Requires bills and resolutions shall be open to sponsorship by any member of the legislature

Title of bill

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing amendments to sections 9 and 12 of article 3 of the constitution, in relation to the sponsorship of bills in the legislature

Purpose

To permit any member to cosponsor a bill or resolution introduced by a member of the house.

Summary of provisions

Amends Article 3, § 12 to require open sponsorship of all legislation.

Existing law

None.

Justification

Preventing a colleague from cosponsoring legislation is symbolic of the current practice in the legislature to put politics before policy. The negative effects of this unwritten rule prohibiting minority participation discourages elected members from taking an active and engaged role in their duties. Moreover, limiting CO-sponsorship prevents a critical mass of support for important legislation that may have broad bipartisan support.

Opening up CO-sponsorship to all members may improve cooperation among the houses of the legislature. Since different parties control each house, minority party members in each house who cosponsor a majority member's bill may provide a pivotal role in crafting the policy. They could serve as catalysts to work out compromises when similar bills need to be worked out.

Legislative history

Introduced as S.1453 in 2005. Introduced as S.1153 in 2007

Fiscal implications

None.

Local fiscal implications

None

Effective date

Upon passage of both houses during two respective terms and final approval of the people by referendum.