With the first reading of two bills that passed Tuesday night, student Senators allocated a combined $360,000 for new student computers and a CSI-themed museum exhibit.
Senators voted to pass a bill upgrading the Student Government computer lab using $300,000 from SG reserves.
Though it will undergo a second reading, Student Body Treasurer Maryam Laguna emphasized the importance of the bill, which would add 18 computers, eight of which are designated for quick printing and would time out after 10 minutes.
"During peak times, there's always a line around the corner, so we're just trying to give students a greater benefit for this lab," Laguna said.
The bill was passed after Sen. Jason Yoepp amended it, adding that none of the $300,000 will be spent until the proposed layout has been approved by a fire marshal.
"Regardless of how we voted, we will be watching carefully to see to it that the money spent on the computer lab is spent wisely," said Progress Party executive Nick Mildebrath in a press release.
Senators also passed a more controversial bill that allocated $60,000 to sponsor an upcoming exhibit at the Florida Museum of Natural History.
The exhibit, "CSI: Crime Scene Insects," focuses on the use of insects and insect life cycles to reveal crime scene details.
The money would allow students free admission to the exhibit, which would otherwise cost $10 to $15, Sen. Lewis Curtwright said.
However, the bill barely passed with a 32-25 vote, as many senators were concerned with the cost and the number of students who can be expected to attend.
"As of right now, I'm not sold on a bug exhibit," Sen. Josh Roberts said.
The bill will undergo a second reading next week.
Press Secretary Eric Conrad spoke on behalf of Student Body President Jordan Johnson, informing senators of a seatbelt law that will go into effect June 30.
The new law makes not wearing a seatbelt a primary offense. Any person 18 or older can be charged, and drivers are responsible for passengers younger than 18.
In a press release, Johnson said his administration is participating in a safety committee along with several Gainesville law enforcement agencies to educate students on the importance of seatbelts.
"We're trying to really target UF students, so we can make them safe and not affected by this $104 ticket," Conrad said.
In addition to improvements to the SG computer lab, Roberts said he is working on attaining inexpensive, remote printing facilities.
The cost of printing is only about 1 1/2 cents per page, he said, but UF charges 10 1/2 cents.
"This is a huge issue pressing every student," Roberts said. "I want to get it done over the summer, and my target area is the HUB."
Vice President Larnell Vickers discussed his plan to enable students to donate to the United Way using ISIS, and Inter-Residence Hall Association President Patricia Jordan spoke of a new UF-based television show focusing on life in dorms.
"I'm really looking forward to the 'Real World: Jennings,'" Senate President Audrey Goldman said, laughing.
Tuesday night also marked the approval of SG Productions Comptroller Ben Morrison and Graduate Senator Vikram Munikoti Vasanth.
