For Immediate Release
January 3, 2007
Contact: Fran Cleaver
(717) 787-5072
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Senator Tomlinson Supports Senate Reform Measures

HARRISBURG -- Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) supported seven new reform proposals today to make the legislative process more open to the public. 

The Senate unanimously approved all seven bipartisan reform proposals presented by Republican and Democratic leaders. The new Senate rules would improve public access to legislative information and improve the overall legislative process. 

Under the new rules: 

• Session times will be limited to between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• Amendments will be posted to the Internet before being offered on the Senate floor.
• The Senate will wait at least six hours before voting on an amended bill or a conference committee report.
• All roll call votes will be posted on the Internet as soon as possible after a vote, but always within 24 hours of a vote.
• Committee votes on bills will be posted on the Internet within 48 hours of the vote.
• The Senate's Legislative Journal – which includes the full text of all floor debates – will be posted on the Internet upon Senate approval of the Journal or within 45 days, whichever is earlier.
• An updated fiscal note will be prepared if a bill is amended after consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee, if the amendment has a fiscal impact.

"These rules will give the public an opportunity to be more involved in the legislative process and allow for greater transparency in government," Tomlinson said.  "I hope we can maintain this momentum for reform throughout the new session."