Offered
by
To amend the Standing Rules of the Senate so that a majority of Senators "present and voting" cannot order a "Call of the Senate," under which the Senate is essentially forced back into session, with the sergeants-at-arms and state police sent forth to gather members who are not present. The rule change was passed in the context of conflict between the Republican Senate majority and Gov. Granholm regarding whether the body should not adjourn for two weeks in early July, but instead stay and pass $1.2 billion in tax hikes that the governor is pressing for. Under the rule as changed by this vote, a majority of those "elected and serving" are needed to order a call of the Senate, meaning Senate Democrats could not do so without some Republican votes.
Adopted in the Senate 20 to 17 (details)
