By: Duncan S.R. No. 408
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Article III, Section 9 and Article IV, Section 16
of the Texas Constitution and Article XIII of the Senate Rules
recognize the existence of the Committee of the Whole Senate; and
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Senate Rule 7.06, the President
referred Senate Bill 362, relating to voter identification
requirements, directly to the Committee of the Whole Senate; and
WHEREAS, Senate Rule 13.01 provides that it is in order for
the Senate at any time after bills and resolutions have been
called to resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole Senate;
and
WHEREAS, The Senate may adopt by resolution specific
procedures to govern the operation of the Committee of the Whole
Senate during its consideration of Senate Bill 362; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate resolve itself into a Committee
of the Whole Senate on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at the conclusion
of the morning call, for the consideration of Senate Bill 362,
and
RESOLVED, That the Senate may meet as in Committee of the
Whole Senate from day to day as necessary; and
RESOLVED, That the following procedures shall apply when
in Committee of the Whole Senate for the duration of its
consideration of Senate Bill 362:
1. The Committee shall afford reasonable opportunity to
interested parties to appear and testify before the
Committee.
2. The Chair shall require all parties appearing at the
meeting to swear or affirm that the testimony they
give to the Committee is true and correct.
3. The Chair may fix the order of appearance and time
allotted for each witness unless a majority of the
members present directs otherwise.
4. Senate Rules addressing access to the Senate Floor
shall be enforced by the Chair while the Committee is
meeting, except as follows:
(a) Witnesses appearing before the committee may
be admitted to the floor of the Senate as
their names are called by the Chair, and may
remain only until their testimony is
completed.
(b) Each Senator may be assisted by one employee
of the Senate within the brass rail at any
given time. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall
provide seating next to a requesting senator
for such authorized employees.
5. Senate Rule 3.04, relating to posters, placards,
banners and signs, and Senate Rule 3.05 relating to
applause, outbursts, and demonstrations shall be
strictly enforced by the Chair. Subject to approval
by the Chair, witnesses may use visual aids as
necessary in the presentation of their testimony.
6. Senate Rule 3.01, relating to attire, shall not apply
to witnesses.