Authorizes a committee member to abstain from voting under certain circumstances
Impact
The impact of HR 113 focuses on refining the legislative process within committees. By permitting abstentions under certain circumstances, the bill empowers committee members to act responsibly by not voting if they lack sufficient information. This change is expected to enhance the decision-making integrity of committees, fostering a more informed legislative process overall. Furthermore, it strengthens the procedural framework of the House, aligning it with principles of accountability and deliberation.
Summary
House Resolution 113, proposed by Representative Lopinto, seeks to amend House Rule 14.42 concerning the voting procedures of committee members. The resolution specifically allows a committee member to abstain from voting when they believe they cannot make an informed decision due to their absence from all or a significant part of the committee discussions related to the matter at hand. This aims to ensure that absent members do not cast votes that could be ill-informed or inconsistent with the committee's deliberations.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HR 113 appeared to be generally positive among proponents who support the resolution as a necessary improvement to the legislative process. They argue that it promotes better governance by allowing members to abstain from votes rather than making uninformed decisions. However, concerns were raised about potential misuse or confusion surrounding the abstention process, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines to prevent members from avoiding accountability.
Contention
Despite the aforementioned support, the bill may encounter contention regarding its implementation. Questions may arise around the criteria for determining which absences justify an abstention, and how to ensure that committee members do not exploit this provision to evade voting altogether. This concern highlights a balancing act between member discretion and maintaining a robust legislative framework that ensures active participation and accountability.
Allows Right to Farm Act complaints to be filed with county agriculture development board in adjacent county under certain circumstances and creates alternate voting members on such boards.
Allows Right to Farm Act complaints to be filed with county agriculture development board in adjacent county under certain circumstances and creates alternate voting members on such boards.
Allows Right to Farm Act complaints to be filed with county agriculture development board in adjacent county under certain circumstances and creates alternate voting members on such boards.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; provision related to officeholders raising funds when facing a recall; modify, and require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; funds donated to a candidate for recall efforts; require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
A concurrent resolution recognizing wild rice as sacred and central to the culture and health of Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota and critical to the health and identity of all Minnesota citizens and ecosystems and establishing a commitment to passing legislation to protect wild rice and the freshwater resources upon which it depends.