I.
Constitution and Statutes Committee Minutes
November 16th, 2015
John E. Sapp Conference Room 7:15 PM – 8:00 PM
Chair: Senate President Pro-Tempore Burke
Call to Order
a. Meeting called to order at 7:18PM.
II.
Roll Call – Vice-Chairman Dato
a. Quorum has been established with 4 voting members; Butler, Dato, Smith, Platts.
III.
Student Remarks
IV.
Approval of Minutes – November 2nd, 2015
a. Senator Butler: Motion to approve the minutes from the November 2nd meeting.
Second. All in favor. Moved.
V.
Approval of Agenda
a. Senator Smith: Motion to approve tonight’s agenda. Second. All in favor. Moved.
VI.
Guest Speakers
VII.
Remarks of the Chair – sgaspt@unf.edu
a. Over the break, we will be editing the Policies and Procedures. If you are
interested, please let me know.
VIII.
Unfinished Business
IX.
New Business
a. Discussion of Ideas
i. Senator Butler had an idea that he would like to discuss – Implementation
on banning smoking entirely. Is going to contact Healthy Ospreys to see
where we can move forward on this initiative. Also, implementing drug
testing for Student Government as a whole.
1. Senator Smith: Wants to look into bringing back a 24/7 hour
library.
2. Senator Platts: Wants to improve or create a new UNF app.
3. Senator Vaughn: expanding vegan options for students.
b. SB-15F-2915
i. Needs to be one change throughout the bill to incorporate Constitutional
Referendums. This bill will allow senators to be more prepared for
meetings. I plan on having this legislation interpreted via Judicial Review.
This abstract will also improve transparency through exterior information.
For point number 2, monetary requests do not require an abstract since
they submit a quote. This will also be helpful when legislation is
submitted last minute. This requirement will be located in statute rather
than policy and procedures. Senate Pro Tempore Burke and Advisor Shore
were not able to find a place for this legislation in the policy and
procedures.
1. Senator Butler: This is the example you want to see as an abstract?
–Yes
2. Senator Butler: Why is this not necessary for a monetary request?
– Attorney General Baker and I agreed that monetary request
should not be required to submit an abstract. If you believe they
should submit an abstract, you are able to strike it off the bill.
3. Senator Platts: So we will get a sheet of paper for monetary
requests? Yes. You get a breakdown of costs for these requests
including special requests and travel requests.
4. Senator Butler: Is this information given to us in the “Whereas”
section? It’s not always fully answered
5. Senator Elect Vaughn: I believe this gives senators a guide
6. Senator Cajuste: I agree with Senator Butler’s response with
strengthening the whereas section.
7. Pro Tempore Burke: It’s our responsibility to point out the ones
slacking in the whereas section. Also, there are things that aren’t
able to be put into this section and can only be put in the abstract.
The abstract can also be written in a biased way while the whereas
section is usually the whereas section has to be formal.
8. Senator Butler: I believe that’s the responsibility of the committees
to filter legislation. I don’t believe legislation is required.
9. Senator Platts: I’m a little concerned with the biased statement for
something that is strictly business
10. Senator Smith: There was just incorrect terminology.
X.
11. Pro Tempore Burke: I don’t mean biased, I mean you can explain
your bill in informal language.
12. Senator Butler: Call to order
13. Senator Ania: Motion to approve SB-15F-2915. Second. Motion
dies 2-0-3.
Announcements
a. I respect all of your decisions. It’s very valuable for you all to voice your opinons,
and to vote how you truly feel.
XI.
Final Roll Call – Vice-Chair Dato
a. Quorum has been re-established with 5 voting members.
XII.
Adjournment
a. Meeting adjourned at 8:11PM.
Minutes taken by Justin Dato, C&S Vice-Chair