GOVERNMENT BILL 76

Chairman Kelli Rogers submitted the following report regarding Government Bill 76, "A Bill to be Entitled an Act to Require Written Reports from Senate Representatives on University Standing Committees", to the Student Senate on Tuesday, February 26th 2008, on behalf of the Government Operations Committee, and pursuant to its Sunday, February 24th 2008 recommendations, by general consent:

As provided by Senate Rule, the committee requests that the Senate President place Government Bill 76, on the calendar for second reading.

Attendance:

There were three (3) members (Gannon, Phelps, Rogers) present.

There were two (2) members (Burrell, Cioffi) absent.

The following officials were also present: P. Barnes, Compton, Joseph Davis, Rose.

A quorum was present.

Purpose of Legislation:

This legislation creates more accountability for student that sit on University Standing Committees. It also creates a new position so that there may be more cooperation and organization of students on University Standing committees.

Debate:

There was little debate on the bill, it was thought to be an excellent idea from all angles and one that will help to improve the communication, cooperation and involvement between students and departments.
While this bill does create another position within the executive branch, the committee felt that there were far more positives than negatives in for its creation. It is a necessary action that should have been done along time ago so that students become more involved and remain accountable to the student body.

Committee Amendments:

The amendments made to the bill since it was originally submitted were made by the sponsor because she realized an error with the body of the bill.