The measure (SB 5909), concerning legislative oversight of gubernatorial powers concerning emergency proclamations and unanticipated receipts, passed the Senate but got hindered in the House. House Speaker Rep. Laurie Jinkins said, “We had it on the floor the night before cutoff for senate bills. We believed that there would be some debate on the bill, but that it would move forward and our caucus was supportive of it moving forward.” Jinkins said Republicans flooded the effort with amendments. “And then it became clear with the first amendment that was offered that there was going to be a lot of debate. A lot of speeches on the Republican side.”
Republican Leader Rep. JT Wilcox said, “You can imagine we have some people that have been feeling strongly about being able to share their views on that for the last two years and it was taken down in 20 minutes.”
Bill history:
2022 REGULAR SESSION
Jan 19 First reading, referred to State Government & Elections.
Jan 28 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections at 10:30 AM.
Feb 2 Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on State Government & Elections at 8:00 AM.
SGE – Majority; do pass.
Minority; without recommendation.
Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 11 Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Feb 15 Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. Third reading, passed; yeas, 29; nays, 20; absent, 0; excused, 0.
IN THE HOUSE
Feb 17 First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Relations.
Feb 21 Public hearing in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 1:30 PM.
Feb 23 Executive action taken in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 8:00 AM.
SGOV – Majority; do pass with amendment(s).
Minority; do not pass.
Feb 24 Referred to Rules 2 Review.
Mar 2 Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
Mar 3 Held on second reading.
Jinkins said, “Rep. Sullivan and I went over and visited Rep. Wilcox and said ‘hey, so do you want to pass the bill or give a lot of speeches?’ and he said, ‘let me think about it.’’ Wilcox said, “I was asked if we we’re going to talk about it and I said ‘well, yes our members are going to talk. They’ve been waiting two years to do it. We had plenty of time to pass the bill. Nobody was trying to kill it.”
