University of Colorado Student Union

Legislative Council

Written by:                            

Joe Martinez 

Law Senator / Chair – Rules Committee

Sponsored by:

Joe Martinez

Law Senator / Chair – Rules Committee         

A Bill to Amend the Legislative Council Standing Rules

Bill History

            During the preceding weeks and months a number of parliamentary rules have been used that have led to varying degrees of confusion and angst amongst the members of the Legislative Council. On a number of occasions members have made and sponsors have accepted “friendly amendments.” While this tactic certainly serves to expedite the amendment process it has also raised a number of unanswered questions. In legislation that is not written by members of the Council but is later sponsored by many members we are faced with determining who the “prime sponsor” of the legislation is. Secondly, a number of substantive amendments have been made to legislation and enactments; this is antithetical to the purpose of “friendly amendments.” Thirdly, Roberts Rules of Order does not provide for “friendly amendments.” Although this alone would not justify revision, it leaves the Council without any reference to turn to when questions arise regarding how to handle “friendly amendments.” This results in ad hoc decisions being made and is counter to an organized deliberative process. Finally, under Roberts Rules of Order, minor and non-controversial amendments may be quickly handled through “unanimous consent.”   

            Additionally, a number of members have become overly reliant upon the use of “paper proxies” to meet their constitutional duties. While certainly beneficial to busy Council members, this provision assumes that the deliberative process is ineffective and unpersuasive. Furthermore, the filing of “paper proxies” adds to confusion during the voting process and is inept in determining how the member would vote on amendments and compromises that may change the political landscape surrounding legislation. Finally, a “live proxy” provisions would remain and would allow for busy members to ensure their voice and the voices of their constituents are heard in the very limited circumstances when the member is unable to personally attend Legislative Council meetings.

Bill Summary

            This bill would require that any and all amendments to pending motions, legislation, or other Council business be made pursuant to Roberts Rules of Order. This bill would further prohibit the use of paper proxy votes.

THEREFORE BE IT ENACTED, by the Legislative Council of the University of Colorado Student Union, THAT:

Section 1:   Section B of Article X of the Standing Rules shall be deleted. Section A of Article X of the Standing Rules shall be amended to read: “All amendments to any Legislative Council business must be made and enacted pursuant to Roberts Rules of Order.”

Section 2: Section A of Article XXV of the Standing Rules shall be amended to read: “Any elected or appointed member of the Legislative Council may commission any current University of Colorado – Boulder student to attend Legislative Council meetings in his or her stead.” Section B of Article XXV of the Standing Rules shall be amended to read: “The Legislative Council member who appointed the proxy shall effectuate said proxy in writing and shall notify the Legislative Council President of the proxy by electronic mail. When the commissioned proxy arrives he or she shall present his or her commission to the Chair of the meeting(s) being attended. Once the commission has been presented the proxy shall have all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of the member who commissioned them.” Section C of Article XXV of the Standing Rules shall be amended to read: “Section B shall not be construed to allow the proxy to act in any capacity or hold any position or office elected within the UCSU Legislative Council.” Section D of Article XXV of the Standing Rules shall be amended to read: “Any current University of Colorado – Boulder student may inspect any proxy’s commission, proof of University affiliation, and a facsimile of the electron mail sent to the Legislative Council President.”

Section 3: As an amendment to the UCSU Legislative Council Standing Rules these amendments shall take effect immediately upon the second passage of this bill.