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State senators to vote on committee voting rules
Craig- NewsinMilwaukee
Madison- State senators will soon vote on new rules that would largely end the practice of committees voting without holding meetings.
Instead of conducting meetings that the public can attend, Senate committees on occasion have allowed members to turn in ballots to the chairman's office. Critics have said the practice runs counter to the state's commitment to open government.
Incoming Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson of Beloit said her members would eliminate the practice in almost all situations. Under an emergency clause, ballots would be allowed in cases where there is an imminent threat to public health, safety or welfare, Robson said.
Ballots could also be used for administrative matters, such as allowing couples to use the Senate parlor to get married. The Democratically controlled Senate likely will vote on the new rules next week but could act before then.
