Attorney General Kelly Savage proposed a new bill at Tuesday’s Associated Student Body committee meeting that would allow students to distribute promotional items without penalty during campaigns.
The proposed legislation will permit candidates and campaigners to give away free items such as pencils, koozies or plastic cups as long as each item is under the value of $1 per unit. The cost of the items must also be reported in the candidates’ expense voucher.
“I’ve authored this bill to fix the code as it stands, which will allow free giveaways – which was going on anyway with the stickers, baseball schedules etc. – to avoid violations on this matter in the future,” Savage explained. “We used the last two elections as a trial period and experienced no issues.”
Savage’s proposal was met with opposition from some members of the senate who said candidates should be able to spend their budgeted money however he or she desires.
“I agree that it should be kept in control,” Parliamentarian Jake Loyer said. “That’s something we should strive for.”
Loyer and ASB Vice President-Elect John Brahan introduced an additional bill at the committee meeting to create a chaplain position for the senate.
Loyer said the word “chaplain” was originally based in religious context but is now used all over the world in reference to somebody who gives invocation.
The chaplain would not be associated with any one religion but would rather facilitate order reverence and reflection at the start of each senate meeting.
“I’m really excited to see this come to the senate floor next week,” Sen. Emma Jennings said. “I think having a chaplain would help us remember why we’re here and the importance of the things we are doing.”
Both bills will be voted on next week in formal senate.
