The Read the Bills Act would require each proposed bill or resolution to cite the constitutional powers supporting it. Proposals that change existing law would also have to show the current law, the proposed changes, and—where applicable—the revised text. Before most final passage votes, the full text would need to be posted online at least seven days ahead, the vote week announced, and the text read aloud to a physically assembled, quorate House. Members voting for passage would have to sign an affidavit confirming they attentively heard or read the full text. The bill would allow certain people to sue over failures to follow these rules and would make a noncompliant law have no force or effect. It was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
The bill would make proposed legislation and its changes to existing law available online before votes. It would also create a court process for people who meet the bill’s stated conditions to challenge enforcement of a law passed without following its requirements. The bill does not describe any direct services or benefits for the public.
No publicly available information.
The bill’s findings say these steps would support accountability and transparency and give the public and elected members a fair chance to examine legislation before a vote.
No publicly available information.