Senate Rules; amend Rule 115 to reverse the order of names called during every other roll call vote.
Impact
The amendment to Senate Rule 115 could have implications for legislative transparency and accessibility. By altering the order of the roll call, the resolution seeks to promote a more equitable representation during voting proceedings by ensuring all senators are recognized in both alphabetical and reverse alphabetical contexts. This may also help in reducing biases or patterns that could arise if the same order is used repeatedly in legislative sessions, thereby fostering a sense of fairness and variation in the voting process.
Summary
Senate Resolution 17 (SR17) proposes an amendment to Senate Rule 115, which governs the order of names called during roll call votes in the Mississippi State Senate. The resolution mandates that during every other roll call vote, the names of senators will be called in reverse alphabetical order. This change is intended to alternate the procedure of naming members during votes by creating a systematic method of calling names that differs from the standard alphabetical order used in the first roll call of the session.
Contention
The proposal has raised some points of contention among senators, particularly regarding its practical implications. Proponents argue that changing the roll call order may enhance the voting experience by varying the process and preventing the predictability of the alphabetical summons. Conversely, opponents have questioned the necessity of this amendment, suggesting that existing procedures already serve their purpose adequately and that the change might complicate the voting process unnecessarily, potentially leading to confusion among members during critical voting moments.