Members are strongly encouraged to read House Rule XVII, “Decorum and Debate” (especially clause 1), as well as Section XVII of the Jefferson’s Manual, “Order in Debate.”
Disorderly Conduct in the Chamber:
A Member may not engage in disorderly or disruptive conduct in the chamber, which includes intentionally obstructing or impeding the passage of others; using an exhibit to impede, disrupt or disturb House proceedings; and denying legislative instrument to others seeking to engage in legislative proceedings (clause 9 of rule XVII). The Chair may call upon the Sergeant at Arms to restore order, including escorting a Member from the Chamber.
Relevancy:
A Member may get carried away in debate and stray from the subject under discussion. If so, he or she may be subject to a point of order that his or her remarks are not confined to the question under debate (clause 1(b) of rule XVII).
Speaking Out of Order:
If a Member must make an important announcement to the House that is not relevant to the debate, the Member may ask unanimous consent to “speak out of order” for a period of time (usually one minute). If granted, the Member may then speak on the desired subject for the allotted time.
Traffic in the Well:
Members should avoid crossing between the Chair and any Member who is addressing the House. In addition, Members should not exit or cross the Well of the House when Members are speaking (clause 5 of rule XVII).
Dress Code:
Members should dress appropriately, which traditionally means male Members should wear a coat and tie and female Members should wear business attire. Members should not wear overcoats or hats (apart from religious headwear) on the Floor while the House is in session. Eating, drinking, and smoking are not permitted.
Use of Electronics:
The use of a mobile electronic device that impairs decorum, such as speaking on a wireless phone, including the taking of pictures, audio or visual recordings or broadcasting proceedings, is strictly prohibited on the Floor of the House and may be subject to fine (clause 5 of rule XVII).
Forms of Address:
Members should not address their colleagues by their first name on the House Floor. They should be addressed as “the gentleman (or gentlewoman) from (State)”.