HI HR162

Authorizes the Speaker to expend funds appropriated for legislative expenses of the Twenty-ninth Legislature, Regular Session of 2017, during the interim between 2017 and 2018 sessions.

Empowers the Speaker to contract, hire, or employ personnel and designate which House employees receive additional employment for after-session work demands.

Grants the Speaker authority to establish and approve standing, interim, and special committees, including authorizing meetings, determining committee membership and functions, and issuing subpoenas.

Requires committees to submit full reports of their activities, findings, and recommendations to the Speaker periodically and to the Legislature within ten days after the 2018 Regular Session convenes.

Allows the Speaker to approve the House Journal for any legislative day as of the 60th session day, with all interim authority extending through January 17, 2018.