Rules Changes Are a Good Start

January 14, 2005

The bipartisan Assembly rules changes authorized last week by the Assembly are a positive first step toward a more open and efficient legislative process, according to Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt (R,C-Greenwood Lake).

"My Assembly minority colleagues have been advocating similar changes for years. This is a good start, but we need to do more," the lawmaker said.

Highlights of the changes include:

• An ending to empty-seat voting by requiring a slow roll-call vote on each bill
• Instituting Tuesday sessions to allow for greater review and debate of legislation
• Overhaul of the Assembly Rules Committee
• Requiring the Assembly and Senate to pass budget resolutions in March to lay out a timetable for budget passage
• Restricting lobbyist access to the rear of the Assembly chamber.

"I am encouraged by these bipartisan reforms. We need to do more, though, to streamline the budget process and continue the cooperation between both sides of the aisle," the assemblywoman concluded.

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