Bill Text: MI HR0293 | 2015-2016 | 98th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to declare May 12, 2016, as Legislative Procedure Day in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-05-12 - Referred To Committee On Government Operations [HR0293 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2015-HR0293-Introduced.html
Rep. Irwin offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 293.
A resolution to declare May 12, 2016, as Legislative Procedure Day in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Paul Mason was born on May 12, 1898, and is remembered not just as an author, but also as a scholar, a historian, and a dedicated public servant whose legacy remains with us today in the form of one of the most influential and widely used guides to legislative procedure; and
Whereas, The Michigan House of Representatives is among the 77 of 99 state legislative bodies in the United States of America that have adopted Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure; and
Whereas, As stated by Mason himself, “A proper application of the rules of procedure will eliminate controversy, confusion, and litigation and will make public bodies more efficient in their work and more pleasant to work in;” and
Whereas, Our own legislative body and our state would benefit from the reduction in controversy and confusion to be gained by fully embracing both the letter and the spirit of Mason’s Manual; and
Whereas, It is therefore prudent for the members of this Legislature to look to Mason’s example and renew our commitment to the principles of respect and collegiality that ensure harmony, efficiency, and clarity in our deliberations; and
Whereas, We urge the members of this Legislature to honor Mr. Mason by upholding the rules of his exemplary work and remembering that our utmost duty is to serve the public with decorum and in accordance with the rules; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 12, 2016, as Legislative Procedure Day in the state of Michigan. We shall celebrate the legacy of Mr. Paul Mason by following Mason’s Manual and the Michigan Constitution with respect and dignity for the firm practice of procedural standards.
