Will the Senate vote to enforce its rules?

On the first day of session the Senate, using the powers granted to it by Article 2, Section 9 of the state Constitution, adopted rules to govern its proceedings. Among the rules adopted was Rule 64 to require a supermajority vote to move a bill creating a new tax from second to third reading. Yesterday Lt. Governor Owen, who serves as President of the Senate, issued rulings in response to two point of orders raised concerning Rule 64. While the first ruling was debatable, the second was a shocking break from precedent . . . READ MORE