RALEIGH — Sen. David Hoyle, a Gaston County Democrat entering his last legislative session, will serve as the Senate's new Rules Committee chairman, the person who helps decide where bills go -- whether they live or die.

The job is a critical post, as the Rules chair also helps determine parliamentary questions, such as whether an amendment is proper and should be voted on. Hoyle's predecessor, former Sen. Tony Rand, effectively used the role to shut down Republican efforts to block Democrats' legislation. Rand, a Fayetteville Democrat, resigned in December to chair the state parole commission.

Hoyle, a nine-term veteran who is not running for re-election, is a longtime ally and Raleigh roommate of Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight, who appointed him Monday.

Hoyle will give up his co-chairmanship of the Senate Finance Committee, the primary tax-writing committee, but will remain a member.