You asked for information about the procedure for transferring from select committee to standing committee status. You also asked about the reason behind the creation of the Select Committee on Housing.

There is no procedure for transferring from select committee to standing committee. Rather, the joint rules create both standing committees and select committees. Joint rule 3 outlines committee membership caps and appointments, as well as some procedural rules for select committees. For example, the Planning and Development Committee receives all bills favorably reported out of the Select Committee on Housing. A change to this joint rule would be required for any transfer from select committee to standing committee status, or procedural changes for the Select Committee on Housing

The joint rules are adopted by joint resolution on the first day of the two year legislative cycle. The current joint rules were adopted through Senate Joint Resolution 1 on January 3, 2007. Legislative leaders present the joint rules to both houses for approval. At this time, representatives and senators may offer amendments, subject to a simple majority. The joint rules must also pass concurrently with a simple majority.

Joint rule 29 contains an amendment process. Any changes to the joint rules during the two-year cycle are subject to this process. Both chambers must concurrently approve amendments by a two-thirds vote.

House Joint Resolution 1 created the Select Committee on Housing in 1987. This resolution also created two other select committees, on substance abuse and the work place. A growing concern over a housing crisis drove the legislature to create the Select Committee on Housing. The governor and the General Assembly declared 1987 and 1988 'the years of housing' because housing costs rose beyond the reach of more people while the supply of affordable homes and apartments shrank. The creation of the Select Committee on Housing was an important part of the General Assembly's examination of these problems.

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