Question On Procedure

[FairBol]

OK, question for the parliamentarians here....how many members of a chamber actually constitutes a "quorum", usually? I see that the Oregon Assembly has an "absence of a quorum" right now....governor wants to compel the GOP members to attend.  ?

[Person Man]

I'm really interested in it, too. On one hand, can the minority party covertly sneak back into work and pass laws  or can the majority party simply "lock them out" like striking workers?

[Koharu]

My understanding is that it depends entirely on the chamber and constitution of the state in question.

For example, from the US Senate's website:

"Article I, section 5 of the Constitution requires that a quorum (51 senators) be present for the Senate to conduct business. Often, fewer than 51 senators are present on the floor, but the Senate presumes a quorum unless a roll call vote or quorum call suggests otherwise."

In the Minnesota constitution, it is again, a simple majority:

"QUORUM. A majority of each house constitutes a quorum to transact business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day and compel the attendance of absent members in the manner and under the penalties it may provide. "

[Person Man]

Wasn’t the law in Wisconsin  somewhere between a majority and a large majority?