Legislature should reform rules
The U.S. Senate has spent months looking at ways to reform its rules surrounding the use of the filibuster because overuse has crippled the progress of most meaningful pieces of legislation.
Perhaps it’s time for the Mississippi Legislature to have a look at some of its arcane rules as well.
During Wednesday night’s charter schools debate in the House of Representatives, Rep. Bob Evans, D-Monticello, asked that the bill be read out loud. Under House rules, any member can make this motion, and the Speaker of the House has to oblige.
But this is an arcane rule that was originally drafted because several lawmakers could not read. For their benefit, on especially intricate or complicated legislation, they would request that the bill be read aloud.
Clarion Ledger
1/25/13
Magnolia Tribune
