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

BILL NUMBER:S8234

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 of bill

Allows satisfaction of constitutional requirement that bills be on members' desks by distribution of bills in electronically written form, at the member's option.

Summary of specific 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, at the member's option it is set forth in a legible electronic format by electronic means.

Justification

In today's technologically advanced age, we can save a tremendous amount of time, money, and paper 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

A.2108 and S.2981 of 2007/2008 A.2057 and S.4659 of 2005/2006 A.6497 and S.4128 of 2003-2004 A.5770 of 2001-2002 A.4870 of 1999-2000 A.8542 of 1997-1998

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

An initial cost for installing a computer system in the Assembly and Senate chambers, but thereafter a savings in printing costs.

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 of members of the assembly, and, in conformity with section 1 of article 19 of the constitution, be published for 3 months previous to the time of such election.