A resolution amending the Standing Rules of the Senate to prohibit the consideration of legislation in the Senate unless the text of the legislation that will be considered has been made publicly available in electronic form for a mandatory minimum review period.
Impact
The proposed changes under SR18 would mean that all future legislation, including bills, resolutions, and conference reports, would have to adhere to this transparency requirement. The mandatory minimum review period is outlined to be either based on the page count of the bill or a minimum duration of 72 hours, whichever is longer. This initiative is expected to create a more structured legislative process, potentially reducing rushed votes on complex issues and ensuring that all members are adequately informed about the legislation they are passing.
Summary
SR18 aims to amend the Standing Rules of the Senate by mandating that any legislation considered must be publicly available in electronic form for a mandatory minimum review period before it can be voted on. This bill seeks to enhance transparency and allow Senators sufficient time to review proposed legislation, ultimately promoting informed decision-making. A key component of SR18 is the self-certification by Senators that they have read the text of the bill prior to voting, ensuring accountability in the legislative process.
Contention
While supporters of SR18 argue that it is a necessary reform to promote transparency and accountability in Senate operations, there may be concerns about the implications for legislative efficiency. Opponents could argue that such requirements might slow down the legislative process, particularly during critical periods when quick decision-making is essential, posing challenges in urgent legislative matters. The balance between ensuring thorough review and maintaining legislative effectiveness will likely be a point of contention as the bill progresses.
This resolution permits Senators to object to the consideration of a measure unless a required amount of time has passed since the measure's introduction. Specifically, the resolution requires that one session day elapse for every 20 pages included in the measure (plus one session day for any number of remaining pages less than 20). An objection raised on these grounds may be waived or suspended only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Senators.
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the consideration of bills and resolutions whose titles do not adequately express their contents.
Inflation Prevention Act of 2023 This bill establishes a point of order that, when the annualized rate of inflation exceeds 4.5%, prohibits the House and Senate from considering legislation that provides new budget authority and is estimated to increase the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. The prohibition may be waived in the Senate by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Senate.
A resolution amending the Standing Rules of the Senate to authorize the Majority Leader to move to proceed to the en bloc consideration of certain nominations.
A resolution amending rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to include amendments of the House of Representatives in the requirements for identifying spending items, and for other purposes.
Read the Bills ActThis bill establishes requirements for bills and resolutions to be introduced or considered by the Senate or the House of Representatives.First, the bill requires any bill or resolution to cite the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact all provisions in the proposed measure. Without this information, the measure may not be accepted by the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate or submitted for a final vote. Each measure must also set forth the current law such measure is amending and show the proposed modifications to the law (except where a complete section of law is stricken). Further, a vote on final passage of such measure may not occur unless (1) the full text of the measure is published at least seven days before the vote, (2) public notice of the calendar week during which the vote is scheduled to take place is posted at least six days before the Monday of such week, and (3) the full text of the measure is read verbatim to the assembled body in each chamber. Members must affirm in writing that they read the measure in full or were present throughout the reading before voting in favor of passing the measure (i.e., such requirements do not apply for a member who votes against passage).The bill also authorizes a person aggrieved by a violation of the bill's provisions to sue for appropriate relief (such as an injunction against enacting the measure).
A bill for an act relating to controlled substances, including certain controlled substances schedules and precursor substances reporting requirements, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 25.) Effective date: 03/28/2025.
A bill for an act relating to controlled substances, including certain controlled substances schedules and precursor substances reporting requirements, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1080.)