Senate committee clears SR 2 package to align internal rules with practice

The Senate Rules Committee voted to report Senate Resolution 2, a package of rule revisions the majority and minority negotiated to tidy and align the chamber’s written rules with current practice.

Sen. Townsend and the committee’s co-sponsors described the package as largely non‑substantive ‘‘clean-up’’ language that removes outdated provisions and clarifies routine procedure. Committee members said the changes reflect how the Senate already operates.

Committee leadership identified one modestly substantive change: while addressing the president during floor debate a senator must remain standing, but a senator need not stand when not addressing the president. Supporters said the change reduces what they called an unnecessary physical endurance requirement for debate.

Sen. Townsend and the minority staff lead said they plan continued incremental cleanups in future sessions and expected additional agreed packages. The committee also discussed the logistics of year-round confirmations by the rules committee during interim sessions and plans to poll members for dates.

A motion to report SR 2 as do pass was approved by committee vote; the chair announced five votes in favor.