12th Senate Week in Review [96-3] | 09/23 - 09/30
Written by Kasa
Edited by Grea Kriopia
Edited by Grea Kriopia
Introduction
Welcome back to Senate Week in Review. The Senate has concluded another week of high activity, bringing a strong finish to a month that saw several major proposals and consistent debate from the sitting Senators.
Legislative Counsel Amendment Act (2024)
This bill was passed by a unanimous 5-0 vote. This does not come as a surprise, as the Senate took a positive stance towards the bill following its introduction.
As a review, this Act would create the position of Legislative Counsel to be filled by a Speaker-appointed member of the Bar Association. The Counsel would review bills for potential legal issues or conflicts while they are still being debated, hopefully identifying and fixing them before the bill is sent to the President & Attorney General.
As of October 1st, the bill awaits AG Review and the People's Assent.
Substitute Rollback Amendment Act (2024)
After renewed discourse about the merits and issues of the previous Senate Substitute Reform Act, this bill went to a vote and passed 4-1, with only Speaker Cordova in opposition. The bill has since been sent to the President and also awaits Review and the People's Assent.
To recap, this bill returns some powers to Substitutes, including the rights to motion & second bills as well as vote on challenges to the Senate Speaker. Additionally, they may abstain or run out the clock on normal bills.
Elections Act (2024)
Debate on Senator Rand's bill that would see Approval Voting introduced to Europeian elections seems to be approaching its conclusion, with Speaker Cordova noting on September 30th that he would soon bring it to a vote. The future of the bill seems uncertain, but going by past statements in the Senate thread, the bill has two supporters (Senators Rand and Caldrasa) and two opponents (Senators Lloenflys and Sopo). It should be noted that Speaker Cordova tends to favor Approval Voting, and may vote in favor this time as well.
The bill would bring a truly comprehensive reform to the election system if passed and is certainly one of the most major pieces of legislation debated by the 96th Senate. Whatever happens, the bill will likely meet its fate within the week.
Discussion - Multiple Seat Senators
Senator Sopo raised the point that, although running for two seats is a technical possibility, the electorate would certainly not allow a sitting Senator to win an election for a second Seat.
As a quick reminder, this discussion was raised by Senator Caldrasa following related discussion in the Grand Hall.
Conclusion
The Senate passed two bills this week and is seemingly drawing lines for a vote on another, bringing a satisfying close to a high-activity period. Hopefully, Senators can keep up the proposals and debate into October, as the Elections Act is now the only bill under consideration. Thanks for reading Senate Week in Review, and the EBC will see you next week with our 13th edition.
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