A bill placing an amendment on the Spring ballot caused contention in Student Senate on Tuesday.
Senator Zachariah Chou (Infinity, Independent) objected to a bill that would students to vote on how Summer replacement senators are chosen. Currently, senators nominate someone for their replacement seat, but with the bill, the replacement and agenda committee will choose Summer senators. The bill passed 79-2, with only Chou and Senator Omarley Spence (District A, Impact) voting against it.
During debate, Chou and Senator Jake Niergarth (Lakeside, Impact) voiced their concerns. Niergarth ended up voting in favor of the bill.
The bill’s author, Senator Meaghan Hanley (Journalism-02, Impact), said the change would ensure qualified applicants fill replacement seats.
Niergarth asked Hanley if the amendment would allow senators from a majority party to replace an independent or minority party senator. She said it could.
“I think it’s selling students short of the voice they voted for on election day,” Niergarth said.
Senate also approved two referendum questions, non-binding issues students vote on to gauge their opinions, for the Spring ballot.
Students will vote whether they approve a fee to expand nighttime safety services. They’ll also be asked if they want block seating to continue at football games.
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