Powers of the Senate Committee on Rules
(a)
The Senate Committee on Rules shall have the power:
(1)
To assign all bills to Senate committees.
(2)
To appoint the Chairmen and Vice-chairmen of all other Senate committees, provided that the Chairman and Vice-chairman of each committee must be members of different parties.
(3)
To have general direction over the Senate Chamber and rooms set aside for the use of the Senate, including the rooms for use by Members as private offices.
(4)
To allocate all funds, staffing, and other resources necessary for the effective operation of the Senate. Except as decided otherwise by affirmative recorded vote of two thirds of the total membership of the committee, all funds, staffing, and resources shall be allocated proportionately by party.
(5)
To exercise such other powers and perform such duties as may be provided by statute enacted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, or in the rules of the Senate.
(b)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law or rule, neither the Chairman nor any member or agent of the Senate Committee on Rules shall have the power to perform any action on behalf of the committee, including but not limited to the making of contracts, the payment of claims, the allocation of office space, or the hiring or dismissal of staff, without the express authorization of two thirds of the membership of the committee. Such authorization shall apply only to the matter or matters under immediate consideration.