Rules Committee allows late substitution for Watson campaign-finance bill

The Rules Committee on Jan. 20 voted to allow Senator Watson to substitute a late-filed Senate draft addressing corporate rights and campaign contributions with a more complete House draft and to proceed with printing so sponsors can be listed.

Watson told the committee that a late change in drafting direction left the Senate version incomplete and that she already has “the exact language” she wants to insert. “We could have that done today,” she said, and with a couple of tweaks the work could be finished the next day or within two days.

Members raised procedural concerns. One member warned the secretary of state's office “doesn't do election bills in years during which there is an election,” and several members suggested the House government operations committee or forward-dating could be alternatives. Senator Lyons said late filings sometimes are necessary “so that the message was there,” and another member cautioned that granting exceptions could invite many similar requests.

After discussion the committee moved to allow the substitution and to approve printing; a roll call recorded votes (Senator Lyden voted yes; Senator Beck voted no; Senator Collin voted no; Senator Baru was recorded as yes) and the motion was approved. The chair said the printing/approval could happen within two days (Thursday the 22nd as discussed), giving Watson time to submit the finalized language.

The committee’s decision permits Watson to replace the intent/adjustment section of the Senate draft with the House language and to finalize small edits before the bill is printed and formally entered into the legislative process. No formal mover or seconder for the motion was recorded in the transcript.