By Bob Katzen

The Senate 5-33, rejected an amendment that would allow members 48 hours to read the conference committee version of a bill. A conference version of a bill is the compromise version that is hammered out by a joint House-Senate committee when the House and Senate approve different versions of legislation.

“I voted for this amendment … because it ensures that both the appointed conference committee members and the public have sufficient time to understand and evaluate complex bills before they are voted on,” said Sen. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton). “By setting a clear deadline and allowing more time to analyze the final conference report, this change promotes transparency to the public and helps prevent the Legislature from acting without proper deliberation and input from our communities.”

Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on the defeat of his amendment.

Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) said the bill itself already allows one calendar day for members to read a conference committee bill and argued that it is a sufficient amount of time.

(A “Yes” vote is for the 48 hours. A “No” vote is against the 48 hours.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen No