AR4: Resolution Text

2013 Assembly RESOLUTION 4

January 10, 2013 - Introduced by Representatives Vos and Suder.

AR4,1,2 To create assembly rule 23 (1m), assembly rule 26 (8), assembly rule 26 (9) and assembly rule 56 (4); relating to: the assembly rules.

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

This resolution makes the following substantive changes to the assembly rules:

Conducting Committee on Assembly Organization meetings by ballot

The resolution permits the Committee on Assembly Organization to conduct its business by ballot. If the committee elects to vote by ballot, public notice shall be given at least 24 hours before the ballot is circulated.

Behavior in gallery

The resolution provides that individuals may be admitted to the visitor galleries for the sole purpose of observing the proceedings of the assembly. Individuals admitted to the visitor galleries shall at all times remain quiet, act in an orderly manner, and respect the decorum of the chamber. The resolution provides that no individual may engage in any conduct that expresses or that may be considered to express support for or opposition to any matter before the assembly or that may come before the assembly. In addition, without limitation because of enumeration, no individual in the visitor galleries may use any audio or video device to record, photograph, film, videotape, or in any way depict the proceedings on or about the assembly floor. The amended assembly rules specifically state that this policy regarding conduct is established for the purpose of keeping the doors of the assembly open, as provided in section 10 of article IV of the Wisconsin Constitution.

The resolution provides that an individual may not engage in any behavior in the visitor galleries that the presiding officer determines does not respect the decorum of the chamber or that hinders the right of representatives to the assembly to participate in proceedings in the chamber. In addition, no individual may do any of the following in the visitor galleries: lean over or put any object over the balcony; use a laptop or other computer device; stand except for prayer or pledge of allegiance or as otherwise permitted by the presiding officer; use recording devices of any kind; use cell phones or pagers; read newspapers or other printed materials; eat any food or drink any beverages; exhibit public displays or demonstrations; display signs or placards; possess bags or briefcases; or wear hats.

Finally, the resolution provides that an individual who engages in a prohibited action may be removed from the visitor galleries and not be allowed admittance to the visitor galleries for a period of 24 hours. For a second violation during a biennial legislative session, the individual may be removed from the visitor galleries and not be allowed admittance to the visitor galleries until the first roll call day of the next regularly scheduled floorperiod. For a third violation during a biennial legislative session, the individual may be removed from visitor galleries and not be allowed admittance to the visitor galleries for the remainder of the biennial legislative session.

Dress code on assembly floor; recognition

The resolution provides that while the assembly is in session, on the assembly floor in the rectangular area bounded on four corners by the pillars in the front and back of the chamber, members and other individuals should dress appropriately, which has traditionally been considered to include a coat and tie for men and appropriate attire for women. In this area, no member or other individual may wear an overcoat or hat. The presiding officer may exempt individuals, other than members, from these requirements when appropriate. The resolution also provides that the presiding officer is not required to recognize any member who is in violation of this dress code.

AR4,2,1 Resolved by the assembly, That:

AR4,1 Section 1. Assembly rule 23 (1m) is created to read:

AR4,2,5 Assembly Rule 23 (1m) The committee on assembly organization may conduct any business by ballot. If the committee elects to vote by ballot, public notice shall be given at least 24 hours before the ballot is circulated.

AR4,2 Section 2. Assembly rule 26 (8) is created to read:

AR4,3,7 Assembly Rule 26 (8) (a) For the purpose of keeping the doors of the assembly open, as provided in section 10 of article IV of the constitution, individuals may be admitted to the visitor galleries for the sole purpose of observing the proceedings of the assembly. Individuals admitted to the visitor galleries shall at all times remain quiet, act in an orderly manner, and respect the decorum of the chamber. Individuals in the visitors galleries may not engage in any conduct that expresses or that may be considered to express support for or opposition to any matter before the assembly or that may come before the assembly and may not use any audio or video device to record, photograph, film, videotape, or in any way depict the proceedings on or about the assembly floor.

AR4,3,12 (b) An individual may not engage in any behavior in the visitor galleries that the presiding officer determines does not respect the decorum of the chamber or that hinders the right of representatives to the assembly to participate in proceedings in the chamber. In addition, without limitation because of enumeration, no individual may do any of the following in the visitor galleries:

AR4,3,13 1. Lean over or put any object over the balcony.

AR4,3,14 2. Use a laptop or other computer device.

AR4,3,16 3. Stand except for prayer or pledge of allegiance or as otherwise permitted by the presiding officer.

AR4,3,17 4. Use recording devices of any kind.

AR4,3,18 5. Use cell phones or pagers.

AR4,3,19 6. Read newspapers or other printed materials.

AR4,3,20 7. Eat any food or drink any beverages.

AR4,3,21 8. Exhibit public displays or demonstrations.

AR4,3,22 9. Display signs or placards.

AR4,3,23 10. Possess bags or briefcases.

AR4,3,24 11. Wear hats.

AR4,4,3 (c) 1. Any individual who violates par. (a) or (b) may be removed from the visitor galleries and not be allowed admittance to the visitor galleries for a period of 24 hours.

AR4,4,7 2. Any individual who violates par. (a) or (b) a 2nd time during a biennial legislative session may be removed from the visitor galleries and not be allowed admittance to the visitor galleries until the first roll call day of the next regularly scheduled floorperiod.

AR4,4,11 3. Any individual who violates par. (a) or (b) a 3rd time during a biennial legislative session may be removed from the visitor galleries and not be allowed admittance to the visitor galleries for the remainder of the biennial legislative session.

AR4,3 Section 3. Assembly rule 26 (9) is created to read:

AR4,4,19 Assembly Rule 26 (9) While the assembly is in session, on the assembly floor in the rectangular area bounded on 4 corners by the pillars in the front and back of the chamber, members and other individuals should dress appropriately, which has traditionally been considered to include a coat and tie for men and appropriate attire for women. In this area, no member or other individual may wear an overcoat or hat. The presiding officer may exempt individuals, other than members, from the requirements of this subsection when appropriate.

AR4,4 Section 4. Assembly rule 56 (4) is created to read:

AR4,4,22 Assembly Rule 56 (4) The presiding officer is not required to recognize any member who is in violation of rule 26 (9).

AR4,4,23 (End)