SR 2

This resolution makes the following changes to the senate rules:

Condition of senate chamber on floor session days

The resolution eliminates a requirement that the senate chamber be “properly

ventilated” before each daily session.

Electronic devices in senate gallery

The resolution requires that individuals in the senate gallery silence and

conceal all electronic devices. Currently, the devices must be shut off.

Delayed calendars

The resolution permits delayed calendars to be referred to the Committee on

Senate Organization. Currently, the calendars, unless ordered to a different time by

the Committee on Senate Organization, must be taken up after completion of the

ninth order of business of the current calendar day, but before consideration of the

tenth order.

Participation in committee meetings

Current rules permit a member who is connected to a meeting of a committee

via teleconference to be considered present. This may occur only with the consent

of the committee chairperson. The resolution provides that the member may

participate by telephone or by other means of telecommunication or electronic

communication, with the consent of the committee chairperson.

Timing of public hearings

The resolution eliminates a requirement that a committee chairperson who

determines to hold a committee hearing must schedule the hearing as early as

practicable.

Voting in committee by polling

Under current rules, a committee may not conduct an executive session on a

proposal, amendment, appointment, or proposed administrative rule by polling

unless the chairperson of the committee determines that voting by polling is

necessary in an emergency for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or

welfare.

The resolution provides that a committee member who was recorded as present

at an executive session may vote by polling on a proposal, amendment, appointment,

or proposed administrative rule considered at that executive session. However, if a

committee member was not recorded as present, the committee member may not vote

by polling unless the committee chairperson determines that voting by polling is

necessary in an emergency for the preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or

welfare.

Withdrawal from committee

Current rules provide that the president may, with the consent of a committee

chairperson and the chairperson of the Committee on Senate Organization,

withdraw a proposal or appointment from the committee to which it is referred and