Summary of Bill S 233

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: S 233
• Title: Prohibits the passage of bills by the legislature between the hours of midnight and eight o'clock a.m. unless two-thirds of the legislature is present and requires two-thirds approval for messages of necessity.
• Status: Opinion referred to Judiciary
• Introduced: January 08, 2025
• Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 233 is to regulate the legislative process by restricting the passage of bills during late-night hours. The bill aims to ensure that significant legislative decisions are made when a larger proportion of lawmakers are present, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in the legislative process.

Key Provisions

• Time Restrictions: The bill prohibits the passage of any legislative bills between the hours of midnight and 8:00 a.m.
• Presence Requirement: For any bill to be passed during these restricted hours, at least two-thirds of the legislature must be present.
• Approval for Messages of Necessity: Any messages of necessity, which allow for expedited consideration of legislation, would also require a two-thirds approval from the legislature.

Impact

• Legislators: The bill directly affects members of the legislature by imposing stricter rules on when they can pass legislation, potentially leading to more deliberative decision-making.
• Legislative Process: By requiring a higher threshold for passing bills during late-night sessions, the bill aims to reduce the likelihood of rushed or controversial legislation being enacted without adequate oversight.
• Public Transparency: The bill could enhance public trust in the legislative process by ensuring that significant decisions are made during hours when more legislators are present, thus allowing for greater debate and discussion.

Procedural Aspects

• Referral to Judiciary: The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee on January 08, 2025, and subsequently received an opinion from the Attorney General.
• Legislative Actions: As of January 31, 2025, the bill remains under consideration by the Judiciary Committee, indicating ongoing discussions regarding its implications and potential amendments.

Related Legislation

Bill S 233 is related to several prior-session bills, including:
- S 1025
- S 2087
- S 557
- S 221
- S 48
- A 9089 (companion bill)

These related bills may provide context or additional frameworks regarding legislative procedures and practices.

This summary provides a clear and concise understanding of Bill S 233, its provisions, and its potential impact on the legislative process.