NCSL: Most states don't allow "title only" bills

This morning the Associated Press highlighted Sen. Murray's introduction of 22 title only bills. According to the article: "As state lawmakers push forward into tough budget negotiations, they are proposing a stack of 'title only' bills relating to a wide range of budget issues. Sen. Ed Murray, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, introduced 22 such bills, which contain only a brief - and often vague - description of what they would do. The measures proposed by the Seattle Democrat cover a broad scope of budget provisions, relating to everything from 'fiscal matters' and 'state government' to 'criminal justice' and 'higher education.' Lawmakers say title-only bills provide flexibility while helping them to avoid missing deadlines." A title only bill is just that - the text is blank except for the title of the bill . . . READ MORE