Missouri Senate Bill SR85

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Refer: 2/3/25

Caption

Modifies Senate Rule 50 to provide that referral of a bill to committee by the President Pro Tem of the Senate shall be to a committee designated by the sponsor of the bill

Impact

If passed, SR85 would significantly alter the legislative landscape by changing the dynamics of bill referral in the Senate. The modification is expected to empower bill sponsors, potentially leading to a more organized and coherent approach to how legislation is introduced and discussed. This could improve the flow of bills through the legislative process, reducing delays caused by misalignment between sponsors and committee assignments. However, it also raises questions about the balance of power between the President Pro Tem and individual senators acting as sponsors.

Summary

Senate Resolution 85 (SR85) proposes an amendment to Senate Rule 50 which governs how bills are referred to committees in the Senate. The resolution stipulates that the President Pro Tem of the Senate must refer bills to committees as designated by the bill’s sponsor. SR85 aims to streamline the process of committee referrals, allowing sponsors to have greater control over where their bills are considered, which supporters believe could enhance legislative efficiency and responsiveness to sponsors' legislative priorities.

Contention

There may be points of contention among senators regarding the implications of this amendment. Critics could argue that this change centralizes too much power with the bill sponsors and undermines the traditional checks provided by committee assignments determined by the leadership. Concerns might also arise regarding the potential for abuse, where sponsors could strategically place bills in more favorable committees, potentially skewing legislative debate and outcomes in their favor. The debate around SR85 could lead to discussions about transparency and the integrity of the legislative process.