Changes in state Senate rules are a necessary preliminary to any expectation of government reform next session, and the progress reported last week by Senate Republicans is encouraging. The majority party should continue to make every effort to make sure that new rules don't effectively provide a veto to individual legislators.
But Senate Democrats shouldn't be willing to let the Republican majority take all the credit for these essential parliamentary changes. Much depends on their passage. Heightened accountability, streamlined agency operations and reduced government costs should have bipartisan support.
Last session's bill to give the state grand jury authority to investigate environmental crimes is an example of how the rules have been abused. The bill had the strong support of the attorney general, had been approved by the House of Representatives and appeared to be headed for Senate passage when two senators put a hold on the bill late in the session. Consequently, the bill died. An important bill in support of regional land-use planning suffered a similar fate.
Senate custom allows a single senator to block legislation by requesting to be present for debate, and then leaving the chamber when it comes up for discussion. Proposed rule changes are expected to eliminate that option and make it easier to halt a filibuster, as well.
In comments quoted by The Associated Press, Senate Majority Leader Hugh Leatherman says that new rules will allow dissenting voices to be heard and will provide for full debate on disputed issues. That recognizes the importance of careful deliberation and the Senate's role in the legislative process.
Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell tells us that a rule change requiring legislative amendments to be germane also will be sought. That would eliminate the common practice of "bobtailing," used to gain approval of questionable legislation by tacking it onto another bill that is assured of passage. Gov. Mark Sanford has taken a dim view of bobtailing, and has used his veto in an attempt to stem the practice.
The governor has again set his sights on comprehensive government reform this session. The major components of his plan include placing more state agencies under the Cabinet, giving the state's chief executive appointment authority over constitutional officers, reducing the state's income tax, and tort reform.
All deserve full legislative debate. None should be bottled up in the Senate through an abuse of the rules. Both Republicans and Democrats should be able to agree on rule changes to prevent Senate gridlock next session.
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