Monday, January 01, 2007

PA Senate Considers New Rules

For those who missed it, over the holidays the Pennsylvania Senate released a proposed set of new rules. I like them. You can read more in the PA Senate press release. Here is an excerpt:

Under the new rules:
• Session times will be limited to between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• Amendments will be posted to the Internet before being offered on the Senate floor.
• The Senate will wait at least six hours before voting on an amended bill or a conference committee report.
• All roll call votes will be posted on the Internet as soon as possible after a vote, but always within 24 hours of a vote.
• Committee votes on bills will be posted on the Internet within 48 hours of the vote.
• The Senate’s Legislative Journal – which includes the full text of all floor debates – will be posted on the Internet upon Senate approval of the Journal or within 45 days, whichever is earlier.
• An updated fiscal note will be prepared if a bill is amended after consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee, if the amendment has a fiscal impact.

No comments: