Missouri Senate considers allowing computers

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 | 2:40 p.m. CST; updated 3:17 p.m. CST, Tuesday, January 27, 2009
BY The Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY — Like an Internet pop-up ad, a proposal to allow laptop computers in the Missouri Senate keeps coming back up for debate.

The Senate rules committee voted 4-3 Tuesday to let the full chamber decide the issue.

This will mark at least the sixth time in the past decade that Missouri senators have considered whether to change their rules barring them from using computers on the Senate floor.

Supporters say computers could allow senators to work more efficiently.

But opponents say computers could detract from tradition, lead to ethical lapses and allow lobbyists and staffers to send senators messages during debate.

Senate rules already allow computer use by reporters and research staff who help write amendments.

 

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Comments

Charles Dudley Jr January 27, 2009 | 4:01 p.m.

The computers would allow senators to do research of things to while on the job.

There are both good and bad points as mentioned.

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