RECORD VOTE RESOLUTION PASSES SENATE

Dallas Senator John Carona votes in favor of his resolution to require record votes for all contested legislation.

(AUSTIN) — Texans could monitor the voting records of their representatives in the Legislature under a measure passed by the Senate Thursday. House Joint Resolution 19, sponsored in the Senate by Dallas Senator John Carona, would require both Chambers to take a record vote on all bills, amendments, and resolutions, excepting those where there is no objection. Both houses would have to publish each vote online, and keep votes online for no less than 2 years. Generally, the Senate takes record votes of all contested measures, and Thursday's resolution is aimed at creating consistency in the House and Senate as relates to voting policy. The Senate passed a similar measure last session, but it didn't make it out of the House.

Also Thursday, the Senate approved a bill intended to keep dangerous "e-waste" out of landfills and dumps. Obsolete or broken electronic equipment, like computers and TV's, often find their way to standard trash disposal facilities. This equipment contains dangerous toxins, such as lead and mercury, that if not properly handled at a disposal facility can seep into the groundwater. SB 1324, by Austin Senator Kirk Watson, would require companies to provide free and accessible areas to recycle their own old products.

The Senate will reconvene Friday, May 4, at 10 a.m.

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