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135 lines added, 145 removed
... 227 unchanged lines
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 SGA Caucus, as defined in the Constitution and listed in the Bylaws.
+ 4.1.1.1.4 One Caucus Senator for each recognized Caucus, as defined in the Bylaws.
4.1.1.2 Senators participate within SGA as members of the Senate and Standing Legislative Committees.
... 1 unchanged line
4.1.1.4 Senators shall prioritize their commitments to SGA and strive to attend all SGA-related meetings.
- 4.1.1.5 Senators may be considered in bad standing if they do not fulfill the aforementioned guidelines and subsequently may be subject to an impeachment hearing under Article IX of the Constitution.
+ 4.1.1.5 Senators may be considered in bad standing if they do not fulfill the aforementioned guidelines and subsequently may be subject to an impeachment hearing under Article VIII of the Constitution.
**4.1.2 STANDING LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES**
... 3 unchanged lines
4.1.2.3 The number of members on Standing Legislative Committees shall be determined by the President of the Senate, provided the size allows the committees to function effectively.
- 4.1.2.3.1 The Committee on Finance and Committee on Student Organizations shall each have at least 14 members.
+ 4.1.2.3.1 The Committee on Finance and Committee on Student Organizations shall each have at least 10 members.
4.1.2.4 Initiatives born in committees must be documented and presented to a GBM by the author/Senators working on the initiative, and those initiatives must have proposed action items and deadlines.
... 7 unchanged lines
4.1.2.4.5 The Senate holds the right to ask about updates to an initiative each week if the Senator(s) heading the initiative fails to present an update about their action items after the proposed deadline.
+ 4.1.2.4.6 The names of all Senators involved in initiatives or legislation, as well as a brief summary of initiatives or legislation they are or were involved in should be published on the SGA website and shared in a press release at the end of each term, prior to the next elections season. The names of Senators without involvement in any initiatives or legislation will be similarly published for public awareness of Senator activities.
+
4.1.2.5 The following Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate shall be established:
4.1.2.5.1 COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
... 32 unchanged lines
> > > > > > 4.1.2.5.3.2 Evaluates and votes on all legislation of allocating funds from the Senate, that is sent to the Finance Committee by the Sunday immediately preceding the General Body Meeting by the time set by the Rules Bill.
- > > > > > > 4.1.2.5.3.3 Has the ability to approve any funding allocations from the Senate’s budget that are equal to or less than five-hundred dollars if the general body does not meet in two consecutive weeks.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.2.5.3.3 Has the ability to approve any funding allocations from the Senate’s budget that are equal to or less than five hundred dollars ($500) if the general body does not meet in two consecutive weeks, or any funding bills or requests, regardless of total amount, received by the Finance Committee between the end of the general election and the first GBM of the newly elected senate, and up to $250 in funding over the summer for promotional materials.
> > > > > > 4.1.2.5.3.4 Collaborates with the Committee on Student Organizations to guarantee the success of student organizations by aiding groups through their grant and sponsorship request process.
... 1 unchanged line
> > > > > > 4.1.2.5.3.6 Advise the Executive Treasurer on matters related to funding.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.2.5.3.7 Limited Funding Requests – non-policy funding bills below one-thousand dollars ($1000) – may bypass first reading and proceed directly to the Finance Committee for review, provided they are emailed to the Chair of Finance, Treasurer, and President of the Senate by the Sunday prior to the week of the committee meeting, and provided none of the aforementioned officers designates the measure a “policy bill” requiring standard legislative approval processes.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.1.2.5.3.8 Policy funding bills relating to the jurisdiction of another senate committee may be reviewed and voted on by that committee instead of the Finance Committee, or that committee and the finance committee, with the approval of the Treasurer, the Finance Chair, the chair of the other legislative committee, and the President of the Senate, pursuant to any procedures established in the Senate Procedural Rules, Bylaws, or SGA Constitution.
+
4.1.2.5.4 COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SUSTAINABILITY
> > > > > > 4.1.2.5.4.1 Deals with matters pertaining to the health and safety of the student body.
... 128 unchanged lines
4.1.2.8.1 CHAIRS AND VICE CHAIRS
- > > > > > > 4.1.2.8.1.1 The Internal Affairs Committee and Finance Committee shall each have two c0-chairs automatically.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.2.8.1.1 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 one chair and one vice chair.
... 1 unchanged line
> > > > > > 4.1.2.8.2.1 At the first Senate Meeting of the year, the President of the Senate shall preside over elections for the chair of each Standing Legislative Committee, where the whole Senate votes on Committee Chairs. If a chair of a Standing Legislative Committee shall resign before a vice chair or non-executive co-chair of the respective committee has been selected, the new chair shall be elected through the procedure described by 4.1.2.8.2.
- > > > > > > 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, 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.
+ > > > > > > 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, as the chair of a committee if they are the vice chair for another committee.
> > > > > > 4.1.2.8.2.3 Upon hearing the nomination, the President of the Senate shall ask each nominee if they would like to perform the service of committee chair.
... 39 unchanged lines
> > > > > > 4.1.2.8.5.3 To create the agenda for each committee meeting and publish these agendas to the Senate.
- > > > > > > 4.1.2.8.5.4 To appoint a member of the respective committee to take the minutes of each meeting.
+ > > > > > > 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.
> > > > > > 4.1.2.8.5.5 To send a copy of the committee minutes and attendance to the Secretary within 48 hours of each meeting.
... 47 unchanged lines
4.1.2.9.7 Any member of the three SGA branches is welcome to attend committee meetings, even those closed by the committee itself.
- **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.
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- > > > > > > 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.
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- 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.
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- 4.1.3.2.2 The Chair will be the Caucus Senator elected for the Caucus by the student body.
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- 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 CAUCUS SENATORS**
- > > > > > > 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.
+ 4.1.3.1. 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.
- > > > > > > 4.1.3.2.4.7 The Chair shall be responsible for reserving rooms and spaces for all meetings and events.
+ 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.
- 4.1.3.2.5 The Vice Chair shall be responsible for the following duties:
+ 4.1.3.2.1. Methods for advocating for and representing a group include but are not limited to the following:
- > > > > > > 4.1.3.2.5.1 Record detailed minutes at all meetings for the caucus and shall keep them on file.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.3.2.1.1 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.
- > > > > > > 4.1.3.2.5.2 The Vice Chair shall manage any and all internal and external organizational correspondence, as requested by the Chair.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.3.2.1.2 The Consultative Committee shall serve solely in an advisory capacity and shall not possess legislative authority.
- > > > > > > 4.1.3.2.5.3 The Vice Chair shall maintain all membership records for the caucus, including updating the roster and member attendance sheet.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.3.2.1.3 The Caucus Senator must convene at least two Consultative Committee meetings per semester to meet the accountability requirement.
- > > > > > > 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.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.3.2.1.4. 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.
- ***4.1.3.3 POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CAUCUSES***
+ 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:
- 4.1.3.3.1 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:
+ 4.1.3.2.2.1. Hosting listening sessions
- > > > > > > 4.1.3.3.1.1 Endorsing, suggesting, or otherwise encouraging legislation aimed to help the constituency they represent.
+ 4.1.3.2.2.2. Visiting relevant student organizations
- > > > > > > 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.
+ 4.1.3.2.2.3. Community forums
- > > > > > > 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.
+ 4.1.3.2.2.4. Events related to the represented group.
- > > > > > > 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.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.3.2.2.5 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.
- 4.1.3.3.2 There are two routes for initiatives that require the public use of SGA’s name to be approved:
+ **4.1.3.3 DUTIES OF CAUCUS SENATORS.**
- > > > > > > 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.
+ Caucus Senators Shall:
- > > > > > > 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.
+ 4.1.3.3.1 Advocate for the represented group in Senate deliberations.
- 4.1.3.3.3 The Caucus Chair, in their capacity as a Senator, may introduce any necessary funding bills to the Senate.
+ 4.1.3.3.2. Review legislation for its impact on the represented group.
- ***4.1.3.4 CAUCUS MEMBERSHIP***
+ 4.1.3.3.3 Maintain communication with relevant student organizations.
- 4.1.3.4.1 Caucus membership shall be open to all interested students of any background or demographic, in accordance with our Constitution.
+ 4.1.3.3.4 Conduct required outreach as defined above.
- 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.
+ 4.1.3.3.5 Serve as liaison between SGA and the represented group.
- > > > > > > 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.
+ 4.1.3.3.6 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.
- > > > > > > 4.1.3.4.2.2 Feedback on questions posed in meeting minutes shall be in the form of a comment on the meeting minute document.
+ **4.1.3.4 ACCOUNTABILITY**
- 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.
+ 4.1.3.4.1. A Caucus Senator may be subject to impeachment for negligence, defined as any of the following:
- > > > > > > 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.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.3.4.1.1. Failure to conduct required outreach for a semester.
- > > > > > > 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.
+ 4.1.3.4.1.2. Failure to respond to constituent concerns.
- > > > > > > 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.
+ 4.1.3.4.2. 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.
- > > > > > > 4.1.3.4.3.4 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.
+ 4.1.3.4.3. 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 ACTIVE CAUCUSES***
+ **4.1.3.5 LIST OF 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 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 Caucus.
+ 4.1.3.5.1 Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi-American Students
- > > > > > > 4.1.3.5.2 Black Caucus.
+ 4.1.3.5.2 Black and African-Origin Students.
- > > > > > > 4.1.3.5.3 Caucus on Disability.
+ 4.1.3.5.3 Disabled Students.
- > > > > > > 4.1.3.5.4 First-Generation/Limited Income Caucus.
+ 4.1.3.5.4 First-Generation/Limited Income Students.
- > > > > > > 4.1.3.5.5 Hispanic/Latine Caucus.
+ 4.1.3.5.5 Hispanic/Latine Students.
- > > > > > > 4.1.3.5.6 Women and Gender Minorities Caucus.
+ 4.1.3.5.6 Women and Gender Minority-Identifying Students.
- > > > > > > 4.1.3.5.7 Student Athlete Caucus.
+ 4.1.3.5.8 Student Athletes.
- > > > > > > 4.1.3.5.8 List last updated: 03/31/2026.
+ > > > > > >
**4.1.4 SENATORIAL VACANCIES**
... 11 unchanged lines
4.1.4.2.2 The President of the Senate will notify the respective Senator/Class President as soon as they receive confirmation of the vacancy from the Student Body President.
- 4.1.4.2.3 Regular session vacancies will be broken up into the following categories: RSO Representatives, Caucus Chairs, Class Representatives, School Representatives, and Class Programming Councils.
+ 4.1.4.2.3 Regular session vacancies will be broken up into the following categories: RSO Representatives, Caucus Senators, Class Representatives, School Representatives, and Class Programming Councils.
4.1.4.2.4 RSO REPRESENTATIVES
... 7 unchanged lines
> > > > > > 4.1.4.2.4.5 This entire process must be completed (defined as the candidate being voted on 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.
- 4.1.4.2.5 CAUCUS CHAIRS
+ 4.1.4.2.5 CAUCUS SENATORS
- > > > > > > 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.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.4.2.5.1 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:
- > > > > > > 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.
+ 4.1.4.2.5.1.1. Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi-American Students: Inter-Asian Council (IAC)
- 4.1.4.2.5.2.1 Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Caucus: Inter-Asian Council (IAC).
+ 5.1.4.2.5.1.2. Black and African-Origin Students: African Students Association (ASA), Black Student Union (BSU).
- 4.1.4.2.5.2.2 Black Caucus: 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.
- 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.
+ 5.1.4.2.5.1.4.First-Generation, Limited-Income Students: Johns Hopkins Underrepresented in Medical Professions (JUMP), Hop-In.
- 4.1.4.2.5.2.4 First-Generation, Limited-Income Caucus: Johns Hopkins Underrepresented in Medical Professions (JUMP), Hop-In.
+ 5.1.4.2.5.1.5. Hispanic/Latinx Caucus: Latino Estudiantil (OLÉ).
- 4.1.4.2.5.2.5 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).
- 4.1.4.2.5.2.6 Women and Gender Minorities Caucus: Diverse Sexuality and Gender Alliance (DSAGA), Sexual Assault Resource Unit (SARU).
+ 5.1.4.2.5.1.7. Student Athletes: All D3 or D1 athletic groups on campus will be contacted.
- 4.1.4.2.5.2.7 List last updated: April 5, 2023\.
+ > > > > > > 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 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.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.4.2.5.3. 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.
- > > > > > > 4.1.4.2.5.4 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.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.4.2.5.4. 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.
- > > > > > > 4.1.4.2.5.5 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.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.4.2.5.5. 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.
+ > > > > > >
+
4.1.4.2.6 CLASS REPRESENTATIVES
> > > > > > 4.1.4.2.6.1 Class Senator Vacancy
... 44 unchanged lines
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 Representatives: 22 Members of the Senate.
+ > > > > > > 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. The standing quorum for each selection group is listed below:
- 4.1.4.3.1.1.2 Caucus Chairs: 10 members of the respective caucus.
+ 4.1.4.3.1.1.1 RSO and Caucus Representatives: 22 Members of the Senate.
- 4.1.4.3.1.1.3 Class Representatives: 3 Class Senators/Class Presidents of the respective Class.
+ 4.1.4.3.1.1.2 Class Representatives: 3 Class Senators/Class Presidents of the respective Class.
- 4.1.4.3.1.1.4 School Representatives:
+ 4.1.4.3.1.1.3 School Representatives:
- 4.1.4.3.1.1.4.1 WSE: 3 WSE Senators
+ 4.1.4.3.1.1.3.1 WSE: 3 WSE Senators
- 4.1.4.3.1.1.4.2 KSAS: 4 KSAS Senators
+ 4.1.4.3.1.1.3.2 KSAS: 4 KSAS Senators
- 4.1.4.3.1.1.5 The Committee on Internal Affairs is empowered to edit the numbers reported for quorum under §4.1.4.3.1.1 without a Senate vote if any of the populations of senators or caucuses change. The Chair of the Committee on Internal Affairs will include the change in their next GBM update.
+ 4.1.4.3.1.1.4 The Committee on Internal Affairs is empowered to edit the numbers reported for quorum under §4.1.4.3.1.1 without a Senate vote if any of the populations of senators or caucuses change. The Chair of the Committee on Internal Affairs will include the change in their next GBM update.
- 4.1.4.3.1.1.6 If the selecting body lacks quorum, CSE will hold a special election for all the vacant positions in the selection body.
+ 4.1.4.3.1.1.5 If the selecting body lacks quorum, CSE will hold a special election for all the vacant positions in the selection body.
- 4.1.4.3.1.1.7 In the case of there being fewer than 22 members in the entire Senate, CSE will hold a special election for all vacant Senate positions.
+ 4.1.4.3.1.1.6 In the case of there being fewer than 22 members in the entire Senate, CSE will hold a special election for all vacant Senate positions.
> > > > > > 4.1.4.3.1.2 Vacancies occur in the current Senate within two weeks of the first electoral info session for the next Senate and before the next Senate’s inauguration.
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***ARTICLE 4, SECTION 2\. LEGISLATION OF THE SENATE***
- 4.2.1 Legislation shall be written by any elected member of SGA.
+ 4.2.1 Legislation shall be introduced by any Senator except as provided in 4.2.3.1.1.1.
4.2.2 Legislation shall take one of two forms:
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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*);
+ 4.2.3.1.1 At least one (1) *introducer* who is a Senator (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;
+ > > > > > > 4.2.3.1.1.1. 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 During the first reading of legislation, the legislation is briefly explained and the Senate votes to send the legislation to the Committee.
+ 4.2.3.4.1 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 During the first reading, debate may take place but cannot extend past 10 minutes.
+ 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.
- 4.2.3.5 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.
+ 4.2.3.4.3 During the first reading of legislation, the legislation is briefly explained and the Senate votes to send the legislation to the Committee.
- 4.2.3.5.1 A plurality vote shall be necessary to recommend legislation’s adoption or rejection, or to undertake other committee actions.
+ 4.2.3.4.4 During the first reading, debate may take place but cannot extend past 10 minutes.
- 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.
+ 4.2.3.4.5 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.
- 4.2.3.5.3 A tie vote within a committee brings the legislation before the Senate with no recommendation.
+ 4.2.3.5 Once legislation is referred to a primary committee, 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 by the primary Committee.
- 4.2.3.5.4 If the committee does not vote on the bill, it can not advance beyond the 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.
- 4.2.3.6 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.
+ 4.2.3.5.2 A plurality vote shall be necessary to recommend legislation’s adoption or rejection, or to undertake other committee actions.
+ 4.2.3.5.3 A committee may also elect to advance legislation to the Senate with no recommendation, if after significant deliberation, the committee elects to do so.
+
+ 4.2.3.5.4 A tie vote within the primary committee brings the legislation before the Senate with no recommendation.
+
+ 4.2.3.5.5 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 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 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.
+ 4.2.3.7 Upon receiving the report of the Committee of the Senate deemed primary for the bill, the 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. The legislation will then have the full force and effect of law.
+ 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.
+ 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.
***ARTICLE 4, SECTION 3\. PROCEDURAL RULES OF THE Senate***
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> > > > > > 4.3.1.1.3.1 The speakers will go in an order that is pre-determined for the term by the President of the Senate and the Secretary. This order will be determined before the third meeting of each term, and will be amended as necessary to reflect new members, or removed members.
- > > > > > > 4.3.1.1.3.2 If a Senator will not be there, they should send a \~75 word update to the President of the Senate to be displayed in lieu of their speaking time. If they have nothing to report and inform the President of the Senate of this, there are no consequences. However, if they fail to report anything it will be considered an unexcused absence.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.1.3.2 If a Senator will not be there, they should send a \~75 word update to the President of the Senate to be displayed in lieu of their speaking time. If they have nothing to report and inform the President of the Senate of this, there are no consequences. The fact they have nothing to report will be announced in lieu of their speaking time or 75-word report if absent. If they fail to report anything at all, it will be considered an unexcused absence.
> > > > > > 4.3.1.1.3.3 After each Senator has spoken once, the cycle will repeat with the intent of providing updates since they last spoke.
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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.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.3.1 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.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.3.3 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.
+
4.3.1.3.4 Discussion on the Motion
> > > > > > 4.3.1.3.4.1 It is in the interest of the Senate (being a deliberative assembly) to foster productive and persuasive speech by each member so long as it is done in an efficient manner. The author of the motion shall be given the opportunity to speak first in order to present the reasoning behind the motion. Other motions may be moved anytime during discussion.
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4.3.3.1.1 Attendance at Senate General Body Meetings and Committee meetings is mandatory for all legislative Senators.
- 4.3.3.1.2 Attendance at Senate General Body Meetings, Executive Cabinet meetings, and advisor meetings is mandatory for the Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, Student Body Secretary, Student Body Treasurer, Director of Communications, and Student Body Chair of Programming.
+ 4.3.3.1.2 Attendance at Senate General Body Meetings, Executive Cabinet meetings, and advisor meetings is mandatory for the Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, Student Body Secretary, Student Body Treasurer, Director of Communications, and Student Body Chair of Programming. Attendance at Senate GBMs for the Student Body Treasurer, Director of Communications, or Chair of Programming may be marked optional on a case-by-case basis upon agreement of the Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, and the President of the Senate.
4.3.3.1.3 The Student Body Treasurer is required to attend Finance Committee meetings and the Student Body Vice President is required to attend Internal Affairs Committee meetings
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***4.3.3.2 ABSENCES***
- 4.3.3.2.1 Every member of SGA shall be permitted a total of 4 excused absences per academic semester (where the meetings that occur at the end of Spring are counted in the Fall semester of SGA), with an additional 2 excused absences for every additional committee beyond 1 committee that the member of SGA serves on.
+ 4.3.3.2.1 Committee Absences and GBM Absences shall be counted separately. Any non-GBM meetings or other obligations expected of SGA members shall fall under Committee Absences.
- > > > > > > 4.3.3.2.1.1 If a member of SGA reaches half of the maximum number of excused absences, they will be informed of their attendance status by the Student Body Secretary.
+ 4.3.3.2.2 Every member of SGA shall be permitted a total of 3 excused GBM absences per academic semester (where the meetings that occur at the end of Spring are counted in the Fall semester of SGA).
- > > > > > > 4.3.3.2.1.2 If a member of SGA exceeds the maximum number of excused absences, they will be thanked for their service and summarily dismissed from SGA.
+ 4.3.3.2.3. Every member of SGA shall be permitted an additional 3 excused committee absences for every committee that the member of SGA serves on. These are counted as a total number and are not separated on a “per committee” basis. For example, a member on two committees may miss 6 meetings of one committee and none of the other, or 3 of each, etc.
- > > > > > > 4.3.3.2.1.3 Senators who have 2 unexcused absences shall be subject to a required meeting with the Executive Board and the Advisor.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.2.3.1 If a member of SGA reaches two-thirds (2/3rds) of the maximum number of excused absences for either category, they will be informed of their attendance status by the Student Body Secretary.
- > > > > > > 4.3.3.2.1.4 Senators who have 4 unexcused absences shall be thanked for their service and summarily dismissed from SGA per the Constitution.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.2.3.2 If a member of SGA exceeds the maximum number of excused absences for either category,t hey will be subject to an impeachment hearing under Article VII of the Constitution. If acquitted during impeachment, the member is entitled to 1 additional excused absence in the category for which they met the maximum. If the individual exceeds these absences, they will be thanked for their services and dismissed from SGA.
- 4.3.3.1.2 Attendance at another SGA event beyond the required Senate and Committee meetings can be required by the President of the Senate and Student Body President.
+ 4.3.3.2.4 Unexcused absences shall be counted across categories. Meaning, the total unexcused absences in both GBM and Committee absences shall be summed to determine total unexcused absences.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.2.4.1 Senators who have 3 unexcused absences, counting both GBM and Committee absences together, shall be subject to a required meeting with the Executive Board and the Advisor.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.2.4.2 Senators who have 4 unexcused absences shall be thanked for their service and summarily dismissed from SGA per the Constitution.
+
+ 4.3.3.1.2 Attendance at another SGA event beyond the required Senate and Committee meetings can be required by the President of the Senate and Student Body President, and absences from these events will count under Committee absences. .
+
> > > > > > 4.3.3.1.2.1 This requirement can be overturned by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.
- > > > > > > 4.3.3.1.2.2 In such cases, legitimate, previously held time conflicts shall be accommodated with an excused absence.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.1.2.2 In such cases, legitimate, *previously* held time conflicts shall be accommodated without marking any absences.
- 4.3.3.1.3 Any Presiding Officer or Chair is not allowed to excuse an absence after 1 week has passed since the meeting occurred.
+ 4.3.3.1.2.2.1. These previous conflicts must be communicated to the Secretary within a week of a required activity. If the activity is in less than a week, it will still be accommodated without marking any absences provided a retroactive excuse is provided within 1 week following the event.
+
+ 4.3.3.1.2.2.2. If conflicts are not communicated in advance for activities taking place more than 1 week after announcement of required attendance, the absence is unexcused.
+
+ 4.3.3.1.2.2.3. If members have a newly acquired conflict after announcement of the event, excused or unexcused determination may be decided by the Secretary.
+
+ > > > > > >
+
+ 4.3.3.1.3 Any Presiding Officer, Chair, or the Secretary is not allowed to excuse an absence after 1 week has passed since the meeting or additional required activity occurred, unless otherwise permitted by the Bylaws.
+
+ 4.3.3.1.4. Arriving late to, or leaving early from, a meeting can be considered excused or unexcused at the discretion of the Presiding Officer. These may be counted as partial absences, or not recorded as absences at all depending on the length of or reason for missed meeting time. If the latter individual believes they were treated unfairly in allocation or reasoning, they may appeal to the President of the Senate, Student Body Secretary, or the Vice President of the Senate.
+
+ 4.3.3.1.5. Absences, late arrivals, or early departures may only be counted in multiples of 0.5.
***4.3.3.3 TAKING ATTENDANCE***
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