What Actions Can Committee Take on a Bill ?

A:

After the public hearing, the committee meets to decide upon its action on the bill. Notice of such meeting is published in the Bulletin and all meetings are open to the public. The committee has several options: (1) A “favorable” report which indicates that a majority of the committee favors the bill and recommends its passage; (2) a “favorable substitute,” that is a bill amended by the committee before it is favorably reported; (3) a vote to reject, or to “box,” the bill; (4) an “unfavorable” report, which indicates that a majority of the committee opposes the bill and recommends its rejection. A committee may also vote a “change of reference” or a “favorable change of reference” to another committee.