Legislative Session
What it is
The legislative session occurs during the final 2 days of Nationals. This is when all the legislation that gets passed through the Reference Committees gets voted on. A great deal of modification of proposed legislation and discussion goes on during the process. Many issues are not all that major, but the more controversial subjects generally spawn intense debate. This is one of the primary reasons for Nationals.
Physical Layout
The legislative floor can be divided into 2 area.
Legislative Floor
This is where all the action goes on. The front of the room has the speaker's podium, a head table for the speaker and the Parliamentarian. There is also an area for the reference committee to sit while they are making their report. Floor Services typically has its primary table off to one side of the floor in front.
The main body of the floor is where all the other people eligible to be on the floor sit. It is arranged in rows of tables with microphones in the aisles for people to speak at.
At the back of the floor are 2 gates. One gate is for entry, and one is for exit. The primary purpose is to only allow eligible people on the floor. The other is to enable floor services to count the number of people on the floor to ensure quorum. These gates are closed during major votes to ensure quorum.
Viewing Gallery
aka the peanut gallery. This is where everyone else not allowed on the floor can watch, pass notes to people on the floor via floor services, and generally know what is going on. It is very useful to non-voting delegates so they know what is going on, and so you can supply your voting delegate with food and goodies during the rather long sessions.
Who is allowed on the Floor
Voice and Vote
These are people allowed to vote and speak at the microphones.
- Voting Delegates from Chapters
- National Board Members
- Alumni Voting Delegates
- Each region is allowed 1 person who must come from a recognized alumni group.
Voice but no Vote
These are people allowed on the floor and can address the floor, but they cannot cast votes.
- Section Chairs
- Petitioning Group Delegates
No Voice and No Vote
These are people allowed on the floor, but can't vote, and can't address the floor. These are primarily positions that support other aspects of the session.
- Parliamentarian
- May technically have voice, but strictly on matters of procedure.
- Floor Services