose, be deemed to
be sub-Committees of the Ways, Means and Finance Committee and shall
consider estimates for the Ministries, Departments and Agencies which
come under their oversight charge of duties.
35.3 After consideration, the sub-Committees shall report to the Ways,
Means and Finance Committee. The Ways, Means and Finance Committee
after deliberating on the reports of the Sub-Committees and the views of
Members during the Second Reading debates; shall then report to the
Committee of the Whole House to be known as Committee of Supply.
35.4 The Clauses of an Appropriation bill or a Supplementary Appropriation
bill shall stand postponed until after the consideration of any schedule to
such bill; provided that before the passage of the Appropriations Bill, the
details of the Budget (Compendium and Schedule) shall be presented on the
floor of the House along with the Appropriations Bill.
35.5 On the consideration of the first schedule, the Chairman shall call the
title of each Head of Expenditure in turn and shall propose the question
That the sumDollars for Head.stand part of the
schedule.
35.6 When all amendments to a sub-head or item moved by any Member
have been disposed of, no further amendment or debate on the same shall be
allowed. The Speaker shall propose the question That the sum of
.Dollars for Head .. stand part of the schedule.
35.7 When the Appropriation Bill has passed the Committee of Supply, the
Committee on Ways, Means and Finance shall as soon as practicable prepare
and submit a summary of all amendments agreed to by the House.
26.
The report shall also show clearly the total amount approved for each
Ministry, Department or Agency. Upon approval of the Committees report
the Member in charge shall move the Third Reading of the Bill forthwith
which motion shall not require to be seconded and shall be decided without
amendment or debate.
35.8 After the Third Reading, the laid down procedures for bills shall be
followed.
RULE 36
ANNOUNCEMENT OF MEMBERS BILLS
36.1 Any member who intends to present a bill shall announce such in
session on the day before the bill is to be presented and shall at such time
deliver a copy of the caption to the Chief clerk, to be included in the days
Journal.
RULE 37
FORMS OF BILLS
37.1 Every bill shall be drafted in proper form and shall express clearly any
substantive changes in the law, which it intends to affect. A bill modifying or
repealing any provision of any statutes or consisting of materials which
should be added to the code shall be so framed as to amend the code in the
appropriate place and manner.
RULE 38
TITLE OF BILLS
38.1 Every bill shall bear a concise title, which shall fairly describe the
subject matter of the proposed statute. No bill or resolution shall embrace
more than one subject, which shall be expressed in its title.
RULE 39
DISCHARGE PETITION
39.1 If a bill has been before a Standing Committee for thirty (30) days, any
member of the House may issue a notification to discharge it.
39.2 Having issued said notification; the Chief Clerk should prepare a
discharge petition for members to sign. On the second session day after the
issuance of the notification, the Chief Clerk shall read the list of all members
who signed the petition. If a simple majority is obtained in favor of the
discharge petition, the Speaker shall assign the bill on the next session day
following reading of the list. Discharge petition may cover only a single
introduced measure and not multiple bills.
27.
CHAPTER 12
HOUSE CODE OF CONDUCT
RULE 40
HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY
40.1 Without prejudice to the provisions of this rule, every member shall be
honest and transparent at any time.
40.2 No member may introduce false information or unsubstantiated matter,

pretending that it is true.
RULE 41
USING POWER PROPERLY
41.1 No Member shall misuse the power given to him/her by law.
41.2 Members shall not use their powers and duties for his/her own
advantage or for committing acts of partiality, but for the protection of the
interest of the public and citizens in a just manner.
RULE 42
PRESTIGE AND DIGNITY OF THE HOUSE
42.1 Every member shall, at any place, keep the prestige and dignity of the
House and refrain from undesirable acts.
42.2 No Member shall insult, abuse or harass other persons within the
confines of the House, or cause disturbance to the activities of the House.
RULE 43
CONFIDENTIALITY
43.1 Subject to the principle of transparency in the performance of their
duties, Members shall keep matters confidential under the following
conditions:
43.2 Every Member shall keep confidential, matters that have come to
his/her knowledge by virtue of his/her work or any other reason, and those
matters must be kept secret because they are likely to jeopardize government
or public interest, peace and security.
43.3 No Member shall reveal what has been discussed in a closed meeting
before it is made public through the relevant procedure.
28.
43.4 Every committee Member shall keep confidential any matter being
considered by a committee and required to be kept secret until it is reported
to the House.
RULE 44
BEING FREE FROM CORRUPTION
44.1 Members are expected to fight corruption effectively by being free
from corrupt practices and opposing corruption and set example in any
anti-corruption struggle.
RULE 45
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
45.1 Where a member elected or delegated by the House to perform a
certain task, finds that the case at hand is related to his/her interest or that of
a close relative, he/she shall withdraw from handling the case after
notifying the House, the Speaker or the committee of which he/she is a
member.
45.2 No member may be employed or engaged himself/herself in an
occupation which is incompatible with the responsibilities vested on
him/her or is in breach of the trust given to him/her or is damaging to the
prestige and dignity of the House.
29.
CHAPTER 13
OBSERVANCE OF THE ETHICS OF THE HOUSE
RULE 46
GENERAL PROVISION
46.1 Subject to the provisions laid down in other laws, the observance of the
rights and code of conduct of members shall be implemented in accordance
with what has been specified under this chapter.
RULE 47
THE OBSERVANCE OF RIGHTS
47.1 Any member or ex-member who claims that his/her rights have been
violated or that his//her rights should be respected, may submit his/her
request in writing to the Speaker or to the committee on Rules and Order.
47.2 Notwithstanding, the provision of Article 42 of the Constitution,
where the question of observing the right is the concern of the majority of the
members of the House, the request shall be presented to the House for
consideration.
47.3 The committee to which the request is submitted shall present its
opinion to the Speaker after making an inquiry into the matter.
47.4 The Speaker, to whom the matter has been submitted in accordance
with Article 39.1 above, shall pass the necessary administrative decision
verifying through various mechanisms; or present the matter to the House
for its decision.
RULE 48
OBSERVING THE ETHICS
48.1 The House shall take disciplinary measures against any member who
violates or fails to comply with the House ethics and procedure specified in
this rule.
48.2 Where any member is aware of the existence of a breach of the code
of conduct and procedure, he/she may request the House to take the
necessary disciplinary measures against any member who is alleged to
have committed the breach.
48.3 The request to be presented pursuant to Chapter XI of this rule shall be
in writing and submitted to the Speaker together with the evidence.
48.4 The Speaker shall refer the matter to the committee on Rules and Order;
The House after examining the report and recommendation submitted by
that committee, shall render its decision; and the decision shall be final.
30.
48.5 Any member, against whom the request, which demands the taking of
disciplinary step, is presented, has the right to due process of law.
48.6 Any request for disciplinary measure to be taken shall be barred after a
year from the date of the alleged violation of the code of conduct; the request
shall not be transferred to the next term of the House.
48.7 The House may, according to the circumstances and degree of breach,
take the following measures:
a. it may give an oral warning;

b. it may give a written warning
c. it may suspend a member for not more than 30 days of meeting,
stop the payment of salary and allowances due him/her for the
days of suspension, as the case may be;
d. it may expel a member from the House where the breach is very
serious or where it is committed repeatedly.
31.
CHAPTER 14
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES
RULE 49
GENERAL PROVISION
49.1 Unless otherwise laid down in these rules, committees shall be
governed by the provisions of this chapter.
RULE 50
COMMITTEE POWER
50.1 Each committee, including any special committee, shall have the power
to inspect, examine, inquire into, and pass upon at least one report at each
session on all matters within its jurisdiction and to hold such hearings and
investigation, which the committee may find necessary.
50.2 Each committee of the House including any sub-committee is
authorized to hold hearings, to sit and act at such times and places during
sessions, recesses and adjourned periods of the House, to require by
subpoena or otherwise the attendance of such witnesses and the production
of such correspondence, books, papers and documents as required. Each
committee may conduct investigations into any matter within its jurisdiction
and may report such hearings as may be heard by it.
50.3 Each such committee shall, as far as practicable, require all witness
swearing before it to file in advance written statements of their proposed
testimony and to limit oral presentation to brief summaries of testimony. The
staff of each committee shall prepare a digest of such statements for the use
of Committee members.
50.4 Any person having been summoned as a witness by the authority of the
House to give testimony or to produce papers upon any matter under inquiry
before the House or any committee established by the House, who willfully
makes, defaults, or who, having appeared, refuses to answer any question
pertinent to the question under inquiry, shall be guilty of contempt,
punishable by a fine of not less than L$500.00 and not more than L$5,000.00
and or imprisonment in a common jail for a period not exceeding the
duration of session for the House.
RULE 51
OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMITTEES
51.1 In addition to the functions and jurisdictions outlined in this rule,
committees shall exercise legislative oversight with respect to the
following:
32.
a. Ensure Executive compliance with legislative intent
b. Improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of governmental
operations
c. Evaluate program performance
d. Prevent Executive encroachment on legislative prerogatives
e. Investigate all instances of poor administration, arbitrary and capricious
behavior, abuse, waste, dishonesty and fraud.
f. Assess an agency or officials ability to manage and carry out program
objectives
g. Review and determine government financial priorities
h. Ensure that Executive policies reflect the public interest
I. Protect individual rights and liberties
j. Acquire information useful in future policymaking
k. Review agencies rule-making process.
RULE 52
COMMITTEE PROCEDURE
52.1 Each committee shall keep a complete record of all of its activities. The
chairperson of each Committee shall supervise and have custody of all such
records, request a member of his/her personal staff to attend each meeting of
a Committee, sub-committee or a special committee of the House.
52.2 No measure or recommendation shall be reported from any such
committee unless a majority of the committee was actually present,
deliberated upon the matter and approved the measure or recommendation.
52.3 Should a chairperson of a committee at the time of a regular meeting of
the committee, or at the time of a call meeting fails to get a quorum to attend,
he/she shall promptly report same to the House when his/her report shall be
placed together with the names of delinquent (s) and the House shall take
such measures as will ensure the holding of the meeting of the committee.
52.4 All hearings conducted by committees or their sub-committees shall be
opened to the public, except such matters as will lead to the disclosure of
confidential or secret information, information harmful to the national
defense, society and security of the state and in the covert conduct of
Liberias defense, affairs, as well as the proceedings of an executive session.
52.5 Whenever any hearing is conducted by such committee or a sub-
committee, such hearing shall be opened to the public and shall be covered
by the media, both print and electronic, and may be broadcast or televised
under such rules as the committee or a sub-committee may adopt.
33.
52.6 Whenever disorder arises during a committees hearing that is open to
the public, or any demonstration of approval or disapproval is indulged in by
a person or persons in attendance at such a meeting [hearing], it shall be the
duty of the chairperson to enforce order on his/her own initiative and without
any point of order being made by a member. When the chairperson finds it
necessary to maintain order, he/she shall have the power to clear the room,
and the committee may act in close session for as long as there is doubt of the
assurance of order.
52.7 There shall be no proxy voting in any committee hearings or any
other transaction of business of the House.
52.8 All committees shall report directly to the full House
RULE 53
COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEES
53.1Each committee shall be composed of not more than seven (7) members,
except the committees on Ways, Means and Finance and Peace & National
Reconciliation, which shall consist of one member each from each of the
fifteen counties.
53.2 No member shall serve at any time as chairman of more than one
committee.
53.3 No member shall serve as co-chairman on more than two committees.
53.4 No chairperson of a Statutory or Standing Committee shall co-chair
more than one committee.
53.5 No chairperson of a Statutory Committee shall co-chair another
Statutory Committee.
53.6 No member shall serve on more than five (5) committees.
RULE 54
VACANCIES AND ABSENCES ON COMMITTEES
54.1 All committee chairpersons and members shall serve for (3) three years,
but only the chairperson and co-chairperson are subject to removal by 2/3
majority vote of the Members of the House for a cause.
54.2 Should the chairperson of any committee for any cause cease to serve, it
shall be the duty of the Speaker to appoint a new chairperson in consultation
with the leadership of the House.
54.3 In case of the temporary absence of a chairperson of a committee, the
co-chairperson shall assume the chair until the chairperson proper returns to
duty.
34.
RULE 55
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON STAFF LIST
55.1 The staff of a committee chairperson shall consist of the following:

d. Executive Secretary - 1
e. Secretary - 1
f. Filing Clerk - 1
g. Receptionist - 1
h. Chauffeur - 1
i. Page - 1
j. Yard Boy - 1
k. Cooks - 1
l. Security - 2
m. Resource Officer - 1
RULE 56
STATUTORY COMMITTEES
a. Executive
b. Foreign Affairs
c. Judiciary
d. Ways, Means, and Finance
e. Rules and Order
f. Public Accounts & Expenditures
g. Gender Equity and Child Development
h. National Security
RULE 57
FUNCTIONS & JURISDICTION OF STATUTORY COMMITTEES
57.1 COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE:

All messages and other documents from the president, as well as all proposed
legislations, inauguration and other matters relating to the work of the
committee shall be thereto referred.
57.2 COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS:
To which shall be referred all proposed legislations, messages, petitions and
memorials as follows:
a. Liberias relations with foreign nations, non-governmental organizations,
including United Nations and its Specialized Agencies, the AU, ECOWAS,
Mano River Union, the EU and other international agencies;
35.
b. Treaties, executive agreements and international conventions, excluding
trade agreements;
c. Boundary questions between Liberia and other nations;
d. Protection of Liberian citizens in other countries;
e. Neutrality, intervention abroad, and Declaration of war;
f. Measures relating to diplomatic, consular and foreign services, foreign
and domestic;
g. International conferences and congresses;
h. Acquisition of land and/or building for diplomatic missions in foreign
countries and in Liberia;
I. Measures intended to foster economic cooperation for diplomatic

missions in foreign nations and to protect Liberias interests abroad;
j. Foreign Policy matters;
k. Foreign loans, grants and assistance;
l. Nominations of delegates to present the House at conferences abroad,

subject to approval, modification or rejection by the full House after
consideration on the Committees report.
57.3 COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY:
To which shall be referred all proposed legislations, petitions, memorials
and other matters relating to the work of the committee, as follows:
a. The administration of justice in the Republic of Liberia;
b. Judicial proceedings, civic, and criminal, generally;
c. Constitutional amendment (s) and Constitutional matters;
d. The Courts and judges of the Republic of Liberia;
e. Repeal, amendments, revision and codification of status and other legal

matters;
f. Prisoner, prison houses and prison reforms;
g. Protection of trade and commerce against unlawful restraints and
monopolies;
I. Bankruptcy, mutiny, espionage and counterfeiting;
j. Inter-and intra-country boundary disputes;
k. Courts martial law and military law;
l. Civic rights and code of ethics and conduct;
36.
m. The Liberia National Police and private Security.
57.4 COMMITTEE ON WAYS, MEANS AND FINANCE:
To which shall be referred all proposed legislations, messages, petitions,
memorials and other matters relating to the work of the committee, as
follows:
a. All appropriations of the revenue for the support of the Government;

b. All matters relating to the finances of the House, preparation of the
Houses budget and the custody and disbursement of the Houses funds
subject to the approval of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker;
c. Consideration and evaluation of the National Budget and the handling of
hearing on the said budget as a whole with particular reference to the basic
recommendations and budgetary policies of the Government of the
Republic of Liberia;
d. Domestic and International Finances;
e. International financial and monetary organizations;
f. The national budget, customs, revenue and tax policies and licensing
generally;
g. Public expenditure and debt services;
h. Present to the House written financial report every (3) three months;
I. Nomination of Director of Finance to the House;
j. Evaluate and initial all checks, vouchers and related financial documents
emanating from the House.
57.5 COMMITTEES ON RULES, ORDER & ADMINISTRATION:
follows:
a. The Houses Library, statutes and pictures in the management of said
Library, purchase of books and manuscripts and works of art for the
Library;
b. Parliamentary rules, floor and gallery rules, Houses Chambers, Houses
Restaurant, all administration of the Houses office building (The Capitol
Building), including assignment of office space to House Members and
staff;
c. The printing and correction of Houses Records and Journals, as well as
distribution of handbills, recommendation for employment of central
Administration Staff and Directors;
d. The disposal of useless executive papers and other properties of the

House;
37.
e. The compensation, award and other benefits to House Members, officials
and employees of the House;
f. Provisions of furniture, office equipment and supplies, and maintains
security around and within the Capitol Building;
g. Shall exercise oversight responsibility over the Houses Procurement
Department and initial all duty free privileges for the House;
h. All central Administration Staff related issues shall be channeled through
this committee to plenary. Discussions from plenary on such matters shall
be final and binding.
57.6 COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND
EXPENDITURES:
follows:
a. To examine the accounts, showing the appropriation of the sums
granted by the House to meet public expenditure, together with the
auditors report thereon. The Committee shall for the purpose of
discharging that duty, have power to summon persons, summon papers
and records, and report its findings and recommendations to the House
from time to time;
b. Records of all government revenue generation and expenditure;
c. Records from the National Cash Management Committee;
d. Records on audit opinions and general work of the General Auditing
Commission, and report its findings and recommendations to the House
from time to time;
e. To examine records on budget performances and value for money audits;
f. The General Auditing Commission, Republic of Liberia, shall lay before
each House the audited accounts of the Government of Liberia for each
financial year not later than ninety (90) days at the expiration of that
financial year;
57.7 COMMITTEE ON GENDER EQUITY& CHILD DEVELOPMENT:
memorials and other matters relating to the work of the committee as
follows:
a. All matters pertaining to women and children, generally;
b. Gender balance in the appointment of individuals in government.
c. Committee on National Security
38.
RULE 58
STANDING COMMITTEES
1. Peace and National Reconciliation
2. Planning & Economic Affairs
3. Commerce & Industry
4. Transport
5. Education and Public Administration
6. Maritime Affairs
7. Banking and Currency
8. Claims & Petition
10. Agriculture, Forestry & Fishery
11. Internal Affairs
12. Post & Telecommunications
13. Information, Broadcasting, Culture & Tourism
14. Labor
15. Youth & Sport
16. Public Works and Rural Development
18. Lands, Natural Resources & Environment
19. Health & Social Welfare
20. Investment & Concessions
21. Resettlement, Repatriation, Relief and Re-adjustment
22. State Enterprises, Commissions & Autonomous Agencies
23. Elections and Inauguration
24. National Defense
25. Good Governance and Government Reform
26. Contracts, Monopolies, Public Procurement & Concession
27. Utilities
28. Human & Civil Rights
RULE 59
FUNCTIONS & JURISDICTIONS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
59.1 COMMITTEE ON PEACE & NATIONAL RECONCILIATION:

follow:
a. All issues as relates to national reconciliation generally;

b. Coordination of the positions and activities of the leaderships of the three
branches of the Liberian Government and government agencies in the
search for peace and national reconciliation;
39.
c. The role, effort, contributions of and coordination with and among states,
national, regional and international governments and non-governmental
bodies in promotion of peace and national reconciliation. Particular
attention shall be paid to the work of diplomatic representations of states,
the ECOWAS, African Union, European Union, International Contact
Group on Liberia and the United Nations Mission in Liberia and other
UN agencies on peace and reconciliation;
d. The effective work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to the
extent of the Commissions mandate (s) of other related national bodies;
training, sensitization and public awareness and other activities for the
building and strengthening of capacity and peace constituency within the
legislature;
e. Resolutions, position statements and declarations of the House on the
peace process and national reconciliation;
f. All other matters dealing with the resolution of the Liberian violent
conflicts in the country and the West African sub-region which impact on
Liberia;
g. Maintenance of legislative oversight on genuine peace in Liberia, of the
Truth and Reconciliation Commission and other matters affecting peace,
stability and reconciliation in Liberia and the sub-region.
59.2 COMMITTEE ON PLANNING AND ECONOMIC AFFAIRS:

follows:
a. Census, population, demography, and family planning programs;
b. Collection of statistics, including economic and social statistics;
c. Economic planning, including priority Government programs and
projects;
d. External assistance programs designed to promote and increase national
development and improve the well-being of the people.
59.3 COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY:
follows:
a. Commerce, industry and commercial transactions generally;
b. Domestic and foreign trade, exports and imports;
c. Consumer affairs, consumer protection and pricing standards;
40.
d. Regulation of businesses, consumer products and services;
e. Protective tariffs and embargoes, export and import controls;
f. Companies, corporations, concessions and manufacturing firms.
59.4 COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT:

To which shall be referred all proposed legislations, messages,
petitions, memorials and other matters relating to:
a. Civil aviation, land transport, and commercial carries of goods and
persons by land, and air as well as common carriers;
b. All transport union activities;
c. Matters relating to insurance, insurance policies and insurance
companies.
59.5 COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION & PUBLIC

ADMINISTRATION:
a. Education and public administration, generally;
b. Educational policies, programs, training, funding, implementation
and operation as relate to elementary and high schools, vocational
institutes, colleges and universities as well as ecclesiastical
institutions;
c. Teachers and students educational supervision;
d. Food program for children in elementary and high schools;
e. Vocational and technical education, scholarships and scientific
research and projects;
f. Matters relating to the re-organization and reform of Government and
its bureaucracies.
59.6 COMMITTEE ON MARITIME AFFAIRS:

petitions, memorials and other matters relating to the work of the
committee, as follows:
a. Marine and Maritime Affairs, generally;
b. Navigation, collisions at sea and inland waters, perils at sea,
oceanography, registration and licensing of ships, all other
watercrafts, and seamens affairs, generally.
59.7 COMMITTEE ON BANKING & CURRENCY:

a. Banking and currency generally, including monetary policy;
41.
b. Financial aid to commerce, industry and agriculture other then matters
relating to such aid, which are specifically assigned to other
committees under the rules;
c. Deposits, foreign exchange transactions, and bank loans;
d. Public monies and depositories;
e. Minting and coinage, money and credits;59.7.6 Insurance and
redemption of notes;
f. Valuation and revaluation of Liberian coins/currency;
g. Interests and commissions chargeable against Government and bank
customers.
59.8 COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS & PETITIONS:

a. Determination of the validity and amount of all claims brought against
the Republic and to derive ways and means for the settlement of it;
b. Holding of hearings regarding claims;
c. Examination of petitions for annuity, pension, redness and relief for
the common good;
d. Consideration of claims brought against private persons or private
corporations and enterprises.
59.9 COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY &

FISHERIES:
a. Agricultural production and marketing;
b. Animal husbandry, poultry, plant and animal diseases;
c. Farmer cooperatives, forest reserves and wildlife and forestry;
d. Inspection of fish, livestock, meat and agricultural products;
e. Nutrition, drought and hunger;
f. Agricultural engineering, irrigation and fishponds;
g. Pets and pesticides/pest control;
h. Agricultural institution and experimental sectors;
i. Government owned corporations dealing in coffee, cocoa, rice, oil
palm and rubber production.
42.
59.10 COMMITTEE ON INTERNAL AFFAIRS:
memorials and other matters relating to:
a. Interior administration, counties, statutory districts and municipalities;
b. Chieftaincy, customary practices and societies;
c. Local Government and administration;
d. City garbage disposal and beautification;
e. National Cemeteries;
f. Recreational areas and parks;
g. Liberian Marketing Association (LMA).
59.11 COMMITTEE ON POST & TELECOMMUNICATION:

a. Postal affairs and telecommunications generally;
b. Consideration of issues with regards to the establishment, installation,
operation and administration of telecommunication facilities, including
cables, telegraphy, telephones, wireless, telex, satellites, ISD and internet
services;
c. The licensing of radio and televisions stations, and transmission of local
and international messages via the telecommunication facilities and
postal services.
d. Postal affairs and telecommunications generally;
e. Consideration of issues with regards to the establishment, installation,
operation and administration of telecommunication facilities, including
cables, telegraphy, telephones, wireless, telex, satellites, ISD and internet
services;
f. The licensing of radio and televisions stations, and transmission of local
and international messages via the telecommunication facilities and
postal services.
59.12 COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION, BROADCASTING,

CULTURE AND TOURISM:
a. Information, broadcasting, cultural affairs and tourism generally;
b. The print and electronic media, news agencies, public relations, internet
and Radio broadcasting, cable and satellite broadcasting, television,
movies and videos;
c. Press attaches and journalists and coverage of news;
d. Cultural programs, activities and the performing arts generally;
e. Nomination of the Press Officer to the House.
43.
59.13 COMMITTEE ON LABOUR:
a. Measures relating to labor generally;
b. Conciliation, mediation and arbitration of labor disputes, including
strikes;
c. Illegal and wrongful dismissal cases, redundancies, retirements and
pensions;
d. Unfair labor practices;
e. Workmans compensation for injuries, death and disability;
f. Violation of labor practice laws;
g. National Social Security Schemes
h. Labor statistics, manpower, development and unemployment
i. Insurance of work permits to aliens
59.14 COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AND SPORTS:

a. Youth and Sports, generally;
b. Amateur and professional sports, including Olympic Games;
c. International sports organizations;
d. International sports competitions, promotions and development;
e. Measures for the promotion of boys scout, girls guides and other youth
organizations;
f. Matters relating to sports men and women, spectators and sports
stadiums.
59.15 COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND RURAL

DEVELOPMENT:
a. Public works and construction and rehabilitation of primary and
secondary roads, harbors, dams, bridges, airstrips, airports, public
buildings and structures;
b. Public and private housing constructions and their electrification, water
supply and sewer facilities;
c. Reclamation projects, erosion and flood control;
d. Repairs and maintenance for public buildings and structures;
e. Erection of monuments to the memory of individuals;
f. Construction and maintenance of farm to market roads.
g. Matters relating to rural development, generally;
44.
h. Provisions of safe-drinking water in rural areas;
i. Installation and maintenance of wells and pumps in rural areas;
i
59.16 COMMITTEE ON LANDS, NATURAL RESOURCES AND

ENVIRONMENT:
a. Geological and cadastral-survey, mining, hydrology and meteorology;
b. Matters relating to energy and their regulations, utilization and
conservation;
c. Extraction of minerals, oil and gas exploration and production;
d. National parks, wilderness areas and public lands;
e. Air, land, and water pollution;
f. Energy and environmental policies, programs and projects.
59.17 COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE:

a. Social Welfare, generally;
b. Public health and sanitation, quarantine and epidemics;
c. Medical practices and medical malpractices;
d. Other autonomous agencies of government not otherwise assigned to
other Standing Committee of the House;
e. Hospitals, Clinics, medical and health centers;
f. Medical diagnoses, treatment and precaution against contagious diseases;
g. Bio-medical and medical research and development;
h. The elderly, aged and handicapped;
i. Psychiatry, mentally disturbed people, and mental asylums;
j. Reformatory homes and centers;
k. Juveniles and unwed mothers;
l. Civil and philanthropic organizations;
m. Pharmaceuticals and drugs;
n. Registration of births and deaths.
45.
59.18 COMMITTEE ON INVESTMENT AND CONCESSIONS:
a. Matters dealing with national investment and incentives, generally;
b. Private enterprises, which have been granted concessions by the
government to operate in Liberia;
c. Messages arising from the national investment incentives code;
d. Monitoring of venue capital investments.
59.19 COMMITTEE ON RESETTLEMENT, REPATRIATION, RE-
ADJUSTMENT & RELIEF:
a. Repatriation and resettlement, generally;
b. Movement by land, air and sea of Liberian refugees in the West African
region and beyond as a result of the Liberian crisis;
c. Coordination of activities for the repatriation and resettlement of
displaced Liberians and Liberian refugees at home;
d. Policies and activities in connection with the repatriation and
resettlement of Liberian refuges as well as other displaced Liberians.
59.20 COMMITTEE ON STATE ENTERPRISES, PUBLIC

AUTONOMOUS COMMISSIONS, AGENCIES:
a. Government-owned and private corporations dealing with the refining
of petroleum products;
b. Government-owned enterprises engaged in produce marketing, port
and harbor management;
c. Government-owned enterprises engaged in wood-processing, hotel,
printing, small business and housing.
59.21 COMMITTEE ON ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION:

a. General and presidential elections, generally
b. The Inauguration of elected officials of Government.
46.
59.22 COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL DEFENSE:
a. Common defense, generally, including arms, armament, recruitment and
service;
b. The Ministry of Defense and all military activities, including the AFL,
the Coast Guard and the Army Aviation Unit;
c. Pay, promotions, retirement and other benefits and privileges of members
of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL);
d. Size and composition of the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Coast Guard;
e. Forts, Arsenal, Military Camps and reservations, and ammunition
depots;
f. Military bases and coast guard bases and yards, as homes of military
personnel generally;
g. Strategic and critical materials and weaponry necessary for common
defense;
h. Military dependents and war veterans.
59.23 COMMITTEE ON GOOD GOVERNANCE & GOVERNMENT

REFORM:
a. Any existing of future program for the promotion of good governance in
Liberia;
c. Public sector management reforms through assessment, reforms,
capacity-building and performance monitoring;
d. Transparency and accountability in government as well as geo-political
and gender balance in the appointment of individuals in government.
59.24 COMMITTEE ON CONTRACTS AND MONOPOLIES:
memorials and other matters relating to the work of the committee as
follows:
a. Contracts between the Government of Liberia and any individual of
entity, local or international as well as matters relating to monopolies;
b. It shall deal with all public financial and budgetary commitments entered
into by the government with any individual (s) or entities, local or
international.
47.
59.25 COMMITTEE ON UTILITIES:
a. Government-owned and private corporations dealing with the supply and

sale of electricity, water and sewer.
59.26 COMMITTEE ON HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS:

To which shall be referred:
a. All, messages, and other documents from the President, civil society
groups, local and international human and civil rights groups and all other
matters relating to human and civil rights.
48.
CHAPTER 15
MESSAGES AND RATIFICATION OF
TREATIES
RULE 60
MESSAGES
60.1 Messages from the President to the House of Representatives may be
received at any stage of the proceeding, except while the House is voting or
ascertain the presence of a quorum, or while the Journal is been read or
adopted or while the question of order or motion to adjourn is pending.
60.2 The Chief Clerk of the House shall certify and deliver to the Chairperson
of the House Standing Committee on Executive all bills and other
communications as may be directed to the President of the Republic of
Liberia.
RULE 61
RATIFICATION OF TREATIES
61.1 When a treaty shall be laid before the House for ratification, it shall be
accompanied by a proposed ratification bill and, like all other bills, shall
received three readings previous to passage, which readings shall be on two
different House days (Tuesday and Thursday), unless the House by majority
vote directs otherwise. Copies of the ratification bill along with the treaty
shall be circulated on the floor of the House a day before the first reading.
49.
CHAPTER 16
MISCELLANEOUS
RULE 62
HOUSE ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MANUAL
62.1. The House shall adopt an administrative and financial manual.
62.2. After adoption, any revision to the manual shall be presented to the
House unless otherwise provided in the manual.
RULE 63
AMENDMENT AND SUSPENSION OF RULES
63.1 These Rules shall not be altered unless the members of the House have
received a twentyfour (24) hour notice of the proposed change. The twenty-
four hour period shall commence with the placement of a printed copy of the
proposed amendment upon the desk of each member. Changes in these Rules
shall be taken up as a special order. Any change in these Rules shall require
the approval of a two-third (2/3) majority of the members of the House.
63.2 These Rules may be suspended, in part or whole, by the approval of a
two-third (2/3) majority of the members of the House.
50.

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THE 52ND LEGISLATURE

RULES AND PROCEDURES

52ND LEGISLATURE OF LIBERIA

This program is made by the

Adjournment: August 31st of each year

Chapter 1: Main Disposition 1

Chapter 2: Powers and Duties of the House 3

Chapter 6: Quorum and Commencement of Business 9

Absent Member Rule 20 14

Being Free from Corruption Rule 44 25

Commencement of Business Rule 13 9

Election of Other Staffs Rule 24 18

Forms of Bills Rule 37 27

Honesty and Transparency Rule 40 28

Meeting of Conference Committee Rule 32 25

Observing the Ethics Rule 48 30

Powers and Duties of the Deputy Speaker Rule 8 6

Question of Order Rule 23 15

Ratification of Treaties Rule 61 49

Secret Session Rule 3 1

Using Power Properly Rule 41 28

Vacancies and Absences on Committees Rule 54 34

1.2 We the members of the 52nd Legislature of the House of Representatives,

6.2 Election of Deputy Speaker shall be presided over by the Speaker.

7.2 Call the Honorable House of Representatives to order at the

7.5 Appoint members of Statutory Committees in consultation with the

7.6 Appoint Chairpersons, Co-chairpersons and Members of Standing

7.7 Transmit all directives of the Honorable House of Representatives to

7.8 In appointing the chairpersons, co-chairpersons and members of each

7.9 Represent the Honorable House of Representatives at all public and

11.1 Each member of the House of Representatives before taking his/her

12.1 A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the members of the

a. Session call to order

15.1 The proceedings of the Honorable House of Representatives shall be

17.3 Any motion or resolution may be withdrawn or modified by a mover

17.4 When a matter is pending or is being debated or considered, no motion

c. To proceed to the consideration of executive business;

d. To lay on the table;

19.2 If the Speaker is unable to decide by the sound of the voices, or if a

22.1 When a member of the Honorable House of Representatives desires to

22.4 No member during a debate shall directly or indirectly by any form or

22.5 No member during a debate shall refer offensively to any of the

22.6 If a member is speaking or otherwise transgresses the rules of the

22.8 While the Honorable House of Representatives is in session, no

22.9 Conversations among or between members, while a matter is pending

22.11 Every member attending session shall be properly attired (a business

25.9 Receive all communications, including but not limited to messages

26.7 The Stenographers shall take stenographic notes of the deliberations of

27.1 The Speakers staff shall consist of the following:

a. Chief of Office Staff - 1

28.1 The Deputy Speakers staff shall consist of the following:

29.1 The staff of a member shall consist of the following:

40.2 No member may introduce false information or unsubstantiated matter,

a. it may give an oral warning;

a. Chief of Office Staff - 1

57.1 COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE:

I. Measures intended to foster economic cooperation for diplomatic

l. Nominations of delegates to present the House at conferences abroad,

e. Repeal, amendments, revision and codification of status and other legal

a. All appropriations of the revenue for the support of the Government;

d. The disposal of useless executive papers and other properties of the

59.1 COMMITTEE ON PEACE & NATIONAL RECONCILIATION:

a. All issues as relates to national reconciliation generally;

59.2 COMMITTEE ON PLANNING AND ECONOMIC AFFAIRS: