Resolution Concerning The Rules Of The Senate For The July Special Session, 2019.
Impact
The resolution explicitly outlines procedural changes to existing Senate rules, such as the order of business and the permissible motions during debate. It specifies that only certain resolutions and bills certified under legislative guidelines may be considered, essentially prioritizing the business agenda for the special session. This could potentially impact how quickly and effectively the Senate addresses pressing matters during its limited timeframe, ensuring that important issues are prioritized at the expense of potentially lesser legislative proposals.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 101 (SR00101), introduced during the July Special Session of 2019, aims to set the rules governing the Senate's functioning for the duration of the session. The resolution adopts the same rules that were in place during the 2019 regular session while allowing for specific amendments or alterations as outlined within the resolution. This continuity is intended to facilitate a streamlined legislative process during the special session, enabling the Senate to operate efficiently without the need to establish new rules from the ground up.
Contention
While the resolution itself is procedural, it raises concerns among some members regarding the changes to debate rules, especially rules pertaining to amendments that could have a fiscal impact. By requiring detailed disclosures concerning revenue reductions or increased expenditures related to amendments, the bill could inhibit the willingness of legislators to propose changes that might necessitate fiscal considerations. Critics argue that these requirements could stifle constructive modification of bills during the legislative process, impacting the effectiveness of the Senate in addressing varied issues.