Here’s how to improve Legislature
Here’s an exercise in fantasy I frequently indulge in just before the Legislature convenes. It’s about the changes I would make if I could magically restructure the Legislature. And yes, I did say fantasy because most of these suggestions never could come to pass in the real world. That’s because legislators themselves would have to vote on these changes — and one of the first things I learned when I started covering the Roundhouse in 2001 is that there are few things lawmakers hate more than anything that would limit their power or change their environment.
So with that in mind, here’s what I would do if I ran the Legislature.
First, let’s start with a couple of new ones.
The Tedium Reduction Act: It’s no secret that many legislators love the sound of their own voices. It’s also no secret that what lawmakers call “debate” is nothing but tireless parroting of partisan talking points and useless clichés. And it goes on at the Roundhouse hour after hour. Here’s how I’d put a stop to that. Instead of the current three-hour limit on debate, every member would be allowed to speak on a bill for no more than three minutes. And if you don’t want to speak, you can’t give your time to anyone else. I realize that floor amendments, bill substitutes, etc., still could slow down the process, but the three-minute limit would be a start.
Everything stops at midnight: When is the last time you made a good decision in the wee hours — unless that decision was to go home? In the Legislature, especially during the last week of a session, both the Senate and House routinely go deep into night. If I was in charge, floor sessions would have to end no later than midnight. This new rule probably would help our local hospitality industry as well.
One house to rule them all: Why does there have to be two chambers in the Legislature? The current rationale for having two houses in Congress is that smaller states get a bigger voice in the Senate. But that’s not applicable on the state level. Due to the one-man, one-vote doctrine, all districts in a state House or state Senate must have roughly the same population. Nebraska is the only state with a unicameral legislature. Advocates say a unicameral legislature creates more transparency in government, eliminates legislative redundancy and saves taxpayer money. I’d create one chamber with a nice, even 50 districts. Lots of House and Senate members could end up running against each other. Such a political bloodbath — one that would be fun to watch.
Stop the memorials: I’d eliminate all unnecessary resolutions and memorials. Proposed constitutional amendments would still be allowed, and I suppose some of the studies mandated by memorials are justified. Seriously, there’s no reason legislators should be spending precious chunks of time “debating” green chile and praising dead politicians while serious issues are waiting to be heard. If legislators want to honor some high school sports team or spelling bee champ, they can send a card.
Don’t share the love: One of the biggest wastes of time in a floor session is when some former legislator or other former state official is up for confirmation to some board or commission. All too often, the confirmation turns into an hourlong love fest, with each lawmaker showering a former colleague with flowery praise. That’s nice. But there are actual bills to debate and remember, I’m shutting down the place at midnight. If I ruled the Roundhouse, the floor “debate” over confirmations would be limited to five minutes, unless actual opposition to the appointment exists.
But share the food: On many days during the session, some community chamber of commerce or other wellmeaning group will prepare lunch or dinner for lawmakers. This violates a basic principle we all should have learned in elementary school: Don’t bring anything unless there’s enough to share. So if I were in charge, nobody could bring food for the legislators unless they share it with everyone else in the Roundhouse. (And once again, here’s a shout-out to state farm and ranch organizations that do just that every year, serving free New Mexico food in the Rotunda on the last full day of the session.)