H 678 - Legislative Transparency Act Summary

• Requires live streaming video broadcast and archival of all Senate and House sessions and committee meetings (with exemptions for closed sessions under existing law).

• Mandates 24-hour advance publication of chamber calendars before second or third readings and 48-hour advance publication of committee agendas before bills are considered, each waivable by two-thirds vote.

• Prohibits floor votes on amendments by voice vote (requiring electronic voting or roll call), restricts motions to adjourn when amendments are pending, and limits legislative sessions to occur between 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M., all waivable by two-thirds vote.

• Restructures the Committee on Rules to include one member from each congressional district plus the Majority and Minority Leaders, with the chair elected at the first meeting and ineligible to be a party leader.

• Appropriates $3.8 million for fiscal year 2021-2022 ($2.4 million for 19 staff positions, $65,000 for streaming, $1.3 million for equipment) and $2.5 million recurring funds for 2022-2023, effective July 1, 2021.