By Bob Katzen
Senate 6-32, rejected an amendment that would prohibit any conference committee bills from being considered less than 72 hours before the end of a formal legislative session. The amendment would allow the Legislature to consider a conference committee bill at any time only if the House and Senate vote unanimously to allow consideration. The amendment would replace a rule that allows the Legislature to consider conference committee reports at any time during the legislative session.
“This amendment … closes a loophole that allows leadership to push through last-minute conference committee reports and then reconvene after the formal sessions to vote on them,” said Sen. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton). “By prohibiting these reports from being filed within 72 hours of the end of formal sessions, this change ensures major legislation is properly reviewed and prevents rushed, last-minute decision-making.”
Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) said the amendment would tie the hands of the House and Senate by establishing an arbitrary deadline that would prevent them from voting on important bills. She said that would result in the bills essentially dying from lack of action.
(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment prohibiting any conference committee reports from being considered less than 72 hours before the end of formal legislative sessions. A “No”
vote is against the amendment.)
Sen. Patricia Jehlen No