Senate Chamber Decorum

The following are rules governing decorum in the Senate Chamber for the 131st Legislature:

Senate Chamber Decorum (PDF)

 

1. A single gavel calls the Senate to order. Three gavels require members to stand and another single gavel then directs members to sit.
2. Senators should be appropriately attired on session days. Men are expected to wear a suit jacket and tie. Women are expected to wear a jacket when wearing slacks.
3. Food and beverages are not allowed in the Chamber at any time, unless required for medical purposes.
4. Only Senators and Senate staff are allowed in the well of the Chamber 15 minutes prior to the posted start of session.
5. Only Senate Chamber Staff is allowed to approach a Senator during session.
6. Senators will move to the rear of the Chamber to conduct conversations. All discussions should be in a tone that is not disruptive. The Presiding Officer reserves the right to ask members to take their discussions outside the Chamber.
7. Any messages for Senators must be handed to Senate Chamber Staff for delivery.
8. All public announcements and notices to be distributed in the Chamber must have a Senator’s name authorizing distribution and must be approved by the Secretary of the Senate or Assistant Secretary of the Senate.
9. Talking on cell phones is not permitted in the Chamber while the Senate is in session.
10. All electronic devices must be in silent mode while the Senate is in session.
11. Visible material of a political nature are not allowed to be worn in the Chamber.
12. Hats and other headwear are to be removed when entering the Chamber, with the exception of items that are part of a military or other official uniform.
13. Props of any kind are prohibited during session.
14. No other person may occupy a member’s seat at any time.
15. Members should not turn their chair away from the Presiding Officer and members should not walk between the Presiding Officer and a member who has the floor.
16. When you wish to address the Senate, press your “Request to Speak” button to notify the President at the rostrum. Once recognized rise and say, “Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate…”
17. Because of space limitations and to reduce the possibility of disturbance and distraction of members, designated media spaces are reserved for persons displaying valid “news media credentials” issued by the Executive Director. “Press passes” or similar credentials issued by other organizations do not automatically qualify as “news media credentials.”
18. Any person or organization desiring temporary exclusive use of the Senate Chamber must first obtain permission from the Secretary of the Senate.