Useful Information When Attending a Senate Legislative Committee Hearing

The Senate Clerk has cautioned senate committee clerks and chairs to use descretion regarding people who attend public senate committee hearings carrying and displaying a protest sign.

Here is the text of that memo:

From: Renk, Jeff
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 9:11 AM
Subject: FW: Distribution to committee clerks
Importance: High

Committee Clerks….please read this important message from Rob Marchant regarding committee meetings….

It has come to my attention that some committee chairs may be concerned about individuals displaying signs during committee meetings. Please note that there is no Senate rule prohibiting the display of signs during committee meetings. However, as the committee’s presiding officer, the committee chair has the responsibility to maintain order and decorum during the committee meeting. It is my recommendation that chairs limit the use of this authority, though, to situations where an actual disruption or interference with committee proceedings takes place. Thus, if an individual is sitting quietly with a sign on his or her lap and is not interfering with the ability of the committee to conduct its business or with the ability of other members of the public to observe the committee, it is my recommendation that the committee simply continue with its work and allow the individual to continue observing the committee. Removing such an individual in these circumstances or ordering them to set down their sign would raise issues of freedom of speech. I understand that the area reserved for public attendance at committee meetings is not intended as a forum for speech but the safer course of action at this time would be to permit these individuals to remain with their sign, provided there is no actual disruption or interference as described above. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Rob

Senate Chief Clerk Rob Marchant