THE BASICS

• In determining which of the tests to apply, the Chair first determines the nature and scope of the proposition being amended and then the relationship of the amendment being offered to the text.

• An amendment which fails any one of the following tests will be ruled not germane.
  • An amendment must relate to the subject matter under consideration.

  • The fundamental purpose of the amendment must be germane to the fundamental purpose of the bill.

  • The amendment when considered as a whole should be within the jurisdiction of the committee.

  • An individual proposition may not be amended by another individual proposition even if they are of the same class.

  • A specific subject may not be amended by a provision general in nature.

  • A general subject may be amended by specific propositions of the same class.