Bill Text: MI HCR0045 | 2011-2012 | 96th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A concurrent resolution to express support for the televising of the proceedings of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-01-17 - Referred To Committee On Judiciary [HCR0045 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2011-HCR0045-Introduced.html
Rep. Opsommer offered the following concurrent resolution:
House Concurrent Resolution No. 45.
A concurrent resolution to express support for the televising of the proceedings of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Whereas, An important component of our democratic republic is access to information. The people's ability to understand the operations of our institutions is critical to public trust. Access to information about our system of self-government includes allowing citizens to view official actions of public bodies acting on their behalf; and
Whereas, Technology has brought new dimensions to many governmental bodies at the local, state, and national levels. Televised broadcasts of city council meetings, county boards, state legislative bodies, and the Congress have given the people an opportunity to attain a level of understanding of issues and procedures that would have been previously difficult to achieve. This access has contributed to transparency in government that is important to foster; and
Whereas, Because of the difficulties and limitations of being able to personally attend, one vital activity that remains something of a mystery to large segments of the general public is the work undertaken by their courts, particularly the proceedings of the United States Supreme Court. Although some localities across the country televise some court sessions, courts offer far less access to public viewing than most other governmental bodies; and
Whereas, The weighty responsibilities carried out by the nation's highest court have an enormous impact on life and liberty in the United States. Fittingly, many people across our country have great interest in its operation. Polls indicate strong public support for televising the U.S. Supreme Court. Certain cases, including the upcoming discussions of the health care reform law, are of tremendous consequence and importance. Clearly, the public would be well served by televised access to the arguments that are made in this case, as well as so many others; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we express support for the televising of the proceedings of the U.S. Supreme Court; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the members of the Michigan congressional delegation, and the Office of the Clerk of the United States Supreme Court.
