Bill > S6

This bill proposes to adopt the permanent rules for the Massachusetts Senate for the 2015-2016 legislative session, as recommended by the Temporary Senate Rules Committee on Ethics and Rules. These rules, which have historical roots dating back to 1817, outline the procedures and conduct for Senate operations, including the duties of the President and Clerk, the establishment and function of committees, the process for introducing and debating legislation, and rules for voting and parliamentary practice. Key provisions include requirements for the President to preserve order and decide points of order, the Clerk to maintain the journal and prepare the daily calendar, and the establishment of various committees such as Ethics and Rules, Ways and Means, and Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. The rules also address ethical conduct for members and staff, including restrictions on private practice and the use of confidential information, and detail procedures for committee hearings, bill readings, amendments, and voting, including the use of roll call votes (yeas and nays) when requested by a sufficient number of members. Furthermore, the rules govern the use of the Senate Chamber and adjoining rooms, the admission of visitors and reporters, and the process for altering, suspending, or repealing the rules themselves, generally requiring a two-thirds vote for such actions, with certain fundamental rules being un-suspendable if objected to.