The State Senate will no longer vote on bills that haven't been given a public hearing. That's one of several new rules Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson (D-Beloit) says are needed to keep government open and honest. Robson says rules for the next legislative session are intended to restore public confidence by making sure the Senate is open and accessible to the public. The new rules also eliminate the use of paper ballots for voting in committees, a process many have criticized in previous sessions.
Senators unanimously approved the new rules on Tuesday. Robson says it should be a sign of cooperation that will continue through the session.