Article IV.Sec. VI-X

SECTION VI. Voting Procedures

a) Each member of the Senate shall hold only one (1) vote.  This vote may cast as yes, no, or abstain. Abstain shall mean ‘present and not voting’ and shall not count as part of the total number of votes.

b) In its final form however, this bill shall require to be legally overruled by the rules and administration chair in twenty-five (25) hours.

c) It can be forced away from the committee with a two-thirds vote of senate members sitting, directing       such to the Student Government Association President for immediate approval or veto.

d) A bill that may acquire emergency legislation status:

1. Prior to the senate meeting: If such action is approved by majority of the officers of the Senate.
2. During a Senate meeting: If such action is called for by the author of the bill and approved by two-thirds majority of the members of the Senate present and voting.

SECTION VIII.  Quorum

a) A majority of the members of the Senate shall constitute a quorum.  The number of Senate seats currently filled shall determine the number of members.

b) However where such seats is less than two-thirds of available senate seats, it shall require three-fifths of members to constitute a quorum.

c) The rule of quorum does not apply to senate in transition- rather a simple majority of such senators shall constitute a quorum.

SECTION IX.  Speaking Privileges

a) The presiding senator may grant speaking privileges to persons who wish to address the Senate.

b) Persons giving a report scheduled on the agenda shall have the power to yield the floor to anyone for the duration of their report.

c) A primary sponsor of legislation before the Senate shall have the right to speak if so desired for any such bills, petitions or resolution before the senate. He/ she shall however not exceed ten minutes, in compliance with senate floor procedures. He/she can yield the floor if his/her allotted time period is not fully exhausted.

SECTION X. Office Hours

a) Each Senator shall be required to maintain office hours in the Student Government Association Office.

b) Each senator is required to have sponsored or co-sponsored legislation before the expiration of his/ her term. An evidence of activities related to fulfilling this requirement must exist at least six weeks into the spring session of the senate.

c) Each senator shall maintain a minimum of one and a half hours a week, reported to the Senate Corresponding Secretary the first Tuesday of every month.

d) All Senators shall at the beginning of every semester establish their office hours with the select committee. If for any reason a Senator is not able to maintain office hours, then a letter of excuse must be filed with an Officer of the Senate. This letter must state the reason for unavailability and an alternate plan of action. The letter must also be certified with the appropriate individual’s signature (i.e. employer, dean, etc.).

e) Failure to maintain office hours will constitute a $2.00 fine for each half hour missed.

f) Such funds shall be deposited to the senate coffers.