Rhode Island House Bill H5132

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/23
• Refer: 1/12/23

Caption

House Resolution Amending The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2021 And 2022 (this Resolution Would Amend The House Rules To Provide For The Electronic Recording Of Members Seconding A Motion Or Action When There Are More Than Five (5) Members Seconding The Motion Or Action.)

Impact

If adopted, the amendment would streamline the process of recognizing motions and their supporters, thereby increasing the efficiency of House proceedings. The introduction of an electronic voting system for recording members seconding a motion is expected to reduce errors and disputes over who supported a motion verbally during meetings. Such a systematic approach would help maintain clearer records of legislative actions, reflecting a more transparent process.

Summary

House Bill H5132 is a resolution that proposes amendments to the rules governing the House of Representatives for the years 2021 and 2022. Specifically, it focuses on how motions and their seconding are recorded during legislative sessions. The bill aims to modernize the process by introducing electronic recording for more efficient tracking, particularly when a motion receives support from more than five members. This change aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance the legislative process using technology.

Contention

Discussion around H5132 may surface from concerns about the implications of transitioning to an electronic system. Critics might raise questions about the reliability of electronic systems, potential technical failures during important votes, and the need for members to adapt to new technology. Additionally, there could be debates regarding the preservation of traditional methods of legislative procedure versus the push for modernization.

Additional_notes

Underlying this resolution is a larger context of improving legislative procedures to accommodate a changing political environment. By aligning legislative practices with technology, the House of Representatives aims to ensure that its processes remain robust, responsive, and accountable.