Speaker
Presiding
The Speaker shall
preside over the sessions of the House. The Speaker may name a member to
preside, but the substitution shall not extend beyond an adjournment. The
Speaker may appoint a member as Speaker pro tempore to act in the Speaker's
absence for a period not exceeding ten consecutive legislative days.
As presiding officer
and in accordance with Article II ยง 2 of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and
the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election
Code, within ten days after the occurrence of a vacancy the Speaker shall issue
a writ for a special election to be held on a date which shall occur on or
before the date of the first primary, municipal or general election which
occurs not less than 60 days after the issuance of the writ. The Speaker shall
not be required to issue a writ of election if the election cannot be scheduled
until after the general election.
In case of failure
to make an appointment, the House shall elect a Speaker pro tempore to act
during the absence of the Speaker.
The Speaker pro
tempore shall perform all the duties of the Chair during the absence of the
Speaker.
RULE
1 (a)
Equal
Opportunity Officer and Advisory Committee
The Speaker shall
designate an Equal Opportunity Officer who shall report to the Speaker. There
shall be an Equal Opportunity Advisory Committee, appointed by the Speaker in
consultation with the Majority Leader and Minority Leader, to assist the Equal
Opportunity Officer in developing, recommending and implementing equal
opportunity employment and procurement policies in the House of
Representatives.
