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Senate adopts rule limiting floor reconsideration after debate over 'resurrection' of bills
Summary
After floor debate and an unsuccessful effort to delete a reconsideration limit, the Utah Senate approved SR 2 — adopting technical rules changes including a provision that limits reconsideration of a bill on the floor to once; the measure passed 24–2 with three absent.
The Utah Senate approved SR 2 on Jan. 20, 1995, adopting technical changes to the chamber’s joint rules and adding a provision that limits how many times a bill may be reconsidered on the floor. The measure passed by a recorded vote of 24 ayes, 2 nays and 3 absent, and will be signed in open session and transmitted as required.
Senator John Holmgren, sponsor of the rules resolution, told colleagues SR 2 contains mostly technical fixes but includes the reconsideration limit to reduce repeated relitigation of bills. "This merely draws the attention that you've already considered the bill and ... you don't want it, you know, somewhere you gotta begin to try to put a limit to how many times you do it," Holmgren said during floor debate.
Senator Richard moved to delete the new language that would bar reconsideration more than once; he argued the change could "hamstring the process" and cited prior instances where revisiting a bill was needed. Senators debated whether the limit would prevent appropriate second looks or simply encourage more conscientious initial votes. Opponents pointed to the ability to use suspension of the rules when extraordinary circumstances arise.
After discussion and a voice vote on the amendment, the Senate proceeded to final passage of SR 2. The clerk recorded 24 yes votes and 2 no votes, with three senators absent. The resolution package also contains several technical corrections to cross-references and titles, which sponsors said do not alter substantive law.
The floor exchange illustrated the tension between procedural order and legislative flexibility: supporters said the rule would reduce repetitive reconsideration and improve predictability of the calendar; critics warned it could limit legitimate remedies for procedural problems and that a majority could always suspend rules if necessary.
SR 2 will be signed in open session and processed according to regular legislative practice.
