Late sessions curtailed, votes to be posted on Internet

As one of its first actions of the 2007-08 Session, the state Senate today adopted a new set of rules intended to make the legislative process more open to the public, according to Senator Bob Regola, R-39^th District, who strongly supported the proposals.

“Today marks the beginning of a new era in the Senate,” Senator Regola said. “The rules we adopted will end the practices that limited the ability of the public to fully review and comment on legislation that comes before the Senate.  This is an important step in restoring public trust in state government.”

Under the new rules:

*   Session times will be limited to between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
 

*   Amendments will be posted on the Internet before being offered on the Senate floor. 
The General Assembly’s  home page is at www.legis.state.pa.us.

*   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 will be posted on the Internet within 48 hours of the vote.
 

*   The Legislative Journal – which includes the full text of all floor debates –
will be posted on the Internet upon approval 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.

 “In the past, some of the legislature’s more controversial votes have occurred well past midnight,” said Sen. Regola.  “This rule will provide some predictability in the legislative process, particularly for constituents interested in following debates on the Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN).” 

###

 Contact:           Nate Silcox (717) 787-6063