SENATE BILL: Let the People Decide Amendment (Failed)

[TNF]

Would this be subject to the normal 60% referendum rules?

I assumed as much, but perhaps that should be clarified with an amendment.

This bill will allow the people to vote in a law if the Senate cannot. I think this is a worthwhile addition to our Constitution in order to empower the people to govern in their own interest.

[TNF]

A voice from the galley urges the Senate to defeat this amendment.

Amen. I don't think this would have helped pass clone reform, so it's pretty much useless.

Didn't you resign?

[TNF]

A desire has been stated by some to make certain reforms with an eye towards increasing interest in Senate elections. Leaving the question particular of those and their merits aside, in general terms would this not work against that stated desire?

I don't think it would make Senate elections less interesting, rather this amendment would give the voters a chance to approve legislation that the Senate rejects. Had this amendment been in place, we wouldn't be waiting around for regional reform to come up through the queue a second time.

[TNF]

A desire has been stated by some to make certain reforms with an eye towards increasing interest in Senate elections. Leaving the question particular of those and their merits aside, in general terms would this not work against that stated desire?

I don't think it would make Senate elections less interesting, rather this amendment would give the voters a chance to approve legislation that the Senate rejects. Had this amendment been in place, we wouldn't be waiting around for regional reform to come up through the queue a second time.

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but this amendment doesn't seem to allow people to vote on amendments like the fix the regions one, only on bills.

That is correct from my reading of the text since it doesn't touch the appropriate article for such at all.

I am inclined to propose an amendment allowing that, then. I'll get around to that sometime this afternoon or tonight.

[TNF]

Aye