Requires House consideration of Senate legislation with 21 or more sponsors; provides for member special order speeches at designated sessions and public comment periods at designated committee meetings.
Impact
The proposed changes also mandate that if a bill with the requisite number of sponsors remains unaddressed and over 60 days have passed since its referral to a committee, the prime sponsor can notify the Senate President to relieve the committee from further consideration. This streamlining of procedures is intended to prevent stagnation of popular proposals and allow for quicker movement through the legislative process, ultimately promoting efficiency and responsiveness in governance.
Summary
Senate Resolution No. 78 (SR78) is a legislative measure introduced in New Jersey aimed at modifying procedures related to the consideration of bills in the Senate. The resolution particularly stipulates that any Senate bill or resolution that garners the support of 21 or more sponsors must be included on the Calendar of Bills and Resolutions for consideration. This triggers enhanced visibility and prioritization within the legislative process, ensuring that significant measures receive timely attention from the Senate.
Contention
Additionally, SR78 introduces amendments to existing rules surrounding committee operations, particularly emphasizing the inclusion of public comment periods. Reference committees are required to schedule at least two hours for public input at least twice each year during a legislative session. This shift aims to enhance citizen engagement and ensure that the voices of New Jersey residents are considered in legislative discussions, although there may be varying opinions on the adequacy and effectiveness of these public input formats.
Notable_points
The resolution includes the establishment of new Rule 2:10, which provides for 'special order speeches' by members of the Senate. This rule allows for designated times during which members can speak on topics after the conclusion of regular business, promoting a more inclusive atmosphere for discussion. This initiative reflects a broader trend in legislative bodies to enhance member participation and consideration of diverse viewpoints as part of the decision-making process.
Requires mandatory posting of legislation with 41 or more sponsors; provides for Special Order Speeches and public comment periods at committee meetings.
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
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
Adopting permanent rules for the House of Representatives, further providing for definitions, for order of business, for fiscal notes, for consideration of bills, for third consideration and final passage bills, for House and concurrent resolutions, for standing committees and subcommittees, for powers and duties of standing committees and subcommittees, for public hearings, for discharge of committees, for lay on the table and for previous question.