Senate Republicans Pursue Major Rules Changes
February 5, 2025Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jessica Margiotta, Director of Communications, Office of Senator Tarr | Cell: 978-675-6109 | jessica.margiotta@masenate.gov
Senate Republicans Pursue Major Rules Changes
Seek to Increase Transparency and Efficiency in the Legislative Process
Boston (02/05/2025) – Among the first tasks to be addressed in the new legislative session on Beacon Hill is the adoption of the rules that govern the legislative process in the House and the Senate, and Senate Republicans are putting a series of proposed changes to those rules on the table for consideration by their colleagues.
Many of those proposed changes are contained in a memo sent Monday, February 3 to the Senate’s Temporary Rules Committee on behalf of the Senate Republican Caucus by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). The memo outlines some 25 proposed rules changes, with several reflecting areas of agreement consistent with concepts highlighted by Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) and Tarr in their inaugural remarks at the start of the legislative session on January 1, 2025.
“Our caucus has been seeking major reforms to the rules by which the Senate and the legislature operate for the past several years,” said Tarr, “and the message delivered by the Senate President on inauguration day signals a real opportunity for collaboration to increase not only transparency in the legislative process, but also increasing the efficiency of our efforts on behalf of those that we represent. We are putting our ideas on the table in the hopes of finding consensus to capture that opportunity as fully as possible.”
Tarr added that “among the ideas of agreement seem to be moving the date for committees to report on bills earlier in the legislative session, increasing the time for members and the public to read bills, and increasing the information available to the public relative to the legislative process. These areas provide a foundation for the Senate to continue pursuing transparency, as it has in the past.”
Specific proposals for rules changes contained in the memo include:
SENATE RULES:
Increasing minimum from time for Senators to file General Appropriations Act (budget) amendments from 48 to 72 hours. (Senate Rule 27A)
Requiring the Senate Ways and Means General Appropriations Act proposal (budget) to be posted at least 5 business days prior to the Senate debate. (Senate Rule 27A)
Increasing the minimum time to review new matters from the Senate calendar from the current 24 hours to 48 hours. (Senate Rule 33A)
JOINT RULES:
Requiring a two-thirds vote for Conference Committees to go into Executive Session. (Joint Rule 1D)
Increasing from 72 hours to 7 days the notice requirement for Committee Hearings. (Joint Rule 1D)
Requiring 48 hours between the filing of a Conference Committee report and its consideration by the House and Senate. (Joint Rule 11D)
Requiring Conference Committee reports to be filed no later than 72 hours prior to the conclusion of formal sessions. (Joint Rule 12A)
“As we enter this new legislative session, it is critical that we take the correct steps to improve transparency and efficiency within the Senate,” said State Senator Patrick M. O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “The proposed rule changes from the Republican Caucus will be significant in that effort, guaranteeing that both lawmakers and the public have the information and time needed to make informed decisions. These reforms will not only introduce a more open process but also create opportunities for greater collaboration across the aisle between us and our colleagues in the Senate. By increasing review periods and making legislative work more transparent, we are building trust and creating situations where we work together more effectively to serve the people of Commonwealth.”
“I’m excited that our caucus has presented major rules changes to increase transparency and debate within the Senate,” said State Senator Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “Our proposals are basic commonsense: allowing sufficient time for legislators and the public to read and weigh in on bills and amendments, posting all bills involving public money online, and scaling back unaccountable after-midnight sessions. With voters demanding transparency, I’m optimistic that we will see meaningful change in this new session.”
“By embracing these proposed changes, we are taking critical steps toward greater transparency, accountability, and public access to the legislative process,” said State Senator Peter Durant (R-Spencer). “We have an opportunity to make a strong commitment to an open government. These reforms empower the people of Massachusetts to engage more directly with their legislature, making sure their voices are heard and their concerns addressed in real time.”
“Legislative transparency is the cornerstone of democracy,” said State Senator Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton). “Fostering a culture of honesty and ensuring the decisions that impact residents are made openly, with accountability and the public’s trust at the core of the process, is a top priority.”
A copy of Tarr’s memo to the Temporary Senate Rules Committee is attached.
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Additional Resources:
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/Rules/Senate
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/Rules/Joint
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Thank you,
Jessica
Jessica Margiotta
Director of Communications
Office of the Senate Minority Leader | State Senator Bruce E. Tarr
Massachusetts State House, Room 308 | Boston, MA 02133
Office: 617-722-1600, ext. 1603| Cell: 978-675-6109
Email: jessica.margiotta@masenate.gov
