wfn.org | Assembly approves change to rule governing minority reports

[PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org]

03-July-1996 
 
GA96071 
 
 
    Assembly approves change to rule governing minority reports 
 
 
ALBUQUERQUE--In an effort to wisely manage its time and an unusually heavy 
business agenda,  the 208th General Assembly (1996) agreed to change the 
rule governing the debate of minority reports at its opening business 
meeting July 2. 
 
    The Assembly committee on Bills and Overtures recommended  the change 
to the Assembly, since it manages the referral of business to Assembly 
committees and sets the docket. 
 
    "The [Bills and Overtures] committee is concerned that the large number 
of business and the limited time to consider it could put us in a bind," 
said the Rev. Barry Van Deventer, Bills and Overtures Committee moderator. 
 
     In order to change the rule, it was first necessary for the Assembly 
commissioner's to vote to suspend standing rule B7-C, Stated Clerk Jim 
Andrews said. 
 
    At the point during an Assembly committee report when a minority report 
is moved, these procedures will apply: 
 
    1.  The Stated Clerk will immediately advise the Assembly if the 
minority report is in order. 
 
    2.  If  the minority report is in order, the Assembly will proceed by 
its usual rules to perfect the majority report. 
 
    3.  When the Assembly has finished any amendments to the majority 
report, but before debate, the moderator will return to the minority report. 
 
    4.  Those proposing the minority report will have two minutes to 
present their proposal. The moderator will then recognize for debate three 
persons in favor and three persons opposed, in alternating sequence.  The 
10-minute period of debate will conclude with a one-minute final speech by 
the proposers and a one-minute speech from the Assembly committee 
representing the majority report. The moderator will immediately proceed to 
put the question. 
 
    5.  During the period of debate on the minority report, the moderator 
will not accept amendments to the minority report.  If the minority report 
is substituted by the Assembly, the process of amendment and debate on that 
report may proceed. 
 
    During the opening business session, Van Deventer read aloud a 
statement of appreciation for Andrews, who is retiring from office, after 
serving as Stated Clerk since 1983, including one year co-Stated Clerk. For 
several moments, the Assembly room resounded with applause as Andrews 
received a standing ovation. 
 
 
Julian Shipp 

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