If approved, the amendment to Senate Rule 50 could have significant implications on the legislative workflow. By requiring that similar bills are directed to the same committee, it could promote efficiency by reducing redundancy in committee evaluations and discussions. This change may enhance the ability of committees to focus on related legislation in a more cohesive manner, thus potentially speeding up the legislative process.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 469 intends to amend Senate Rule 50, which governs the referrals of bills and appointments to committees within the legislative process. The main point of the amendment is to ensure that during the second regular session of a general assembly, any bill that is identical or substantially similar to a bill introduced during the first regular session should be referred to the same committee. This change aims to streamline the legislative process and maintain consistency in how similar bills are handled across sessions.
Contention
While the amendment appears to be beneficial in creating a more structured approach to bill referrals, there may be points of contention. Critics might argue that this rule change could limit the flexibility of committees to adapt to new circumstances or developments related to specific bills that arise between sessions. Furthermore, it could impact the committee's ability to respond to unique aspects of each legislative cycle, particularly if the context surrounding similar bills changes significantly from one session to another.
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.