Regarding Standing Provisions for Bills and Confirmations
The Bylaws of the Purdue Student Government classify “Bills” as, “Any act of the Senate that specifically changes Purdue Student Government operations such that they carry a weight of force…” (Bylaws, 3.01-C-i). “Resolutions” are defined as, “Any act of the Senate that specifically commits Purdue Student Government to a clear and bounded reasonable action…” (Bylaws, 3.01-C-ii). The PSG Constitution does not establish definitions for legislation. Consequently, it would appear that confirmations must be classified as “Bills” under the current rules. The Student Senate’s Standing Rules for Conducting Business sets the majority requirements for bills and resolutions (Standing Rules, VII-2, “Consideration of Legislation”). All bills presently require two readings under the standing rules. However, Title III of the standing rules permits suspension of the rules by two-thirds vote of the Student Senate. Nothing prohibits the Senate from passing bills (excluding Constitutional amendments) under suspended rules. Following the model of federal practice, the United State House of Representatives frequently bypasses operational requirements and passes legislation under suspended rules. It is submitted that legislative remedy is not necessary on this matter; confirmations can continue to be considered as bills and the Student Senate can suspend the rules if it wishes to act expediently.
