The legislative logjam in Delaware

Abstract

The work load pile up at the close of the annual sessions of the Delaware General Assembly is, examined in detail. The study looks at each of the events with respect to time of a bill becoming law. All the other states were surveyed by a comprehensive questionnaire concerning their logjam problem. The study surveys the literature and other states• experiences with the deadline in depth concept. The study finds a feasible and positive solution to the problem in a series of self-imposed deadlines. ☐ The concept consists of establishing deadlines for introduction of bills, for standing committees of each house to report bills originating in their respective houses, final date for third reading and passage of bills in the house of origin, final date for standing committees to report bills originating in the other house; final date for third reading and passage of bills originating in the other house, and final date for consideration and adoption of conference committee reports. These six steps can be regularly spaced by deadlines throughout the session. ☐ The deadlines provide a built-in mechanism whereby the legislator automatically spaces his work guiding his bills toward passage throughout the session, thus freeing him In the final wind-up days to discharge adequately his committee assignments and complete his other legislative work. ☐ The advantages to the legislature appear to be a more orderly procedure, a definitely improved public image and hopefully a more responsible and responsive legislative body. ☐ The study includes several other relevant findings for the improvement of the legislative process.