MINUTES SENATE COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATION Wednesday, February 7, 2001 4:00 p.m. E1.714 ***** Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Administration was held on Wednesday, February 7, 2001, in E1.714. ***** MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: Senator David Cain Senator Steve Ogden Senator Mike Moncrief Senator J. E. Brown Senator Judith Zaffirini ***** The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:23 p.m. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted: Linda Pittsford, Manager of the Texas Legislative Council Computer Center, introduced the members to the Automated Bill Book for Administration (ABBA). She gave a brief overview and allowed members to access the system from their laptop computers. She answered member questions about the system. Senator Zaffirini moved adoption of the minutes from the previous hearing held on January 31, 2001; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Cain opened a discussion on Senate policies. The first item for discussion was Senate floor decorum. Senator Cain introduced Carleton Turner, the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, to discuss the problems he has been experiencing during the Legislative Session. Mr. Turner expressed concern over the large number of groups on the Senate floor for recognitions and introductions. Senator Moncrief mentioned that he thought the Senate should look into greater security measures for the Senate gallery. Senator Cain asked the members to think about the issue before the next meeting. Senator Zaffirini mentioned that the committee should also consider a policy of decorum for the media on the floor. She mentioned that often times the media distract Senators during debate. The Committee then discussed the four courtesy phones in the chamber. Mr. Turner explained that the phones were originally installed for members because their desk phones only dialed their Capitol office. The desk phones now allow members to dial out, so members no longer use the courtesy phones. Senator Zaffirini moved that the courtesy phones be removed from the Senate Chamber and replaced with seating; without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Cain asked that the Committee consider a policy for issuing voice mail to Senate Offices. He noted several requests in recent weeks for additional voice mail boxes as impetus for setting a policy. The Chair suggested allowing a voice mail box for every phone line in the office. This would provide a maximum of approximately 5 per office. Members also discussed whether items should be distributed on the members' desks during Session. The Senators agreed that small trinkets or items pertaining to legislation would be allowed, but all other items should be asked to be delivered to the members' offices. The final item for review was the practice of allowing "mini" newsletters. Currently Senate policy allows for one district-wide mailout each fiscal year, and members are allowed to request permission for "mini" newsletters. There is no limit on the number of "mini" newsletters a Senator can request. Senator Cain proposed that the Committee monitor the newsletters to make sure no member is abusing the privilege and warn members that appear to be skirting the district-wide mailout policy. Senator Zaffirini added that newsletters of two colors should not be allowed. Senator Cain asked that committee staff get figures on the cost of having a two color newsletter so that the Committee could determine if a policy was necessary. There being no further business, at 4:55 p.m. Senator Zaffirini moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the Chair. Without objection, it was so ordered. ______________________ Senator David Cain, Chair ______________________ Tara Cowen Rejino, Clerk