Senate Resolution 566 proposes changes to Senate Rules 84 and 85 governing the “previous question” motion, which is a parliamentary procedure used to end debate and force a vote. Under the resolution, the motion would still require a written demand by ten senators, but the threshold for adoption would be raised from a majority to at least two-thirds of the senators elected. The resolution also clarifies that once the motion is sustained, debate is cut off and the Senate proceeds directly to a vote on the pending question, with the sequence of consideration for motions to commit, amendments, and the main question preserved.
The practical effect of the resolution would be to make it harder for senators to end debate quickly and move legislation to an immediate vote. By increasing the required support from a majority to a two-thirds supermajority, the measure would strengthen the ability of a minority of senators to continue debate and delay final action. It would amend internal Senate procedure rather than substantive state law, affecting how the chamber manages floor debate, motions, and voting on legislation.
Impact
This resolution would change the internal rules of the Missouri Senate, specifically Rules 84 and 85, by raising the vote threshold for invoking the previous question from a majority to two-thirds of elected senators. It would not create or amend any public law, but it would alter legislative procedure by making it more difficult to cut off debate and force a vote, thereby affecting how bills and motions are handled on the Senate floor.
Sentiment
Based on the text alone, the resolution appears procedural and institution-focused rather than policy-driven, with no recorded committee discussion or vote history provided to indicate broader support or opposition. The change suggests a preference for more deliberative debate and greater protection against majority rule on floor procedure, which may appeal to senators concerned about minority rights and extended consideration. At the same time, it would likely be viewed less favorably by those who prefer faster floor action and easier control of the agenda.
Contention
The main point of contention is the higher threshold for the previous question motion: supporters of the change would likely argue that a two-thirds requirement prevents premature cutoff of debate and protects deliberation, while opponents would likely argue that it makes it too difficult to end obstruction and slows the Senate’s ability to act. The resolution also implicates the balance of power between the majority and minority in the chamber, with the practical disagreement centered on whether the Senate should prioritize extended debate or efficient decision-making.
Modifies Senate Rule 50 to allow each chair of a standing committee to report no more than three bills, with certain exceptions, when the Senate is on the order of business of reports of standing committees
Modifies Senate Rule 50 to provide that referral of a bill to committee by the President Pro Tem of the Senate shall be to a committee designated by the sponsor of the bill