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Constitution and Administration

matters of ethics in relation to members' conduct, and provides advice and issues guidelines on such matters.

During the 2013-2014 session, the committee held three open meetings and two closed meetings, the latter to consider two complaints against members in relation to allegations of failure to disclose and register interests.

Committee on Rules of Procedure

The Committee on Rules of Procedure is responsible for reviewing the Rules of Procedure of the Legislative Council and its committee system, and for proposing to the council any amendments or changes considered necessary. The committee consists of 12 members who are appointed by the President of the Legislative Council in accordance with an election procedure determined by the House Committee.

During the 2013-2014 session, the committee held six meetings.

Committee on Access to the Legislature's Documents and Records

The Legislative Council passed a resolution on 19 March 2014 to to set out the policy on access to the legislature's documents and records and establish a committee to determine whether a document or record should be made available for access earlier than the expiry of the closure period specified in the policy. The Committee on Access to the Legislature's Documents and Records' other functions are to set guidelines for implementing the policy; consider any objection against the denial of access to a document or record by the Clerk to the Legislative Council; and consider any other matters relating to or arising from the policy.

During the 2013-2014 session, the committee approved eight requests and denied one for the disclosure of documents and records. Approved and denied access requests are listed on the Legislative Council website.

House Committee

The House Committee consists of all members except the President and normally meets on Friday afternoons. It is responsible for dealing with matters related to the work of the Legislative Council and making preparations for council meetings. It decides whether bills committees or subcommittees should be formed to scrutinise bills, subsidiary legislation and other instruments made under an ordinance. During the 2013-2014 session, the House Committee held 34 meetings, including three special meetings with the Chief Secretary for Administration to discuss issues of public concern.

Bills Committees

Any member, other than the President, may join a bills committee formed by the House Committee to consider the general merits and principles of a bill allocated for scrutiny. A bills. committee may also consider the detailed provisions of, and amendments to, the bill. It usually tables a report in council and is dissolved on the passage of the bill or when the House Committee so decides.

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