JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri House members have approved the rules that will govern the chamber for the next two years.
Before the House can begin considering legislation, it must first adopt rules. Lawmakers made few changes from last year but did alter some provisions that had angered Democrats — namely how committee assignments are handed out.
This year's rules give the minority Democrats more authority in picking committees in which their members will sit.
In 2007, the former Republican House speaker took far greater power over the committee assignments. Democrats that year decried the move as a "power grab" and most voted against the rules.
This year, House Republicans turned back eight Democratic amendments. The chamber's rules were approved 106-53.