When making parliamentary interpretations, legislatures have several sources of information—for example, their state constitutions, chamber rules and statutes. In addition, many legislatures choose another parliamentary manual to cover issues not addressed by these documents or to serve as a guide for decision making.
The parliamentary manuals frequently used as “back-up” authorities are Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure, Jefferson's Manual, the U.S. House Rules and Robert's Rules of Order. In some cases, a chamber may use more than one “back-up” authority, so it will appear under multiple categories. Some legislatures use other manuals as their “back-up” parliamentary authorities—for example, Reed’s Parliamentary Rules or the U.S. Senate Rules. There also are chambers where the rules do not mention a supplemental parliamentary authority.
(Note: In the lists below, use by both chambers is indicated by (B), by the Senate only is (S), and by the House/Assembly only is (H).)
Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure is the “back-up” parliamentary authority or reference for most legislative chambers, with 86 legislative chambers using it.
Alabama (H), Alaska (B), Arizona (B), Arkansas (B), California (B), Colorado (B), Connecticut (B), Delaware (B), Florida (B), Georgia (S), Guam, Hawaii (B), Idaho (B), Illinois (S), Indiana (S), Iowa (B), Kansas (H), Kentucky (B), Louisiana (B), Maine (B), Maryland (B), Massachusetts (B), Michigan (B), Minnesota (B), Missouri (H), Montana (B), Nebraska (S), Nevada (B), New Hampshire (H), New Jersey (B), New Mexico (B), North Carolina (H), North Dakota (B), Northern Mariana Islands (B), Ohio (B), Oklahoma (B), Oregon (B), Pennsylvania (B), Rhode Island (B), South Carolina (H), South Dakota (B), Tennessee (B), Texas (B), Utah (B), Vermont (B), Virginia (S), Wisconsin (H), West Virginia (H), Wyoming (B), Washington DC
The following 14 chambers use Jefferson's Manual.
Arizona (H), Florida (S), Indiana (B), Missouri (B), Pennsylvania (H), South Carolina (S), Texas (S), Virginia (B), West Virginia (B), Wisconsin (H)
The following 8 chambers use the U.S. House Rules.
Arizona (H), Indiana (H), Mississippi (H), Missouri (H), North Carolina (S), Texas (H), West Virginia (B)
The following 4 chambers use Robert's Rules of Order.
Illinois (H), Kansas (S), Northern Mariana Islands (B)
Use Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure—86 chambers
Alabama (H)
House Rule 93. On all matters not specifically addressed in these rules, Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure, 2010 Edition, shall apply.
Alaska (B)
Uniform Rule 55. Interpretation and Implementation of Rules. (a) The rules of parliamentary practice comprised in MASON'S MANUAL OF LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURE, 2010 edition, implement and govern the Uniform Rules of the Legislature in all cases not covered by these Uniform Rules. …
Arizona (B)
Senate Rule 24. Parliamentary Practice and Procedure. Parliamentary practice and procedure in the Senate shall take precedence in the order listed:
- Constitutional provisions.
- Senate Rules.
- Statutory rules and provisions.
- The rules of parliamentary practice and procedure as contained in Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure.
- Senate customs and usages.
- General parliamentary law.
House Rule 30. PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE AND PRECEDENCE. The rules from the different sources take precedence in the order listed:
- Constitutional Rules or Stipulations
- Adopted House Rules
- Statutory Rules or Provisions
- Customs and Usages
- Adopted Parliamentary Authority (Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure, Rules of United States House of Representatives, and Jefferson's Manual)
- General Parliamentary Law
Arkansas (B)
Senate Rule 26.01. Rules of parliamentary practice comprised in Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the Senate in all cases in which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with these rules and orders of the Senate and the joint rules and orders of the Senate and House of Representatives.
House Rule 31. In every case not provided for in the House rules, the Speaker, the Parliamentarian, and the members shall be guided by Mason‘s Manual of Legislative Procedure. Each member of the Rules Committee may be furnished a copy of the current edition and of each new or revised edition of Mason‘s Manual of Legislative Procedure and additional copies may be available to other members from the Parliamentarian, upon approval of the Rules Committee.
California (B)
Senate Rule 20. In all cases not provided for by the Constitution, these rules, the Joint Rules of Senate and Assembly, or statute, the authority shall be the latest edition of Mason's Manual or the custom and usage of the Senate.
Assembly Rule 10. In all cases not provided for by the California Constitution, by the Assembly Rules, by the Joint Rules of the Senate and Assembly, or by statute, the authority is the latest edition of Mason’s Manual.
Colorado (S)
Senate Rule 40. Parliamentary Authority. (a) The latest edition of Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the Senate in all cases in which it is not inconsistent with these rules and the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives.
(b) The secretary shall act as parliamentarian of the Senate and shall advise the officers of the Senate on parliamentary procedure and these rules when requested to do so.
(c) Any matter not covered by the Senate rules or by Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall be governed by the decision of the President, subject to the right of appeal by any member as provided for in these rules.
Connecticut (B)
Senate Rule 32. The rules of parliamentary practice comprised in the 2010 edition of Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the Senate whenever applicable and whenever they are not inconsistent with the standing rules and orders of the Senate or the joint rules of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Senate Rule 33. The rules of the Senate shall take precedence over the joint rules of the Senate and House of Representatives or Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure in the event of conflict.
House Rule 22. The rules of parliamentary practice comprised in the 2000 edition of Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the House whenever applicable and whenever they are not inconsistent with the standing rules and orders of the House or the joint rules of the senate and the House of Representatives.
House Rule 23. The rules of the House shall take precedence over the joint rules of the House and senate or Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure in the event of conflict.
Delaware (B)
Senate Rule 50. RULES OF ORDER. All questions of parliamentary procedure not covered or provided for by the Rules of the Senate or the Constitution of the State of Delaware shall be decided in accordance with Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure.
House Rule 50. AUTHORIZED MANUAL OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE. In all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Rules, the latest edition of Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the House.
Florida (B)
Senate Rule 11.7. Sources of procedural authority. The latest edition of Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure, Jefferson’s Manual, or other manuals of comparable legislative application may be consulted, but shall not be binding, when a question of parliamentary procedure is not addressed by the State Constitution, these Rules, Joint Rules, or prior rulings of the presidents.
House Rule 13.1. Parliamentary Authorities. In all cases not provided for by the Florida Constitution, the Rules of the House, or the Joint Rules of the Senate and House, the guiding, but nonbinding, authority shall be first the Rulings of the Speaker and then the latest edition of Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure.
Georgia (S)
Senate Rule 10-1.4. When any question arises which is not provided for in these rules, the same shall be controlled by the most current edition of Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure
Guam
I Liheslaturan Guåhan Rule 5.01. Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure. The rules and procedures contained in the 2020 edition of Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern I Liheslaturan Guåhan in all areas to which they are applicable, and which are not inconsistent with these Standing Rules.
Hawaii (B),
Senate Rule 88. Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedures, 2010 edition, where not inconsistent with the Rules and practices of the Senate, shall govern.
House Rule 59. Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure, 2020 Edition, is hereby designated as the adopted parliamentary authority of the House.
Idaho (B)
Senate Rule 48. In all cases not herein provided for, and in which they are not inconsistent with these rules or the joint rules of the Senate and House of Representatives, the general rules of parliamentary practice and procedure as set forth in Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the proceedings of the Senate
House Rule 75. The rules of parliamentary practice set forth in Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedures shall govern the House in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the Standard Rules and Orders of the House and the Joint Rules and Orders of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Illinois (S)
Senate Rule 12-2. Senate Practice and Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure. The rules of parliamentary practice appearing in the 2010 edition of Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the Senate in all cases to which they are applicable, providing that they are not inconsistent with these Senate Rules or with the previously established Senate practice.
Indiana (S)
Senate Rule 8. Mason’s Manual and Jefferson’s Manual shall apply to all points not covered by these Rules and, whenever there is a conflict between said Manuals, Mason’s Manual shall govern. The Principal Secretary shall at all times maintain a copy of said Manuals in the Office of the Principal Secretary, the Office of the Majority Attorney, and the Office of the Minority Attorney.
Iowa (B)
Senate Rule 3. In cases not covered by senate rules or joint rules, Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern.
House Rule 5. The rules of parliamentary practice in Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the house in all cases where they are not inconsistent with the standing rules of the house, joint rules of the house and senate, or customary practice of the house.
Kansas (H)
House Rule 2312. Mason's Manual; When Applicable. (a) In any case where rules of the House or the joint rules of the Senate and House do not apply, Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure (2010 edition), with the exception of section 4, paragraph 2, shall govern.
(b) Rules of legislative procedure are derived from several sources and take precedence in the order listed below. For the Kansas House of Representatives, the principal sources are as follows: (a) Constitutional provisions; (b) statutory provisions; (c) adopted rules; (d) adopted parliamentary authority; (e) custom, usage and precedents.
Kentucky (B)
Senate Rule 74. Mason’s Manual. In the absence of a specific rule of the Senate, the most recent edition of Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure adopted by the National Conference of State Legislatures shall govern the proceedings, except that in all cases where general parliamentary law provides for a rule of two thirds, it shall mean in this Senate a majority of all the members elected to the Senate.
House Rule 74. Mason’s Manual. In the absence of a specific rule of the House, Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the proceedings, except that in all cases where general parliamentary law provides for a rule of two-thirds, it shall mean in this House a majority of all members elected thereto.
Louisiana (B)
Senate Rule 15.3. On any question of order and parliamentary practice, when these rules are silent or inexplicit, Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall be considered as authority.
House Rule 13.3. On any question of legislative procedure, when these rules are silent or inexplicit, custom, usage, and practice shall be followed. If custom, usage and practice are inexplicit, then Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall be considered as authority.
Maine (B)
Senate Rule 520. The rules of parliamentary practice comprised in "Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure" or any other standard authority, govern the Senate in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the standing rules of the Senate or of the joint rules of the 2 chambers.
House Rule 522. The rules of parliamentary practice comprised in Mason's Rules govern the House in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the standing rules and orders of the House and the joint rules of the Senate and House of Representatives. In the event that Mason's Rules do not cover the parliamentary practice in question, then Reed's Rules govern. If neither Mason's Rules nor Reed's Rules cover the parliamentary practice in question, the rules of any other standard authority may be applied.
Maryland (B)
Senate Rule 117. The President shall be guided by the rules of parliamentary practice set forth in “Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure” to the extent those rules are applicable and do not conflict with these Rules.
House Rule 117. The Speaker shall be guided by the rules of parliamentary practice set forth in Mason’s “Manual of Legislative Procedure” to the extent those rules are applicable and do not conflict with these Rules.
Massachusetts (B)
Senate Rule 62. The rules of parliamentary practice shall govern the Senate in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with these rules or the joint rules of the two branches.
Per William Welch, clerk of the Senate, on October 1, 2011 and re-verified December 2016: In the Massachusetts Senate, our prime reference is Cushing’s Manual but we do use Mason’s Manual as another back-up. This is strictly by custom and not embedded in our rules.
House Rule 86. The rules of parliamentary practice shall govern the House in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with these rules or the joint rules of the two branches.
Per Steve James, clerk of the House, on October 11, 2011 and re-verified December 2016—The order for determining Massachusetts House parliamentary decisions is set by long-established business practice and is:
1) Joint or House Rules
2) Manual of the General Court (which includes precedents contained in the notes on rulings since the 1800s)
3) Mason’s Manual
Michigan (B)
Senate Rule 3.801 AUTHORITY AND PRECEDENCE OF SENATE RULES
- a) The principal sources of authority for Senate rules are, in the order of precedence, as follows:
1) Constitutional Rules
2) Fundamental Legal Principles
3) Statutory Rules
4) Adopted Rules
5) Adopted Parliamentary Authority
6) Parliamentary Law
7) Customs and Usages
8) Judicial Decisions
Judicial decisions have the lowest precedence of the sources cited except to the extent they are interpretations of rules from one (1) of the other sources. In those instances, they take the same precedence as the source which is interpreted.
- b) Rules from the source with the higher precedence prevails when there are conflicts between rules from different sources.
Senate Rule 3.802. The rules of parliamentary practice in the most recent edition of Mason's "Manual of Legislative Procedure" shall govern all cases except when they are inconsistent with the Standing Rules and precedents of the Senate.
House Rule 70. In all cases not provided by the Constitution, the House Rules, or the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives, the authority shall be Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure - most current edition.
Minnesota (B)
Senate Rule 1. The rules of parliamentary practice contained in Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure govern the Senate in all cases in which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with these rules and orders of the Senate and the joint rules and orders of the Senate and House of Representatives.
House Rule 5.04. AUTHORIZED MANUAL OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE. "Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure" governs the House in all applicable cases if it is not inconsistent with these Rules, the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives, or established custom and usage.
Missouri (H)
House Rule 129. …The House may additionally consult "Robert's Rules of Order" and "Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure" as supplemental authority, to the extent consistent with the standing rules and orders of the House and the joint rules of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Montana (B)
Senate Rule S60-20. The most recent publication of Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure governs the proceedings of the Senate in all cases not covered by these rules.
House Rule H70-40. Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure (2010) governs House proceedings in all cases not covered by House rules.
Nebraska (S)
Unicameral Rule 2, Section 1. Rules, Matters Not Covered. (a) At the commencement of each regular session, a motion shall be offered to adopt the rules of the preceding session as temporary rules. The motion to adopt temporary rules shall require a majority vote of the members. The temporary rules shall be in effect until such time as the permanent rules are adopted. The motion to adopt permanent rules and amendments to that motion shall require a majority vote of the elected members. In all matters not covered herein, the Legislature shall decide as to the procedure to be followed, the same to require the concurrence of a majority of the elected members.
(b) In the absence of a controlling rule to cover a specific situation and in the absence of controlling custom, usage, and/or precedent, the presiding officer may utilize Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure as authority.
Nevada (B)
Senate Rule 90. The rules of parliamentary practice contained in Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the Senate in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the standing rules and orders of the Senate, and the joint rules of the Senate and Assembly.
Assembly Rule 100. Precedence of Parliamentary Authority. The precedence of parliamentary authority in the Assembly is:
The precedence of parliamentary authority in the Assembly is:
- The Constitution of the State of Nevada and judicial decisions thereon.
- The Standing Rules of the Assembly and the Joint Standing Rules of the Senate and Assembly.
- Custom, usage and precedence.
- The Statutes of the State of Nevada.
- Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure.
New Hampshire (H)
House Rule 10. In all cases not provided for by the Constitution, House Rules or Joint Rules, Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure, 2020 Edition, shall be the parliamentary guide.
New Jersey (B)
Senate Rule 27:1. Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall in all cases, when not in conflict with these Rules, be considered and held as standard authority
General Assembly Rule 23:1. Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure shall in all cases, when not in conflict with these Rules, be considered and held as standard authority.
New Mexico (B)
Senate Rule 24-2. The rules and parliamentary practice as set forth in Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the senate in all cases not inconsistent with the standing rules and orders of the senate.
House Rule 24-2. The rules and parliamentary practice as set forth in Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the house in all cases not inconsistent with the standing rules and orders of the house.
North Carolina (H)
House Rule 62. Except as herein set out, the rules of Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure, 2010 Edition, shall govern the operation of the House. Custom and usage may supplement these rules or Mason's Manual, but may not supercede them.
North Dakota (B)
Senate Rule 801. Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure governs the Senate in all cases in which it is applicable, and when it is not inconsistent with the standing rules and orders of the Senate and the Joint Rules of the Senate and House
House Rule 801. Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure governs the House in all cases in which it is applicable, and when it is not inconsistent with the standing rules and orders of the House and the Joint Rules of the Senate and House.
Northern Mariana Islands (B)
Senate Rule 18. These Rules shall be construed according to their plain meaning. In the event that any ambiguity or conflict should arise regarding these Rules, or in the event that these Rules do not address a question or situation which may arise, then such controversy shall first be resolved according to the rules and principles set forth in Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure, 2020 Edition (Mason’s Manual). In the event that any ambiguity, conflict, question or situation should not be resolve by referencing Mason’s, then the second source of authority shall be Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 10th Edition (RNOR).
House Rule XVI. Section 2. Rules shall be construed according to their plain meaning. In the event that any ambiguity or conflict should arise regarding these Rules, or in the event that these Rules do not address a question or situation which may arise, then such controversy shall first be resolved according to the rules and principles set forth in Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure. In the event that any ambiguity, conflict, question or situation should not be resolve by referencing Mason’s, then the second source of authority shall be Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.
Ohio (B)
Senate Rule 99. Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure (2020 edition) shall be used by the Senate as authority in all cases not provided for in the Senate Rules or the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Representatives, if any.
House Rule 116. Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure (2020), as amplified or clarified in Hughes’ American Parliamentary Guide, 1931-1932, Revised New Edition, shall govern in all cases not provided for in the foregoing rules.
Oklahoma (B)
Senate Rule 1-6. MASON’S MANUAL. For matters not specifically covered under the Senate Rules, the person making an interpretation of the Rules pursuant to the provisions of Rule 1-3 may apply the provisions of Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure.
House Rule 14.2. Any parliamentary questions not provided for by the Oklahoma Constitution or these Rules shall be governed by the ruling of the Speaker. The Speaker may publish these substantive rulings in a volume of precedents. In making his or her ruling, the Speaker may rely upon, but is not bound by, these published rulings or other parliamentary authorities, including, but not limited to, the latest edition of Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure.
Oregon (B)
Senate Rule 2.01. Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure shall apply to cases not provided for by the Oregon
Constitution, the Senate Rules, custom of the Senate or statute.
House Rule 2.01. Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedures shall apply to cases not provided for in the Oregon Constitution or the rules.
Pennsylvania (B)
Senate Rule 26. The Rules of Parliamentary Practice comprised in Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the Senate in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the Standing Rules, Prior Decisions and Orders of the Senate
House Rule 78. Mason's Manual supplemented by Jefferson's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall be the parliamentary authority of the House, if applicable and not inconsistent with the Constitution of Pennsylvania, the laws of Pennsylvania applicable to the General Assembly, the Rules of the House, the established precedents of the House and the established customs and usages of the House.
Rhode Island (H)
Senate Rule 10.9. Mason's Rules of Order shall govern procedure on the senate floor and in the committees of the senate in all cases in which they are not inconsistent with these rules or with any joint rules of the senate and house.
House Rule (37). (a) The presiding officer may refer to “Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure,” most recent edition, published by the National Conference of State Legislatures, for guidance as to procedure on the floor of the House in all cases in which its provisions are not inconsistent with applicable law or these rules. …
South Carolina (H)
House Rule 6.6. In all particulars not determined by these rules, or by the laws of the Constitution of this State, or of the United States, the practice of this House shall conform to its previous usage, or be guided by parliamentary law as it may be collected from the best authorities, Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure being the preferred parliamentary authority.
South Dakota (B)
Senate Rule S5-2. Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure governs the proceedings of the Senate in all cases not covered by these rules or the Joint Rules.
House Rule H4-2. Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure governs the proceedings of the House of Representatives in all cases not covered by these rules or the Joint Rules.
Tennessee (B)
Senate Rule 71. The rules of parliamentary practice comprised in Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the Senate in all cases in which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the foregoing rules
House Rule 79. If any question shall arise which is not provided for in these rules, the same shall be governed by Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure (latest edition existing on date of adoption of these rules), which is hereby adopted.
Texas (B)
Senate Rule 20.01. The President of the Senate shall decide all questions not provided for by the standing Rules of Order of the Senate and Joint Rules of Order of both branches of the Legislature, according to parliamentary practice laid down by approved authors.
Editorial Notes
The rulings of the presiding officers of the Senate as shown in the Texas Legislative Manual, the practice in Congress as shown in Hinds' Precedents and in Cannon's Precedents, the practice in the Texas House of Representatives as shown in the Legislative Manual, and the rules and precedents as set forth in Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure, Jefferson's Manual, and the Manual of the United States Senate have been resorted to by the presiding officers of the Senate for guidance in deciding questions of order.
House Rule 14, Section 1. If the rules are silent or inexplicit on any question of order or parliamentary practice, the Rules of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress, and its practice as reflected in published precedents, and Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure shall be considered as authority.
Utah (B)
Senate Rule SR1-1-103. In addition to Senate Rules and other applicable legislative rules, the presiding officer may use Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure as a reference when a question arises about parliamentary practice, legislative process, or legislative procedure that is not resolved by reference to legislative rules
House Rule HR1-1-103. In addition to House Rules and other applicable legislative rules, the presiding officer may use Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure as a reference when a question arises about parliamentary practice, legislative process, or legislative procedure that is not resolved by reference to legislative rules.
Vermont (B)
Senate Rule 91. Where a question of parliamentary procedure arises not covered by these Senate Rules, Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall prevail, except Mason's Rule No. 780, as that rule is contrary to Senate procedures and customs.
House Rule 88. A question of parliamentary procedure not covered by these House Rules shall be decided according to Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure
Virginia (S)
Senate Rule 56. The Rules of the Senate shall be adopted at the commencement of the first regular session of the General Assembly after the election of the Senate, and shall be in force for the succeeding four years unless amended or suspended as provided by these Rules or unless directed by the Senate whose membership has changed due to the election of a Senator or whose President of the Senate has changed due to the election of a new Lieutenant Governor. In the construction of the Rules, reference shall be had to the following sources in the following order:
(a) Jefferson's Manual of Parliamentary Practice.
(b) Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure.
(c) Standing Rules for Conducting Business in the Senate of the United States.
West Virginia (H)
House Rule 135. In any question of order or parliamentary practice where the rules of the House or the joint rules of the House and Senate are silent or inexplicit, the precedence of parliamentary authority for the House of Delegates shall be: (1) The Constitution of the State of West Virginia; (2) Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure, 2020 Edition; and (3) Jefferson’s Manual and the Digest of the Rules and Practices of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress. (HR1, Reg. Sess., 2023)
Wisconsin (H)
Assembly Rule 91. The power to make rules governing its procedure is a constitutional power of each house of the legislature. The rules of the assembly, together with the joint rules, govern the assembly's parliamentary practice.
(1) In the absence of a pertinent assembly or joint rule, questions of parliamentary procedure are decided according to applicable rules of parliamentary practice in Jefferson's manual which are not inconsistent with constitutional or statutory provisions relating to the functioning of the legislature.
(2) Established precedents of both houses, long-established custom, opinions of the attorney general interpreting rules and precedents, and other leading parliamentary authorities such as Mason's manual may be used in the interpretation of both the assembly rules and the rules in Jefferson's manual.
Wyoming (B)
Senate Rule 1-2. The rules of parliamentary practice comprised in Mason's "Manual of Legislative Procedure" published by the National Conference of State Legislatures in 2010 shall govern the Senate in all cases to which they are not inconsistent with the rules and orders of the Senate and joint rules and orders of the Senate and House of Representatives.
House Rule 1-2. The rules of parliamentary practice comprised in Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the House in all cases to which they can apply and in which they are not inconsistent with the rules and orders of the House and Joint Rules.
Washington DC
Council Rule 1001. Matters not covered by these Rules shall be governed by Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure. It is the duty of the Chairman to interpret the Rules. Matters not covered by Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure shall be determined by the Chairman subject to the right of a Member to appeal the Chairman’s ruling. The Council recognizes the principle of stare decisis in resolving questions of order.