WASHINGTON: REFORMS SIGNAL THE START OF ACCESSIBLE GOVERNMENT

          HARRISBURG, January 4 – State Senator LeAnna M. Washington (D-Phila./Montgomery) today lauded the new Senate operating rules, outlined at the opening of the new legislative session earlier this week.

          “These new rules signal the start of a government that the people can trust, a government that is more accessible, open and accountable to the people,” Washington said.  “I will work diligently to uphold these rules, as well as, see that more reforms are passed during this session.”

          Taking a page from measures advanced last session by Senate Democrats, the Senate unanimously adopted rules changes that will:

• limit session times to between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m;

• require the posting of amendments on the Internet before being offered on the Senate floor;

• require at least a six hour waiting period before an amended bill or conference committee report can be acted upon;

• require roll call votes to be posted on the Internet within 24 hours;

• require committee votes to be posted on the Internet within 48 hours;

• require the Senate’s Legislative Journal – which includes the full text of floor debates – to be posted on the Internet upon Senate approval of the Journal or within 45 days, whichever is earlier; and

• require an updated fiscal note by the Senate Appropriations Committee on any amended bill where the amendment has a fiscal impact.