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The morning after House of Origin cutoff you are either feeling sad or relieved about the fate of certain bills. Let me be the bearer of hope or instill a sense of fear; those “dead” bills aren’t dead yet. Legislative leaders are masters at wielding their degrees from Hogwarts to magically move bills that didn’t advance past cutoff, while also conjuring up new ideas. Should the pesky state constitution get in the way as session draws to a close, lawmakers can also pull the ultimate Miracle Max pill out of their pocket by using a Title Only bill to revive dead bills or adopt new ideas.
For example, since 1991, hundreds of Title Only bills have been introduced with dozens adopted (historical breakdown coming in the near future). The policies advanced via these blank bills range the gamut from tax increases, tax cuts, budgets, law enforcement policies, teacher credentials, marijuana regulation, shellfish production and public records.
So, when the cart-master comes chanting this morning “Bring out your dead,” remember that bills both good or bad will be able to respond that they’re not dead yet. Nothing truly dies until the final gavel falls on Sine Die.
You’re welcome or you’ve been warned depending on the bill.
