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Joint conduct committee hears concerns that Rule 27 changes could curb political speech and alter investigation rules
Summary
A joint committee heard hours of testimony on SCR 208 and SB 1600, which would revise Legislative Branch Personnel Rule 27. Senators and public witnesses raised objections to a broader definition of "legislative business," changes to investigation and confidentiality rules, and the use of informal resolutions; the hearing closed with no vote.
The joint committee on conduct heard testimony Tuesday on SCR 208 and SB 1600, proposals to change Legislative Branch Personnel Rule 27 governing workplace conduct.
Sen. Mike McClain, who identified himself as representing Senate District 30, told the committee he opposed SCR 208 because it would broaden the definition of "legislative business" and could sweep political speech, caucus discussion and some campaign activity into the rule’s reach. "I don't wanna be the speech police," McClain said, asking the committee to table the measure until a longer session allows more briefing for members.
Sen. Sarah Gelser Bloem (Senate District 8), who said she has been both an initiating impacted party and a respondent under the prior rule, urged caution about limiting public investigations and about expanding informal…
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