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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 3, 2007

New Rules Open Senate Actions to Public Review
Late Sessions Curtailed, Votes to be Posted on Internet

As some of its first actions of the 2007-08 Legislative Session, the state Senate today (January 2) adopted a set of rules changes intended to make the legislative process more open to the public, according to Senator Pat Browne, who strongly supported the proposals.

"I am very pleased that these new rules have been adopted," Senator Browne said. "We listened to the voters when they demanded significant changes in the way that the Senate conducts business."

Under the new rules:

• Session times will be limited to between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• Amendments will be posted to the Internet before being offered on the Senate floor.
• The Senate will wait at least six hours before voting on an amended bill or a conference committee report.
• All roll call votes will be posted on the Internet as soon as possible after a vote, but always within 24 hours of a vote.
• Committee votes on bills will be posted on the Internet within 48 hours of the vote.
• The Senate's Legislative Journal – which includes the full text of all floor debates – will be posted on the Internet upon Senate approval of the Journal or within 45 days, whichever is earlier.
• An updated fiscal note will be prepared if a bill is amended after consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee, if the amendment has a fiscal impact.

 
Contact:

Matt Moyer
(610) 821-8468