Missouri 2025 Regular Session

Missouri Senate Bill SR85

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MO SR561

Modifies Senate Rule 50 to provide that every senate bill that is pre-filed before the opening day of a regular session shall be referred to a committee within thirty calendar days

MO SR562

Modifies Senate Rule 50 to allow each chair of a standing committee to report no more than three bills, with certain exceptions, when the Senate is on the order of business of reports of standing committees

MO SR3

Modifies Senate Rules 6, 25, and 28 relating to standing committees of the Senate

MO SR557

Modifies Senate Rules 50 and 60 regarding the report by the Committee on Appropriations for new appropriations of general revenue

MO SR390

Modifies Senate Rule 25 regarding testimony of certain public officials before committees of the Senate

MO SR563

Modifies Senate Rule 96 to provide that, no later than March 1, 2024, the Senate shall provide an audio and video feed of its proceedings on the website of the Senate

MO SR558

Modifies Senate Rule 60 regarding the amendment process for appropriations bills

MO HR85

Committee on Ethics Rules of Procedure

MO HR11

Rules of the House of Representatives for the 102nd General Assembly

MO SR631

Modifies Senate Rules 29 and 44 regarding seniority

Similar Bills

NJ AR96

Changes membership of Budget and Labor Committees; clarifies that bill or resolution may be listed on committee agenda for purposes of amendment.

MI HB4326

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.

MI HB4870

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.

MN HC6

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.