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We are professors of political science. The goal is not to post partisan opinions, but rather to share our academic research. Learn more. Each post reflects only its author's views.
Buyer beware: Most of our posts discuss ongoing, unpublished research. We may revise our conclusions as we continue our research.
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Tag Archives: vetting
How quickly were bills passed in 2013?
Something changed around 2009 or 2010 that led legislators to introduce their bills later and, as a result, process them more quickly. In 2013, the Utah Legislature passed more bills than it’s passed since I started keeping track (in 2007). … Continue reading
Posted in Everything
Tagged legislative life, legislature, measurement, sponsorship, vetting
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The closest votes in the 2013 Legislature
Most votes in the Utah Legislature pass with an overwhelming bipartisan majority. It has long been tradition that floor votes in the Utah Legislature pass with overwhelming majorities taking the same side. Democrats and Republicans alike tend to get behind … Continue reading
Posted in Everything
Tagged consensus, legislature, measurement, partisanship, roll call votes, vetting
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Context for Sen. Osmond’s proposed rules changes
Bills were introduced later and passed faster in 2012. It seems Sen. Osmond wants to reverse this trend. The news reports that Sen. Aaron Osmond wants to change the legislature’s rules to ban so-called “boxcar” bills, thereby increasing transparency in … Continue reading
Recap: What have we learned about the 2012 Utah legislature?
In case the whirlwind of posts analyzing the 2012 legislative session has been overwhelming, here’s a quick recap. I’ll be slowing down from here out. Who sponsored the most bills in 2012? Quick answer: Sen. Curt Bramble, any way you … Continue reading
Posted in Everything
Tagged absenteeism, consensus, leadership, legislature, measurement, partisanship, rankings, roll call votes, vetting
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Consensus voting is still the norm in Utah legislature
The frequency of consensus voting should provide reassurance that the legislative process works much of the time. Congress is known for its partisan wrangling and party-line votes, but the environment is completely different in the Utah legislature. Here in Utah, … Continue reading
Bills were introduced later, passed faster in 2012 session
In 2008, 44% of bills were introduced on day 1. In 2012, only 28% were introduced on day 1. Now that the 2012 session of the Utah legislature has wrapped up, what can we observe? For one thing, it appears … Continue reading