The Brennan Center’s Lawrence Norden and Eric Lane write New York State Senate Majority Counsel Diane Burman. Reacting to a letter from the Majority Counsel’s office circulated last spring, Norden and Lane explain how the majority has misinterpreted Senate rules, resulting in the suppression of legitimate petitions to have public hearings on legislation. Public hearings on legislation are a basic part of the lawmaking process in most states but have been suppressed in New York’s dysfunctional legislature.
You can download the Brennan Center’s letter and the original letter from the Majority Counsel’s office, or view them both below.
BCJ Letter to Senate Maj Counsel on Committee ProceduresLetter From Majority Counsel on Committee Procedures