Allows satisfaction of constitutional requirement that bills be on members desks by distribution of bills in electronically written form

Title of bill

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment to section 14 of article 3 of the constitution, in relation to the manner of passing bills

Purpose

Allows satisfaction of constitutional requirement that bills be on members' desks by distribution of bills in electronically written form.

Summary of provisions

Amends Section 14 of Article 3 of the constitution relating to the requirement that no bill shall be passed or become law unless it shall have been printed and placed upon the desks of members. This bill adds language that specifies that a bill shall be deemed printed and on members' desks if:

* It is set forth in a legible electronic format by electronic means, and

* It is available for review at the desks of members. Also, "electronic means" is specifically defined to mean any method of transmission between computers that:

* Allows the recipient to reproduce the information transmitted in a tangible medium, so that if any member prefers to review the information printed on paper, he or she can do so, and

* Does not allow additions, deletions or other changes to be made without leaving an adequate record thereof.

Justification

In today's technologically advanced age, a tremendous amount of time, money, and paper can be saved by placing bills on the desks of members, prior to voting, in electronic rather than paper form. The benefits would be especially pronounced when voting on budget bills. Now, long sessions are made even longer due to the fact that members must wait for bills to be printed as last minute changes are made. Entering bills into a computer, subsequently sending them to computers on members' desks, would be faster and more cost effective. This bill would allow this option.

Members who prefer to review a paper version of any bill should have access to a printer. This legislation clearly specifies that every member who so desires must have access to a paper version of any legislation on his or her desk.

Legislative history

02/01/06 Opinion Referred to Judiciary 2007 - S.2981 Opinion Referred to Judiciary 2008 - S.2981 Opinion Referred to Judiciary

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

Resolved (if the Assembly concur) that the foregoing amendment be referred to the first regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding general election.