Senate Rules; amend Rules 28 and 35C to provide floor restrictions for members of the news media.
Impact
If passed, SR3 would centralize control over media interactions during Senate sessions, significantly reducing the presence of non-credentialed individuals on the floor. The proposed rule changes reflect a desire to limit distractions and maintain order during official proceedings. By instituting these new rules, the Senate aims to create a more structured environment for conducting legislative business and to manage how the media covers these activities. The implications of this resolution may also affect public access to information regarding legislative discussions, raising concerns about transparency in government operations.
Summary
Senate Resolution 3 (SR3) proposes amendments to the Senate rules regarding the access and decorum protocols for members of the news media during Senate sessions. Specifically, it seeks to revise Senate Rule 28, which outlines visitor access to the floor, and Senate Rule 35C, which deals with decorum during sessions. The resolution aims to impose stricter access regulations by allowing only credentialed media members to enter the Senate floor before and after sessions while expanding the restrictions on photographing and transcribing debates and proceedings in session. This evidently aims to control the narrative and the presence of media during legislative discussions.
Contention
Critics of SR3 may argue that these amendments could hinder press freedom and limit the capacity of journalists to report on legislative actions effectively. By restricting who can be present during Senate sessions, concerns arise regarding the potential for reduced accountability on the part of elected officials. Some advocates for transparency may see this as a move towards obscuring the legislative process, which is vital for public engagement and participation in governance. As such, the proposal may face opposition from those who believe that a free press is essential to a functioning democracy.
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.