ASI Senate members discussed a bylaw amendment at Wednesdays meeting but concerns of inaccurately representing the student population postponed the vote for weeks to come.
The Clear Majority Act would reassess the distinction of a clear majority in the ASI Senate. If the amendment is approved in weeks to come, the clear majority would be redefined as two-thirds of the sworn-in senate members.
As of now the bylaw calls for a two-thirds approval from the entire 20-member senate, or a solid 14 votes. Senate members expressed concern that the senate does not always consist of 20 members and therefore a two-thirds vote may not result in 14 votes.
Senator Amanda Thyden voiced worries about potentially lowering the already small 14 votes required to amend a bylaw.
The bylaw amendment’s second reading was approved and passed to the ASI Judiciary. This motion was put forth in order to confirm that the amendment would not contradict any amendments made to the bylaws in the past.
ASI Vice President Christopher Chavez made an attempt to push forward the textbook rental program, calling for fellow senate members to begin drafting a resolution to be voted on.
Chavez is hopeful that the resolution will be presented and voted upon at the Oct. 22nd ASI Senate meeting. If the program is passed by both the ASI Senate and the Academic Senate students could potentially save hundreds of dollars a semester by renting out textbooks through the library for 40 percent of their original cost.
The textbook rental program is continually gaining support from different colleges across the campus according to ASI Senators, one of which represents the College of Liberal Arts. If votes are cast and everything runs smoothly the program could possibly be put into effect by the spring 2009 semester.
