By Bob Katzen

Senate 6-32, rejected an amendment allowing the minority members who voted against a conference committee version of a bill to issue a report on why they voted against it. A conference committee is a committee that is appointed by the Senate president and House speaker when the House and Senate approve different versions of a bill. The committee’s job is to craft a compromise version.

“It is important that the perspective from both sides of the debate within our conference committees is represented for the public to consume,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “The people of Massachusetts do not benefit from one-party rule.”

Amendment opponents did not offer any arguments against the amendment. Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem), the chair of the Senate Committee on Rules, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her to comment on why she voted against the bill.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment allowing a minority to issue a report. A “No” vote is against allowing a minority to issue a report.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen No