On Monday, the Senate Rules Committee held a hearing on Senator Josh McKoon’s proposed Senate Resolution (SR) 24. The resolution specifically addressed the method in which floor amendments are dealt with during session. The resolution ultimately was defeated in committee by a voice vote but after some tense testimony.
If passed, the resolution would’ve required a recorded roll-call vote (the “unlocking of the machines”) for each floor amendment offered for adoption if a single senator asked for the record. Currently, a roll-call vote on a floor amendment is only required if five senators agree to ask for one. Otherwise, the vote is by a handcount and not recorded. All votes on bills are recorded but some of McKoon’s, and others’, concern is that in the rush at the end of session, amendments get attached to bills and the Senate is not able to keep track of everything and understand everything in the rush of time.
Please enter your User Name and Password to view the rest of this subscriber-only story or poll. If you are unable to login, your account may have expired. Please contact InsiderAdvantage if you have any problems.
