House Rules; amend 104A to require all House committees to be live streamed.
Impact
If adopted, HR9 would significantly alter the current approach to legislative committee meetings in Mississippi. This amendment is expected to promote government accountability as it provides greater visibility into the workings of the House committees. The requirement to broadcast meetings live ensures that all citizens can stay informed, potentially increasing civic engagement. Moreover, the amendment would necessitate committees to maintain accurate minutes of meetings, providing a further layer of accountability and public access to legislative activities.
Summary
House Resolution 9 (HR9) proposes an amendment to House Rule 104A, demanding all official meetings of any standing, interim, or special committee of the Mississippi House of Representatives to be live-streamed or otherwise broadcast to the public. This amendment aims to enhance transparency and public access to the legislative processes, thereby ensuring that citizens can observe the discussions and decisions made by their elected officials. The bill's provisions specify that such meetings should be declared public meetings and allows for executive sessions only under specific circumstances, which ensures that the public is informed about most legislative activity.
Contention
The discussions around HR9 might lead to debates regarding the balance between transparency and privacy in legislative proceedings. Proponents of the amendment argue that transparency is essential for a functioning democracy and that broadcasting meetings can lead to more informed constituents. Critics, however, may express concerns about the potential for sensitive discussions to be exposed or misrepresented in public forums. Additionally, logistical issues regarding the implementation of live streaming, such as costs and technical challenges, may arise during the legislative process.
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.