MINUTES
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATION
Wednesday, February 7, 2001
4:00 p.m.
E1.714
*****
Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule
11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on
Administration was held on Wednesday, February 7, 2001, in
E1.714.
*****
MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT:
Senator David Cain Senator Steve Ogden
Senator Mike Moncrief Senator J. E. Brown
Senator Judith Zaffirini
*****
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:23 p.m. There being
a quorum present, the following business was transacted:
Linda Pittsford, Manager of the Texas Legislative Council
Computer Center, introduced the members to the Automated Bill
Book for Administration (ABBA). She gave a brief overview and
allowed members to access the system from their laptop
computers. She answered member questions about the system.
Senator Zaffirini moved adoption of the minutes from the
previous hearing held on January 31, 2001; without objection, it
was so ordered.
Senator Cain opened a discussion on Senate policies. The first
item for discussion was Senate floor decorum. Senator Cain
introduced Carleton Turner, the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, to
discuss the problems he has been experiencing during the
Legislative Session. Mr. Turner expressed concern over the
large number of groups on the Senate floor for recognitions and
introductions. Senator Moncrief mentioned that he thought the
Senate should look into greater security measures for the Senate
gallery. Senator Cain asked the members to think about the
issue before the next meeting. Senator Zaffirini mentioned that
the committee should also consider a policy of decorum for the
media on the floor. She mentioned that often times the media
distract Senators during debate.
The Committee then discussed the four courtesy phones in the
chamber. Mr. Turner explained that the phones were originally
installed for members because their desk phones only dialed
their Capitol office. The desk phones now allow members to dial
out, so members no longer use the courtesy phones. Senator
Zaffirini moved that the courtesy phones be removed from the
Senate Chamber and replaced with seating; without objection, it
was so ordered.
Senator Cain asked that the Committee consider a policy for
issuing voice mail to Senate Offices. He noted several requests
in recent weeks for additional voice mail boxes as impetus for
setting a policy. The Chair suggested allowing a voice mail box
for every phone line in the office. This would provide a
maximum of approximately 5 per office.
Members also discussed whether items should be distributed on
the members' desks during Session. The Senators agreed that
small trinkets or items pertaining to legislation would be
allowed, but all other items should be asked to be delivered to
the members' offices.
The final item for review was the practice of allowing "mini"
newsletters. Currently Senate policy allows for one
district-wide mailout each fiscal year, and members are allowed
to request permission for "mini" newsletters. There is no limit
on the number of "mini" newsletters a Senator can request.
Senator Cain proposed that the Committee monitor the newsletters
to make sure no member is abusing the privilege and warn members
that appear to be skirting the district-wide mailout policy.
Senator Zaffirini added that newsletters of two colors should
not be allowed. Senator Cain asked that committee staff get
figures on the cost of having a two color newsletter so that the
Committee could determine if a policy was necessary.
There being no further business, at 4:55 p.m. Senator Zaffirini
moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of
the Chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.
______________________
Senator David Cain, Chair
______________________
Tara Cowen Rejino, Clerk