SENATOR TARR SECURES RULES CHANGES IN THE SENATE

01/30/07

BOSTON- Senate Assistant Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester) said today that he and several colleagues were successful in securing five rules changes that will make the operations of the state Senate stronger, more transparent and more accessible to the public. The changes co-sponsored by Tarr were adopted in yesterday’s formal session of the Senate and include:

1.        A requirement that a Senate committee charged with the television broadcast of Senate sessions complete its work by April 1 to ensure that the public can conveniently observe formal proceedings.

2.        The creation of a system whereby the results of all roll call votes taken in the Senate be published on the internet.

3.        The provision of immediate access for broadcast television stations to Senate proceedings so that news broadcasts may contain coverage of Senate sessions, particularly before regular broadcasts begin. 

4.        A requirement that the resignation of a Senator become effective within 14 days of submission to the Senate President.

5.        A requirement that budgets being considered by the Senate identify long-term obligations such as bonded or pension liabilities and related payments. 

“These straightforward changes will make the Senate a stronger institution”, said Tarr. He added that “they will also give the public a greater chance to be involved in our democracy and our state government”.

The rules adopted by the Senate in yesterday’s session will govern the body for the 2007-2008 legislative session.