Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

In the near future, we will be introducing a resolution amending the Senate Operating Rules to improve bipartisan collaboration by requiring legislative action on bipartisanly and unanimously supported bills. This proposed resolution is among a package of Senate Rules Reform Resolutions, many of which are included in SR4 intended to empower members of both sides of the aisle to effectively advocate for their constituents. This package of Rules Reforms will ensure transparency in the legislative process, encourage public participation, and hold members accountable to the public. 

Specifically, this resolution would require Senate bills that are co-sponsored by a majority of members from both the Majority and Minority caucuses in the Senate to receive full consideration on the legislative calendar and final passage votes. It would also require full consideration and final passage for bills that are voted out of the House unanimously.

The Senate passed only 18% of all bills introduced during the 2019-2020 Session, leaving behind 1,091 bills. This proposed change to the Senate Operating Rules would help increase the productivity of the Senate, while also fostering bipartisanship by prioritizing bills that we know have the support of a majority of all members. This proposed rule will facilitate good-faith negotiation, honest efforts to work across the aisle, and a problem-solving approach to building consensus. In short, this proposed rule would help the Senate put Pennsylvanians over partisan politics and restore public faith in the legislature.

Please join us in cosponsoring this important change to the Senate Operating Rules.