1989-2000 Mason's Manual Revision Commission
The Mason's Manual Revision Commission was created in 1984. When first formed, the commission was a continuous body. The Mason’s Manual Revision Commission was responsible for the 1989 and 2000 editions of Mason’s Manual.
1989 Edition
The Revision Commission originally thought that its first revision would take a year or less, so it began going through the 1979 edition section by section. The commission soon realized that significant changes were needed. Subcommittees were created and assigned sections of the book to review. The full commission voted on the text changes recommended by each subcommittee. The commission also conducted an exhaustive search for new cases that might apply to legislative procedure and updated those that Paul Mason had cited.
Some of the major changes made to the 1979 edition of Mason’s Manual to create the 1989 edition included the following:
- Earlier editions of the manual included rules for state and local legislative bodies, administrative bodies and private associations. The Revision Commission decided that the manual should focus on state legislative procedures, so it deleted almost all provisions applicable to administrative and local legislative bodies and private associations. Some provisions were retained but adapted for state legislatures.
- The Revision Commission recognized the evolving relationship between the legislative and executive branches of state government. Provisions were added that describe legislative authority to delegate rule-making power to administrative agencies, to review agency regulations and to oversee the operations of the executive branch.
- Changes were made to recognize new constitutional and statutory provisions that allow legislatures to call themselves into special session.
- Language was added clarifying the authority of legislative committees to conduct public hearings, gather information and work on proposed legislation during the interim between sessions.
- The language about the appointment—and removal—of committee officers and members was strengthened.
- Limitations on the procedure concerning disagreements between the houses that may lead to a conference committee were imposed.
- Amendments to bills and resolutions must be submitted in writing.
- Presiding officers were given more power to decide questions of germaneness and who is entitled to the floor.
- Legislative custom takes precedence over an adopted parliamentary authority, such as Mason’s Manual.
- The sections on privilege of members from arrest were revised in accordance with judicial developments.
- The term “chief clerk” was changed to “chief legislative officer.”
- The Revision Commission attempted to make the manual “gender-neutral.”
2000 Edition
Subcommittees were created and assigned sections of the book to review. The full commission voted on the text changes recommended by each subcommittee. The commission searched for and reviewed cases that applied to legislative procedure and that had occurred after the publication of the 1989 edition. The 2000 List of Changes summarized the changes made to the 1989 edition of Mason’s Manual to create the 2000 edition.
After the 2000 edition was published, there was a serious discussion about the commission and its future. During the 2001 NCSL Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, the Revision Commission met and adopted a proposed standing order, which it submitted to the ASLCS Executive Committee. On Aug. 14, 2001, the ASLCS Executive Committee adopted an amended version of the standing order. The new standing order dissolved the Revision Commission, effective Aug. 15, 2001.
Membership
During its 18-year tenure, 29 ASLCS members served on the Revision Commission.
- Stephen Arias, chief clerk, New Mexico House (1992-2001)
- Hogan Brown, assistant secretary, South Carolina Senate (1993-2001)
- Joe Brown, secretary, Florida Senate (1984-93)
- Edward Burdick, chief clerk, Minnesota House (1984-2001)
- Grace Collins, principal clerk, North Carolina House (1984-93)
- Mark R. Corrigan, secretary, Pennsylvania Senate (1984-2001)
- Patrick Flahaven, secretary, Minnesota Senate (1983-2001)
- Gregory Gray, clerk, West Virginia House (1984-2001)
- Janet Jones, chief clerk, Kansas House (1993-2001)
- William Kandler, secretary, Michigan Senate (1984-86)
- Ramona Kenady, chief clerk, Oregon House (1992-2001)
- Betty King, secretary, Texas Senate (1984-2001)
- Mouryne Landing, chief clerk, Nevada Assembly (1984-95)
- McDowell Lee, secretary, Alabama Senate (1991-2001)
- Joseph Mayo, clerk, Maine House (1994-2001)
- Clyde W. McCullough Jr., chief clerk, Tennessee Senate (1984-2001)
- Patrick O’Donnell, clerk, Nebraska Legislature (1984-2001)
- Carole Peterson, chief clerk, Utah House (1993-95)
- John B. Phelps, clerk, Florida House (1984-2001)
- Robert Picher, clerk, Vermont House (1984-93)
- Jane Richards, chief clerk, Arizona House (1984-93)
- Susan Schaar, clerk, Virginia Senate (1994-2001)
- Donald J. Schneider, chief clerk, Wisconsin Senate (1984-2001)
- Alfred Speer, clerk, Louisiana House (1992-2001)
- Janice Thomas, secretary, Nevada Senate (1995-2001)
- Karen Wadsworth, clerk, New Hampshire House (1994-2001)
- Larry Warden, chief clerk, Oklahoma House (1993-2001)
- Denise Weeks, principal clerk, North Carolina House (1995-2001)
- Kenneth Wright, secretary, Illinois Senate (1984-86)