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The Rules and Reference Committee determines the agenda for each Senate session and refers legislation, including bills, joint resolutions and concurrent resolutions, to the appropriate standing committee. After a bill receives a first reading, which is a reading of the title by the Senate Clerk on the Senate floor, it is sent to the Rules and Reference Committee for further action. The Rules and Reference Committee then determines which standing committee will receive the legislation for additional scrutiny. Bills, resolutions and appointments that have been favorably recommended by the Senate standing committees are reviewed by the Rules and Reference Committee. The Rules and Reference Committee then selects which bills, resolutions and appointments will be considered by the full Senate. Although rare, bills can be amended in Rules and Reference Committee. Bills also may be sent directly to the floor for immediate consideration by the full Senate.

Committee Testimony and Publications