WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SR 8647

Concerning remote voting during the 2023 first special session.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Jamie Pedersen and 1 co-sponsor

Temporarily expands remote voting for the 2023 first special session to all caucuses every day, with remote members allowed to speak but not move or raise points of order.

Adopted.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 8647

Summary: Senate Resolution 8647 (SR 8647) — Remote Voting During the 2023 First Special Session

What the bill is

  • Type: Senate Resolution (not a bill), adopted to govern remote voting during the 2023 first special session.
  • Introduced: May 16, 2023.
  • Status: Adopted on May 16, 2023.
  • Goal: Allow senators to vote remotely on each day of the first special session due to circumstances that prevent in-person attendance.

Purpose and intent

  • The resolution addresses the need for remote participation in a special session convened to address an important public safety issue.
  • It overrides the standard remote-voting limits described in the Senate’s permanent rules for this specific one-time session.

Key provisions

  • Overrides standard limit: Notwithstanding Senate Rule 8 of the permanent rules, and only for the first 2023 special session, members of each caucus may vote remotely on each day of the special legislative session.
  • Restrictions on remote voting: Members who vote remotely may not make motions or points of order during floor action. They may, however, speak in accordance with the procedures established in Senate Rule 8(I).
  • Source of authority: The change relies on the authority provided in the permanent Senate rules (specifically Rule 8), but temporarily enlarges remote voting capacity for the session.

Who is affected

  • Affects all members of each caucus during the 2023 first special session.
  • Remote-voting members are limited to speaking (per Rule 8(I)) but cannot initiate motions or raise points of order while voting remotely.

Procedural/timeline details

  • The resolution is part of the adopted rules framework for the 2023-2025 biennium, referencing permanent rules previously adopted (Rules 8601 and amended by 8606).
  • Temporary provision applies only to the first special session in 2023; it does not automatically extend to subsequent sessions or the 2023-2025 rules beyond this session.
  • Certification: The resolution is certified by Sarah Bannister, Secretary of the Senate, as a true and correct copy.

Impact and implications

  • Purpose: Ensures continued legislative action when some senators cannot attend in person due to illness or emergency.
  • Operational effect: Increases the ability for remote voting to occur on every day of the first special session, potentially reducing delays caused by absences.
  • Cautions: While expanding voting flexibility, the measure restricts remote members from making motions or points of order during floor action, preserving some in-person procedural controls.

Adoption status

  • Adopted by the Senate on May 16, 2023 (the same day it was introduced).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.