In light of new rules, House GOP proposes avalanche of amendments
Republicans in the Minnesota House are proposing more than 150 amendments to four noncontroversial bills that are scheduled to be on the House floor today.
The action comes after Democrats who control the Minnesota House passed a set of rules that require floor amendments to be submitted 24 hours before session. GOP House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt complained that the new rules will limit debate and that Democrats are trying to "muzzle" the minority. Daudt proposed most of the amendments to today's bills.
Democrats say the new rules will increase transparency because the public can now look at the amendments before lawmakers start debating the bills. The old rules allowed members to submit an amendment during debate.
Daudt may also be implementing a strategy used by former GOP House Minority Leader Marty Seifert from 2007-2010. Seifert worked to slow the legislative process down by offering multiple amendments to legislation. Daudt managed Seifert's unsuccessful campaign for governor in 2010.
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