Clarifying Legislative Roles and Processess Act (CLeRPA)

Senate of the Student Government Association of The Johns Hopkins University

{ S. Bill. 26-27.01.09-4 }

A Bill to Amend The Bylaws of the Senate

The Clarifying Legislative Roles and Processes Act (CLeRPA)

Introduced by: Vice President of the Senate and Chair of Internal Affairs Shreemann Patel Sponsored by: President of the Senate Jazzlyn Fernandez and Student Body Vice President Sumire Sumi Presented for First Reading this First day of September in the year 2026

SECTION 1. TITLE. This Act may be referred to as the Clarifying Legislative Roles and Processes Act, or CLeRPA

SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS.

SGA — The term “SGA” shall refer to the Student Government Association of The Johns Hopkins University.
JHU, Hopkins - The terms “JHU” and “Hopkins” shall refer to the Johns Hopkins University.
The Legislative Branch - As prescribed in Article IV of the JHU SGA Constitution, the Legislative Branch is composed of the Student Senate and shall meet at least once a week during the fall and spring semesters.

SECTION 3. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

Whereas Article 4, Section Three of the Constitution states “All legislative power shall be invested in the Senate.”
1. Only elected members of the LEGISLATIVE branch should be permitted to introduce and vote on legislation. The executive may be permitted to write and sponsor, but must find a legislative partner to introduce it to the Senate for voting.
2. The Programming Chair may need to introduce non-policy bills to allocate funding for SGA programming. Thus, it should be permissible for the Programming Chair to introduce legislation deemed as “non-policy” by the President of the Senate. A motion may be raised to overturn the President of the Senate’s ruling on a certain bill with a 2/3rd vote of the Senate.
Whereas:
1. Bills may not always fall cleanly under only one committee, pertaining to several committees
2. The President of the Senate “Shall refer legislation to the appropriate committee,” per the Constitution.
3. Thus:
  1. Bills may be referred to multiple committees, however, it need only be reviewed by the “primary” assignment, which is determined at the meeting of referral by the senate.
  2. Committee Referral is at the discretion of the President of the Senate, which may be overturned by 2/3rds vote of the Senate.
Whereas, Caucus Chairs are currently not permitted to be Committee Chairs and Vice chairs, and SGA has not held and does not hold genuine, proper caucuses as described in the Constitution and Bylaws:
1. The idea of official SGA caucuses as “committees” will be eliminated.
2. Caucuses may still be formed, however, they will be advisory “consultative committees” rather than official bodies of the Student Government Association, and will not bar a Caucus Senator from running for Committee Chair.
3. To replace caucuses, which don’t hold their representatives accountable due to their nonexistence, additional measures to ensure adequate representation of the designated group will be adopted.
Whereas the Committee on Student Organizations and the Committee on Finance are technically required to have 14 members, but this is a seemingly arbitrary number and may not be appropriate for the actual size of SGA and its committees:
1. The required minimum number of Senators on each committee shall be reduced to 10.
Whereas Constitutional amendments do not have a committee review phase and are only voted on once by the Senate:
1. The Internal Affairs Committee, President of the Senate, and Senate Parliamentarian reserve the right to review Constitutional amendments for conflicts of interest prior to official adoption. This review shall happen prior to Constitutional amendments being presented to the GBM so that passing the amendment can immediately take effect.
2. The introducer may choose to have the bill go through first and second reading, and it is not required to be discharged.
Whereas the Committees on Finance and Internal Affairs have co-chairs and no Vice Chair.
1. This means there is little to no succession planning, as co-chairs are unlikely to return and nobody is being “trained” to become the next committee chair.
2. Thus, we propose allowing the Committee on Internal Affairs and Committee on Finance to have Vice Chairs.

SECTION 4. AMENDMENTS TO THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS. Purposes:

Designating legislative power to the legislative branch alone
Allowing flexibility for the Chair of Programming
Allowing primary v.s. Secondary committee assignments

SENATE BYLAWS

CURRENT LANGUAGE

PROPOSED LANGUAGE

Article 4, Section 2. Legislation of the Senate 4.2.1 Legislation shall be written by any elected member of SGA. 4.2.3 Legislative Process 4.2.3.1 Legislation shall require and document the presence of: 4.2.3.1.1 At least one (1) introducer (also known as an author or composer); 4.2.3.1.2 At least two (2) co-sponsors who are elected members of SGA and are not introducers; … 4.2.3.2 Legislation shall be written according to the accessibility guidelines in Article 5 and, by precedent, be headed with the seal of the SGA. 4.2.3.3 Upon two (2) co-sponsors, the introducer of the Bill or Resolution shall submit the legislation to the President of the Senate. 4.2.3.4 The President of the Senate shall then add the legislation to the next Senate Meeting agenda under the first reading section. 4.2.3.4.1 During the first reading of legislation, the legislation is briefly explained and the Senate votes to send the legislation to the Committee. 4.2.3.4.2 During the first reading, debate may take place but cannot extend past 10 minutes. 4.2.3.5 Once legislation is referred to a Committee of the Senate, the Committee shall deliberate and vote upon a recommendation to the Senate for the legislation’s adoption or rejection. The Committee will then prepare a verbal report containing the Committee’s recommendation and a description of any amendments made in Committee. 4.2.3.5.1 A plurality vote shall be necessary to recommend legislation’s adoption or rejection, or to undertake other committee actions. 4.2.3.5.2 A committee may also elect to advance legislation to the Senate with no recommendation, if after significant deliberation, the committee elects to do so. 4.2.3.5.3 A tie vote within a committee brings the legislation before the Senate with no recommendation. 4.2.3.5.4 If the committee does not vote on the bill, it can not advance beyond the committee. 4.2.3.6 After passage by a committee, the President of the Senate will add the legislation to the next Senate Meeting agenda under the second reading section. 4.2.3.6.1 Bills cannot have committee consideration waived, unless by a Motion to Discharge Committee, in which case a 2/3 vote is needed to pass the motion. 4.2.3.7 Upon receiving the report of a Committee of the Senate, the Vice President shall introduce the legislation to the Senate and call upon its introducer to discuss its merits and field questions from the Senate, and call upon the Committee chair to present their report. 4.2.3.8 The legislation shall then be deliberated upon, pursuant to the Senate’s rules and procedures, and the Senate shall eventually vote for the legislation’s adoption or rejection. 4.2.3.8.1 If the Senate votes to adopt the legislation, the President of the Senate shall affix the Seal of the Senate to the legislation. The Student Body President, President of the Senate, Student Body Vice President, Student Body Secretary, Student Body Treasurer, and Chair of Programming will then place their signatures at the bottom of the legislation so as to confirm its adoption. The legislation will then have the full force and effect of law. 4.2.3.8.1.1 For ceremonial purposes, the introducer(s) and co-sponsors shall have the right to sign the legislation as well. 4.2.3.8.2 If the Senate votes to reject the legislation, the President of the Senate shall indicate its rejection and place their signature at the bottom so as to confirm its rejection. The President of the Senate shall not affix the Seal of the Senate to rejected legislation. 4.2.4 All legislation, pursuant to the Constitution, must be adopted by the full Senate. A Committee alone is not empowered to take any direct action other than to recommend and refer action to the Senate as a whole. 4.2.3.4.2 During the first reading, debate may take place but cannot extend past 10 minutes. 4.3.1.3. Order 4.3.1.3.3 Moving the Motion 4.3.1.3.3.1 Following the moving of a motion and a proper second (if required), the Chair shall immediately state the motion to the assembly. If the motion may be discussed, the Chair shall immediately ask, “Is there any discussion?” and the body shall discuss the motion. If the motion may not be discussed, the Chair shall immediately put the motion to a vote. 4.1.2.3.1 The Committee on Finance and Committee on Student Organizations shall each have at least 14 members.

Article 4, Section 2. Legislation of the Senate 4.2.1 Legislation shall be introduced ~~written~~ by any ~~elected member of SGA.~~ Senator except as provided in 4.2.3.1.1.1. 4.2.3 Legislative Process 4.2.3.1 Legislation shall require and document the presence of: 4.2.3.1.1 At least one (1) introducer who is a Senator (also known as an author or composer); 4.2.3.1.1.1. Funding bills for the Programming council may be introduced by the Student Body Chair of Programming, so long as the President of the Senate deems the bill strictly “non-policy” related. The President of the Senate’s decision on policy v. non-policy bills may be overturned by 2/3rds majority vote of the Senate. 4.2.3.1.2 At least two (2) co-sponsors who are members of the Legislative or Executive branch of SGA, and are not introducers; 4.2.3.2 Legislation shall be written according to the accessibility guidelines in Article 5 and, by precedent, be headed with the seal of the SGA. 4.2.3.3 Upon two (2) co-sponsors, the introducer of the Bill or Resolution shall submit the legislation to the President of the Senate. 4.2.3.4 The President of the Senate shall then add the legislation to the next Senate Meeting agenda under the first reading section. 4.2.3.4.1 Upon submission, the President of the Senate shall designate a primary committee for the legislation and may designate one or more secondary committees when the legislation reasonably falls within the jurisdiction of multiple committees. 4.2.3.4.2 The Senate may overturn the President of the Senate’s designation of the primary committee by a simple majority vote. 4.2.3.4.1 During the first reading of legislation, the legislation is briefly explained and the Senate votes to send the legislation to the Committee. 4.2.3.4.2 During the first reading, debate may take place but cannot extend past 10 minutes. 4.2.3.5 Once legislation is referred to a primary committee, ~~Committee of the Senate~~, the primary Committee shall deliberate and vote upon a recommendation to the Senate for the legislation’s adoption or rejection. The primary Committee will then prepare a verbal report containing the Committee’s recommendation and a description of any amendments made in by the primary Committee. 4.2.3.5.1 Secondary committees may review the legislation and prepare written or verbal advisory comments or recommendations to the Senate. Secondary committee review is optional and shall not affect the advancement of legislation unless taken into consideration by the primary committee or the Senate. 4.2.3.5.21 A plurality vote shall be necessary to recommend legislation’s adoption or rejection, or to undertake other committee actions. 4.2.3.5.32 A committee may also elect to advance legislation to the Senate with no recommendation, if after significant deliberation, the committee elects to do so. 4.2.3.5.43 A tie vote within a the primary committee brings the legislation before the Senate with no recommendation. 4.2.3.5.54 If the primary committee does not vote on the bill, it can not advance beyond the primary committee. 4.2.3.5.5.1. If two GBMs have passed since originally referred to committee, meaning on the third GBM following and including the GBM of referral, Senators may reintroduce the same or a similar bill to the Senate. 4.2.3.6 After passage by a the primary committee, the President of the Senate will add the legislation to the next Senate Meeting agenda under the second reading section. 4.2.3.6.1 Bills cannot have committee consideration waived, unless by a Motion to Discharge Committee, in which case a 2/3 vote is needed to pass the motion. 4.2.3.7 Upon receiving the report of a the Committee of the Senate deemed primary for the bill, the ~~Vice President~~ President of the Senate shall introduce the legislation to the Senate and call upon its introducer to discuss its merits and field questions from the Senate, and call upon the Committee chair to present their report. Any secondary committees may also be called upon to present their comments at the discretion of the President of the Senate. 4.2.3.8 The legislation shall then be deliberated upon, pursuant to the Senate’s rules and procedures, and the Senate shall eventually vote for the legislation’s adoption or rejection. 4.2.3.8.1 If the Senate votes to adopt the legislation, the President of the Senate shall affix the Seal of the Senate to the legislation. The Student Body President, President of the Senate, Student Body Vice President, Student Body Secretary, Student Body Treasurer, and Chair of Programming will then place their signatures at the bottom of the legislation so as to confirm its adoption, not necessarily as a symbol of support for the contents of the legislation. The legislation will then have the full force and effect of law. 4.2.3.8.1.1 For ceremonial purposes, the introducer(s) and co-sponsors shall have the right to sign the legislation as well. 4.2.3.8.2 If the Senate votes to reject the legislation, the President of the Senate shall indicate its rejection and place their signature at the bottom so as to confirm its rejection. The President of the Senate shall not affix the Seal of the Senate to rejected legislation. 4.2.4 All legislation, pursuant to the Constitution, must be adopted by the full Senate. A Committee alone is not empowered to take any direct action other than to recommend and refer action to the Senate as a whole, pursuant to procedures set forth in the procedural rules, Bylaws, or Constitution. 4.2.3.4.2 During the first reading, debate may take place but cannot extend past 10 minutes. 4.2.3.4.3 Members of the President’s Cabinet may participate in debate, but may be excluded at the discretion of the Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer’s decision may be overturned by a simple majority vote of the Senate. 4.3.1.3. Order 4.3.1.3.3 Moving the Motion 4.3.1.3.3.1 All motions, pursuant with Roberts Rules of Order, superseded by the Procedural Rules, Bylaws, and Constitution, may be made by Senators. 4.3.1.3.3.2. Non-Senator members of SGA may only make a motion to address the Senate pursuant to Procedural Rules, Points of Order, Questions, Points of Parliamentary Inquiry, or questions of personal privilege. 4.3.1.3.3.31 Following the moving of a motion and a proper second (if required), the Chair shall immediately state the motion to the assembly. If the motion may be discussed, the Chair shall immediately ask, “Is there any discussion?” and the body shall discuss the motion. If the motion may not be discussed, the Chair shall immediately put the motion to a vote. 4.1.2.3.1 The Committee on Finance and Committee on Student Organizations shall each have at least 10 14 members.

SECTION 5. COMMITTEE CHANGES Purposes:

Reduce the minimum number of Senators on the Committees on Finance and Student Organizations.
Add a Finance and Internal Affairs Vice Chair
Clarify language around individuals designated to take minutes at Committee Meetings.

SENATE BYLAWS

CURRENT LANGUAGE

PROPOSED LANGUAGE

4.1.2.3.1 The Committee on Finance and Committee on Student Organizations shall each have at least 14 members. 4.1.2.8.1.1 The Internal Affairs Committee and Finance Committee shall each have two c0-chairs automatically. 4.1.2.8.1.2 Every other standing and ad-hoc committee shall have one chair and one vice chair. 4.1.2.8.3 SELECTION OF THE VICE CHAIR 4.1.2.8.3.1 The Chair of the Committee, excluding the Internal Affairs and Finance committees, must nominate a Vice Chair for their committee upon their election as chair or at the following committee meeting. RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMITTEE CHAIRS 4.1.2.8.5.4 To appoint a member of the respective committee to take the minutes of each meeting.

~~4.1.2.3.1 The Committee on Finance and Committee on Student Organizations shall each have at least 10 14 members.~~ 4.1.2.8.1.1 The Internal Affairs Committee and Finance Committee shall each have two c0-chairs automatically. In addition, these committees shall have one vice chair. 4.1.2.8.1.2 Every other standing and ad-hoc committee shall have only one chair and one vice chair. 4.1.2.8.3 SELECTION OF THE VICE CHAIR 4.1.2.8.3.1 The Chair of the Committee~~, excluding the Internal Affairs and Finance committees,~~ must nominate a Vice Chair for their committee upon their election as chair or at the following committee meeting. RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMITTEE CHAIRS 4.1.2.8.5.4 To appoint a member of the respective committee to take the minutes of each meeting. This may be the same person as the Committee Vice Chair. If this is not the Committee Vice Chair, serving as the Vice Chair or Chair of another committee does not disqualify someone from being delegated this responsibility.

SECTION 6. CONSTITUTIONAL SECURITY Purpose:

Prevent poorly-worded amendments to the Constitution.

JHU SGA CONSTITUTION

CURRENT LANGUAGE

PROPOSED LANGUAGE

Article IX: Constitutional Amendments 1. This Constitution may be amended by a ¾ vote of the entire membership of the Senate.

Article IX: Constitutional Amendments 1. This Constitution may be amended by a ¾ vote of the entire membership of the Senate. 1a. Any Senator may introduce legislation to amend the Constitution of the SGA by submitting a bill to the President of the Senate as described in the bylaws. 1b. Once introduced to the Senate, the legislation shall go through first reading. If passed by ¾ vote of the Senate, it shall go through committee review as described in the bylaws. The proposed amendment shall proceed to second reading at the GBM immediately following first reading, unless tabled, even if the committee does not review the bill. 1c. Committee review may be waived only by unanimous consent to discharge by the membership of the Senate who are present. 1d. Following committee review or discharge, the bill will go through second reading and shall require a ¾ vote of the entire membership of the Senate to become law.

SECTION 7. CAUCUS REFORM Purpose:

Update minority representation caucuses in the Student Government Association to reflect current practices
Hold Caucus Senators more accountable to their constituent groups.

JHU SGA CONSTITUTION

CURRENT LANGUAGE

PROPOSED LANGUAGE

Article VII: Caucuses Caucuses shall be established by the Senate for representation of a defined body of students with unique challenges and perspectives, and which are currently represented by a cohort of student organizations. The number and type of caucuses shall be outlined in the bylaws; as such, a caucus can be proposed through a bylaws amendment. A Bylaws amendment establishing a Caucus shall include procedures for internal elections of a Chair for situations in which the Chair position is not eligible for a school-wide election, and for when vacancies in the role arise. Chairs must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Senate. Any bylaws amendment which seeks to establish a caucus shall be accompanied with a non-legislative addendum outlining the following: Purpose of the caucus. Goals of the caucus. The first Chair of the Caucus. Why there is a need for this caucus on campus. The signatures of at least 50 interested individuals. Caucus membership is open to all Homewood undergraduate students, including current SGA members. The Caucus shall be chaired by the representative elected by a school-wide election as defined by Article IV Section 1, with one chair for each caucus. If the Caucus is not yet eligible for a school-wide election as defined by Article IV Section 1, the Caucus shall be chaired by the potential first Chair defined in the non-legislative addendum of the establishing legislation. Caucuses are expected to maintain a membership of at least 10 Homewood undergraduate students in addition to members of SGA. Caucus membership shall be defined in the Bylaws.

~~Article VII: Caucuses~~ Caucuses shall be established by the Senate for representation of a defined body of students with unique challenges and perspectives, and which are currently represented by a cohort of student organizations. The number and type of caucuses shall be outlined in the bylaws; as such, a caucus can be proposed through a bylaws amendment. A Bylaws amendment establishing a Caucus shall include procedures for internal elections of a Chair for situations in which the Chair position is not eligible for a school-wide election, and for when vacancies in the role arise. Chairs must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Senate. Any bylaws amendment which seeks to establish a caucus shall be accompanied with a non-legislative addendum outlining the following: Purpose of the caucus. Goals of the caucus. The first Chair of the Caucus. Why there is a need for this caucus on campus. The signatures of at least 50 interested individuals. Caucus membership is open to all Homewood undergraduate students, including current SGA members. The Caucus shall be chaired by the representative elected by a school-wide election as defined by Article IV Section 1, with one chair for each caucus. If the Caucus is not yet eligible for a school-wide election as defined by Article IV Section 1, the Caucus shall be chaired by the potential first Chair defined in the non-legislative addendum of the establishing legislation. Caucuses are expected to maintain a membership of at least 10 Homewood undergraduate students in addition to members of SGA. Caucus membership shall be defined in the Bylaws. Article VII: Caucus Senators Caucus Senators shall be established for the purpose of representing defined bodies of students with unique challenges, perspectives, or identities, and which are currently represented by a cohort of student organizations. The number and type of Caucus Senator positions shall be outlined in the Bylaws; as such, a Caucus Senator position may be proposed through a Bylaws amendment. Any Bylaws amendment establishing a Caucus Senator position shall be accompanied by a non-legislative addendum outlining: The purpose of representing the particular group. The goals of representation. Why representation is needed on campus. The signatures of at least 40 interested individuals from the undergraduate student body. Caucus Senator positions are open to all Homewood undergraduate students, including current SGA members. Caucus Senators shall be elected by a school-wide election as defined in Article IV Section 1. Caucus Senators are expected to maintain active engagement with their Representation Group as defined in the Bylaws.

SENATE BYLAWS

CURRENT LANGUAGE

PROPOSED LANGUAGE

4.1.1 SENATORS 4.1.1.1 Per the Constitution, the following Senators shall be elected for every one year term. 4.1.1.1.1 Five Class Senators from each graduating class. 4.1.1.1.1.1 These five Class Senators shall include one Class President, who shall serve as the primary class representative for purposes of communication with students and administrators. 4.1.1.1.2 Seven Academic Senators from the Krieger School and Five Academic Senators from the Whiting sSchool. 4.1.1.1.3 Five Student Organization Senators from any category of student organizations that SGA recognizes. 4.1.1.1.4 One Caucus Senator for each recognized Caucus, as defined in the Bylaws. ~~Caucus Senator for each SGA Caucus, as defined in the Constitution and listed in the Bylaws.~~ ~~4.1.3 CAUCUSES OF THE SENATE 4.1.3.1 FORMATION OF CAUCUSES~~ 4.1.3.1.1 Formation of a caucus must be initiated by an SGA Senate member. 4.1.3.1.2 An SGA Senate member must submit a bill establishing a caucus which contains the following: 4.1.3.1.2.1 Rules for caucus (granted that they do not supersede the general guidelines of caucuses). 4.1.3.1.2.2 Purpose of the caucus. 4.1.3.1.2.3 Goals of the caucus. 4.1.3.1.2.4 Why there is a need for this caucus on campus. 4.1.3.1.2.5 List of at least 50 interested individuals. 4.1.3.1.2.6 List of at least 3 potential partner student organizations. 4.1.3.1.3 Caucuses must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Senate. 4.1.3.1.4 Following the approval of a Caucus by the Senate, it shall become active with the election of a Chair at the next student-body-wide Senate election. ~~4.1.3.2 CAUCUS LEADERSHIP~~ 4.1.3.2.1 Each caucus must have a Chair and a Vice Chair. 4.1.3.2.2 The Chair will be the Caucus Senator elected for the Caucus by the student body. 4.1.3.2.3 The Vice Chair shall be selected by the following process: 4.1.3.2.3.1 The Chair of the Caucus must nominate a Vice Chair for their caucus within the first two meetings of the Caucus. 4.1.3.2.3.2 After the Chair submits their nomination of a Vice Chair to their caucus, the caucus members must approve the selection with a two-thirds vote. 4.1.3.2.3.3 At the Senate Meeting following the Caucus’s approval of the Vice Chair, the Chair shall present their nomination of Vice Chair to the Senate which must approve the nomination by a two-thirds vote. 4.1.3.2.3.4 Following a vacancy in the caucus vice chair position, the above procedure shall be repeated. 4.1.3.2.4 The Chair of the caucus shall be responsible for the following duties: 4.1.3.2.4.1 The Chair shall serve as the chief executive officer of the caucus. 4.1.3.2.4.2 The Chair shall be the official spokesperson of the caucus. 4.1.3.2.4.3 The Chair shall preside at and lead all meetings of the caucus and shall prepare the meeting agendas and questions at the end of each meeting minutes document to facilitate asynchronous participation. 4.1.3.2.4.4 The Chair shall organize a caucus meeting at least once a month during the academic year. 4.1.3.2.4.5 The Chair shall be responsible for overseeing all administrative duties for the caucus. 4.1.3.2.4.6 The chair shall also be responsible for ensuring that there is a Caucus page on the SGA website that contains leadership information and all meeting minutes. 4.1.3.2.4.7 The Chair shall be responsible for reserving rooms and spaces for all meetings and events. 4.1.3.2.5 The Vice Chair shall be responsible for the following duties: 4.1.3.2.5.1 Record detailed minutes at all meetings for the caucus and shall keep them on file. 4.1.3.2.5.2 The Vice Chair shall manage any and all internal and external organizational correspondence, as requested by the Chair. 4.1.3.2.5.3 The Vice Chair shall maintain all membership records for the caucus, including updating the roster and member attendance sheet. 4.1.3.2.5.4 In the event that the Chair is unable to lead meetings or fulfill other administrative responsibilities, the Vice Chair shall step in momentarily as their proxy. ~~4.1.3.3 POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CAUCUSES~~ 4.1.3.3.1 Caucuses shall work to advance, represent the needs and concerns of, and promote greater equality for the community that they represent. Specifically, they shall do this by: 4.1.3.3.1.1 Endorsing, suggesting, or otherwise encouraging legislation aimed to help the constituency they represent. 4.1.3.3.1.2 Reviewing and providing feedback on whether legislation passed by SGA is as inclusive of and mindful to the needs of the constituency they represent as possible. 4.1.3.3.1.3 Acting as a safe space for the constituency they represent, and providing meaningful opportunities for the constituency they represent to convene and discuss pertinent issues. 4.1.3.3.1.4 Holding General Body Meetings with interested students and interested student groups to discuss whatever issues are deemed relevant by the caucus. 4.1.3.3.2 There are two routes for initiatives that require the public use of SGA’s name to be approved: 4.1.3.3.2.1 In order to work on events and initiatives, caucuses can present their initiative to a GBM, to ensure awareness within the Senate. Any relevant legislative committees can comment / provide feedback. A simple majority vote within the Senate can approve the event/initiative. 4.1.3.3.2.2 Alternatively, a caucus initiative can partner with a specific legislative committee. A committee's simple majority vote can approve said initiative/event. 4.1.3.3.3 The Caucus Chair, in their capacity as a Senator, may introduce any necessary funding bills to the Senate. ~~4.1.3.4 CAUCUS MEMBERSHIP~~ 4.1.3.4.1 Caucus membership shall be open to all interested students of any background or demographic, in accordance with our Constitution. 4.1.3.4.2 A member of a caucus shall be defined as any student who attends a meeting with the caucus or provides feedback on questions posed in meeting minutes. 4.1.3.4.2.1 Attending a meeting with the caucus includes caucus meetings, meetings between the caucus and administrators, or Senate meetings as a representative of the caucus. 4.1.3.4.2.2 Feedback on questions posed in meeting minutes shall be in the form of a comment on the meeting minute document. 4.1.3.4.3 In accordance with the constitution, caucuses are expected to maintain a membership of at least 10 Homewood undergraduate students in addition to members of SGA. 4.1.3.4.3.1 If a caucus fails to meet the membership requirement by the the end of fall break as scheduled by the Registrar for the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences/Whiting School of Engineering, the Caucus Representative will be required to meet with the Student Body Vice President and SGA advisor to develop a strategy for increasing student interest and engagement with the caucus. 4.1.3.4.3.2 If the caucus has still not met the membership requirement by the end of the Fall Recess (colloquially known as “Thanksgiving Break”), the respective Caucus Representative will be thanked for their services and dismissed. The search for their successor shall begin immediately after. 4.1.3.4.3.3 The section above shall not take effect if the caucus has met the ten-member threshold during the Fall semester but falls below it before the Fall Recess. 4.1.3.4.3.4 If the caucus is below the membership requirement by the end of Spring Break, the Caucus Representative shall be required to meet with the Student Body Vice President and SGA advisor to develop a strategy for increasing student interest and engagement with the caucus. ~~4.1.3.5 LIST OF ACTIVE CAUCUSES~~ 4.1.3.5 The following list contains currently active caucuses and can be updated by the Committee on Internal Affairs at any time with the condition that they must update the “List last updated” clause and that the Chair of the Committee on Internal Affairs must include the update in their next GBM update: 4.1.3.5.1 Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi-American Caucus. 4.1.3.5.2 Black Caucus. 4.1.3.5.3 Caucus on Disability. 4.1.3.5.4 First-Generation/Limited Income Caucus. 4.1.3.5.5 Hispanic/Latine Caucus. 4.1.3.5.6 Women and Gender Minorities Caucus. 4.1.3.5.7 Student Athlete Caucus. 4.1.3.5.8 List last updated: 03/31/2026. 4.1.3 CAUCUS SENATORS 4.1.3.1. Caucus Senators shall work to advance, represent, and promote the needs of the community they represent. They shall serve as the primary liaison between SGA and the represented group. 4.1.3.2. Each Caucus Senator shall be accountable to their representation group, and must be involved in advocating for and representing that group. This may be done in any way described below. The selected method of representation must be communicated to the President of the Senate and the Student Body Secretary by the second GBM following their election. 4.1.3.2.1.1 The Caucus Senator may maintain a Consultative Committee composed of at least 10 students or members of relevant student organizations associated with the represented group. 4.1.3.2.1.2 The Consultative Committee shall serve solely in an advisory capacity and shall not possess legislative authority. 4.1.3.2.1.3 The Caucus Senator must convene at least two Consultative Committee meetings per semester to meet the accountability requirement. 4.1.3.2.1.4. If by halfway through the semester, the Caucus Senator has indicated they will convene a Consultative Committee and has not yet done so, they shall receive a warning from the President of the Senate. If by December 1st of the Fall Semester or April 1st of the Spring Semester, the Caucus Senator has indicated they will convene a Consultative Committee and has not yet done so, they will be subject to an impeachment hearing. 4.1.3.2.2. The Caucus Senator may choose to participate in another form of outreach at least twice per semester. These may include: 4.1.3.2.2.1. Hosting listening sessions 4.1.3.2.2.2. Visiting relevant student organizations 4.1.3.2.2.3. Community forums 4.1.3.2.2.4. Events related to the represented group. 4.1.3.2.2.5 The Senate may approve alternate forms of outreach if appropriate for the represented group. Once ideated, the Caucus Senator will present their proposed outreach to the Senate. The Senate must confirm alternate outreach by a 2/3rds majority vote. 4.1.3.3 DUTIES OF CAUCUS SENATORS. Caucus Senators Shall: 4.1.3.3.1 Advocate for the represented group in Senate deliberations. 4.1.3.3.2. Review legislation for its impact on the represented group. 4.1.3.3.3 Maintain communication with relevant student organizations. 4.1.3.3.4 Conduct required outreach as defined above. 4.1.3.3.5 Serve as liaison between SGA and the represented group. 4.1.3.3.6 Submit an annual report summarizing outreach and issues raised by the represented group. This must be submitted to the President of the Senate and Student Body Secretary, and made available online. 4.1.3.4 ACCOUNTABILITY 4.1.3.4.1. A Caucus Senator may be subject to impeachment for negligence, defined as any of the following: 4.1.3.4.1.1. Failure to conduct required outreach for a semester. 4.1.3.4.1.2. Failure to respond to constituent concerns. 4.1.3.4.2. A petition of 30 signatures from undergraduate students, submitted to the President of the Senate, shall trigger a negligence review and impeachment proceedings. If the President of the Senate is the Caucus Senator for the group, the petition must be submitted to the Vice President of the Senate. 4.1.3.4.3. Any other Senator may bring impeachment charges against a Caucus Senator without a 30 signature petition from undergraduate students if they believe the Caucus Senator is being negligent of their represented group. 4.1.3.5 LIST OF CAUCUSES 4.1.3.5 The following list contains groups currently allocated a Caucus Senator and can be updated pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Constitution. 4.1.3.5.1 Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi-American Students 4.1.3.5.2 Black and African-Origin Students. 4.1.3.5.3 Disabled Students. 4.1.3.5.4 First-Generation/Limited Income Students. 4.1.3.5.5 Hispanic/Latine Students. 4.1.3.5.6 Women and Gender Minority-Identifying Students. 4.1.3.5.8 Student Athletes. 4.1.4.3 SPECIAL VACANCIES 4.1.4.3.1 A vacancy is designated as “Special” if it meets one of the following criteria: 4.1.4.3.1.1 Less than a quorum of the selecting body exists for that position. This is defined as half of the maximum membership plus one. ~~For caucuses, quorum will be defined as the constitutionally mandated minimum number of members for that caucus to be recognized.~~ The standing quorum for each selection group is listed below: 4.1.4.3.1.1.1 RSO and Caucus Representatives: 22 Members of the Senate. ~~4.1.4.3.1.1.2 Caucus Chairs: 10 members of the respective caucus.~~ 4.1.4.3.1.1.3 Class Representatives: 3 Class Senators/Class Presidents of the respective Class. 4.1.4.3.1.1.4 School Representatives: 4.1.4.3.1.1.4.1 WSE: 3 WSE Senators 4.1.4.3.1.1.4.2 KSAS: 4 KSAS Senators 4.1.4.2.3 Regular session vacancies will be broken up into the following categories: RSO Representatives, Caucus Senators~~Caucus Chairs~~, Class Representatives, School Representatives, and Class Programming Councils. ~~4.1.4.2.5 CAUCUS CHAIRS~~ 4.1.4.2.5.1 Within 48 hours of notification of the vacancy from the President of the Senate, the Vice Chair of the respective Caucus will notify the entire membership of the Caucus, informing them of the vacancy with a description of the role and SGA requirements.If no Vice Chair exists, then the President of the Senate will take the steps described above. 4.1.4.2.5.2 Within 48 hours of notification of the vacancy from the President of the Senate, the Vice Chair of the Caucus will notify the president/co-presidents and treasurer/ co-treasurers of the respective umbrella advocacy organizations listed in the subsections of this section and ask them to share information about the vacancy with their organization’s membership. If no Vice Chair exists, then the President of the Senate will take the steps described above. 4.1.4.2.5.2.1 Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Caucus: Inter-Asian Council (IAC). 4.1.4.2.5.2.2 Black Caucus: African Students Association (ASA), Black Student Union (BSU). 4.1.4.2.5.2.3 Disability Caucus: Advocates for Disability Awareness (ADA), Student Disability Services (SDS). The contact for SDS will be the Senior Director of Student Disability Services at Homewood and Executive Director of Student Disability Services. 4.1.4.2.5.2.4 First-Generation, Limited-Income Caucus: Johns Hopkins Underrepresented in Medical Professions (JUMP), Hop-In. 4.1.4.2.5.2.5 Hispanic/Latinx Caucus: Latino Estudiantil (OLÉ). 4.1.4.2.5.2.6 Women and Gender Minorities Caucus: Diverse Sexuality and Gender Alliance (DSAGA), Sexual Assault Resource Unit (SARU). 4.1.4.2.5.2.7 List last updated: April 5, 2023. 4.1.4.2.5.3 The Caucus will meet and hold a vote to advance one of their members who is not currently in SGA or another student whom they believe to be qualified and is not currently in SGA to be confirmed as Chair by the entire Senate at the next GBM. 4.1.4.2.5.4 This entire process must be completed (defined as the candidate being voted on by the Senate) by the third GBM after the vacancy is announced by the President of the Senate. 4.1.4.2.5.5 The Committee on Internal Affairs is empowered to make edits to 4.1.4.2.5.2 and subsections at the behest of a Caucus without Senate approval, with the condition that they must update the “List last updated” clause and that the Chair of the Committee on Internal Affairs must include the update in their next GBM update. 4.1.4.2.5 CAUCUS SENATOR VACANCIES 4.1.4.2.5.1 Within 48 hours of notification of the vacancy from the President of the Senate, the President of the Senate will send out an email to the presidents/co-presidents and treasurers/co-treasurers or designated contacts of all campus groups assigned to the represented group with a vacant Caucus Senator position with a description of the role and SGA requirements with an application form. Notice must be given to the student body within 72 hours of notification of the vacancy from the President of the Senate. Any undergraduate student may nominate themselves. These designated groups are as follows for each represented group: 5.1.4.2.5.1.1. Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi-American Students: Inter-Asian Council (IAC) 5.1.4.2.5.1.2. Black and African-Origin Students: African Students Association (ASA), Black Student Union (BSU). 5.1.4.2.5.1.3. Disabled Students: Advocates for Disability Awareness (ADA), Student Disability Services (SDS). The contact for SDS will be the Senior Director of Student Disability Services at Homewood and Executive Director of Student Disability Services. 5.1.4.2.5.1.4.First-Generation, Limited-Income Students: Johns Hopkins Underrepresented in Medical Professions (JUMP), Hop-In. 5.1.4.2.5.1.5. Hispanic/Latinx Caucus: Latino Estudiantil (OLÉ). 5.1.4.2.5.1.6. Women and Gender Minority-Identifying Students: Diverse Sexuality and Gender Alliance (DSAGA), Sexual Assault Resource Unit (SARU). 5.1.4.2.5.1.8. Student Athletes: All D3 or D1 athletic groups on campus will be contacted. 4.1.4.2.5.2. Each campus group may solicit applications and nominate any number of interested students, including but not limited to the leadership of the campus group. Any undergraduate student may nominate themselves for a position as well. All applicants will submit a short bio and why they are interested in the role. 4.1.4.2.5.3. All Senators will have access to all of the applicants’ responses prior to the start of the voting period. No applicants will be added after the voting period begins. 4.1.4.2.4.4. The vote will be administered by the President of the Senate during the next GBM. The President of the Senate shall use instant runoff voting to pick an applicant to fill the role if there are more than 2 applicants. 4.1.4.2.4.5. This entire process must be completed (defined as the candidate being voted on and appointed by the Senate, which is separate from the selection of the applicant) by the third GBM after the vacancy is announced by the President of the Senate. 4.1.2.8.2.2 At this Senate Meeting, the President of the Senate shall accept nominations of Senate members to serve as chair of the committee. Individuals may not serve as chair of more than one (1) committee, or as the chair of a committee if they are the vice chair for another committee. ~~, or as the chair of a committee if they are the chair of a caucus.~~

SECTION 8. PROTECTION AND ENACTMENT CLAUSE

All current Caucus Chairs will maintain their positions.
1. The Black Caucus Chairs, Oluwademilade Adeniran and Oluwanifemi Ajayi, shall stay the Black Caucus Senators.
  1. Knowing, the CSE had some procedural errors and allowed for the election of two Black Caucus Chairs, effectively the passage of this bill, two Black Caucus Senators shall be permitted only for the 114th SGA: the 2026-2027 Term. For future terms, only one shall be elected and hold office.
2. The Women and Gender Minorities Caucus Chairs, Ishi Jain and Saanvi Kapu, shall remain the Women and Gender Minorities Caucus Senators.
  1. Knowing, the CSE had some procedural errors and allowed for the election of two Women and Gender Minorities Caucus Chairs, effectively the passage of this bill, two Women and Gender Minorities Caucus Senators shall be permitted only for the 114th SGA: the 2026-2027 Term. For future terms, only one shall be elected and hold office.
Any errors made in previous committee assignments, where Finance and CSO had less than 14 members shall be forgiven.
Any errors made in allowing a Caucus Chair to be a Committee Chair or Vice Chair shall be forgiven, and all Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs shall keep their position unless resigned, removed, or impeached by due process.
If passed during first reading, the Constitutional Amendments proposed in this bill shall pass through Committee Review before being reviewed in second reading, due to its combination with revisions to the Senate Bylaws. The entire bill shall require ¾ majority vote of the Senate to pass.

SECTION 9. ACTION ITEMS.

To be done by President of the Senate before 9/15/2026:
1. Receive notification of Caucus Senator’s desired accountability mechanism
To be done by Chair of Finance Peter Tarpley with Treasurer Amy Xu and Chair of Internal Affairs Shreemann Patel with Vice President Sumire Sumi before 9/22/2026:
1. Appoint and confirm Finance Vice Chair and Internal Affairs Vice Chair
To be done by Caucus Senators (formerly Caucus Chairs) by 9/15/2026:
1. Inform the President of the Senate of the desired accountability mechanism as Caucus senators.
To be done by Caucus Senators (formerly Caucus Chairs) by 10/31/2026:
1. Have a detailed plan for and lay solid foundations to fulfill the desired accountability mechanism as permitted by the Bylaws and the Senate.
To be done by Secretary Honora Muratori by 9/15/2026:
1. Update Constitution and Bylaws to reflect changes made by this bill.

The Amendment is hereby ADOPTED/LOST by a vote of X to X with X abstentions.

Upon passage, we have hereunto set our hands and caused the seal of the Senate to be affixed to this bill indicating the Senate’s assent and thus officially designated the bill’s adoption as law.

Signatures of Enactment: __________________________________ Jason Yu Student Body President of the Johns Hopkins SGA

__________________________________ Sumire Sumi Student Body Vice President of the Johns Hopkins SGA

__________________________________ Jazzlyn Fernandez President of the Senate of the Johns Hopkins SGA

__________________________________ Honora Muratori Student Body Secretary of the Johns Hopkins SGA

__________________________________ Amy Xu Student Body Treasurer of the Johns Hopkins SGA

__________________________________ Grace Guan Student Body Chair of Programming for the Johns Hopkins SGA

Signatures of Ceremony:

__________________________________ Shreemann Patel Vice President of the Senate and Chair of Internal Affairs