Composition of the Council of States 58. The Council of States shall consist of: (a) (b) all South Sudanese who were representatives in the Council of States of the Republic of Sudan, by virtue of their membership in that Council; and twenty representatives appointed by the President. Competences of the Council of States 59. The Council of States shall be competent to: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) initiate legislation on the decentralized system of government and other issues of interest to the states and pass such legislation with two-thirds majority of all representatives, issue resolutions and directives that may guide all levels of government in accordance with the provisions of Articles 47, 48 and 49 of this Constitution, oversee national reconstruction, development and equitable service delivery in the states; monitor the repatriation, relief, resettlement, rehabilitation, reintegration of returnees and internally displaced persons, and reconstruction of disaster and conflict affected areas; request statements from Governors and national Ministers concerned regarding effective implementation of the decentralized system and devolution of powers and any other issues related to the states; legislate for the promotion of culture of peace, reconciliation and communal harmony among all the people of the states; approve changes in state names, capital-towns and boundaries; and perform any other function as determined by this Constitution or the law. Rules of the National Legislature 60. While sitting separately to transact business that falls within its competence, each House shall observe the following rules: (a) (b) (c) (d) any bill on a matter falling within the competence of either House, shall be tabled in that House; any bill passed by the National Legislative Assembly shall be referred to a standing Inter-House Committee for scrutiny and decision on whether it affects the interests of the states. If the Committee decides that the bill affects the interest of the states, the bill shall be referred to the Council of States for consideration; in case the Council of States introduces any amendments in the referred bill, by a two-thirds majority of the representatives or passes it as it is, the bill shall be sent to the President of the Republic for his or her assent without being returned to the National Legislative Assembly; and no House shall discuss any business of which the other House is seized, until it is finally referred to it. 20