Politics & Government

Bill Access Issues Derail Tuesday House Session

State House News Service reports rank-and-file GOP members were not allowed to see what was in bills on the rostrum during session.

A Tuesday session of the state House of Representatives ended abruptly Tuesday amidst a dispute over House rules on access to bills in-session, according to a State House News Service report published by the Lowell Sun.

The House didn't get to any bills Tuesday, including one to bring the state into compliance with a federal regulation to take 17-year-olds out of the adult correctional system, after Rep. Shaunna O'Connell of Taunton asked to see legislation for the day and was ruled "out of order" by presiding officer Rep. Paul Donato of Medford.

Speaker Robert DeLeo told members last week only party leaders or designated members could have access to what is called "the can" where bills are kept during House sessions. While GOP leaders and Democrats don't have an issue with the rule, State House News Service reported rank-and-file House Republicans have been rankled by the lack of access.


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