The adoption of SCR1 will not change existing laws significantly but will streamline legislative operations by providing clear rules for each house of the legislature. The resolution outlines how committees will be appointed and how joint meetings can be arranged when a bill is assigned to both houses. These rules are vital for ensuring that legislation is considered expeditiously, promoting a collaborative dynamic between the Senate and Assembly, and thus improving overall legislative productivity.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1 (SCR1) introduced by Senator Wilk aims to adopt the Joint Rules for the Senate and Assembly for the 2019-20 regular session. This resolution provides a framework for legislative procedures, including the establishment and operation of standing committees, joint meetings, and the formal process for how bills are introduced, amended, and voted on. By standardizing these processes, SCR1 seeks to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the legislative process in California.
Contention
While SCR1 promotes order in legislative procedures, some may express concerns regarding its impact on individual legislative autonomy, especially in how strictly the rules govern committee operations and the passage of amendments. The resolution's procedural safeguards might be perceived by some legislators as restrictive, potentially limiting their ability to react quickly to constituents' needs or urgent matters.