The Associated Students of Colorado State University convened Jan. 28 for the 18th session of the 55th senate.

Due to the resignation of Speaker Pro Tempore Ellie Lutz, Parliamentarian Giovanni Falbo filled Lutz’s role for the duration of the session. Sen. Hayden Taylor filled in for Falbo as Parliamentarian. Lutz’s resignation was made public Monday via ASCSU’s weekly newsletter. Per Section 205 of the ASCSU Constitution, three weeks have been allotted to fill Lutz’s role.  

Following the ratification of six new members of the Student Fee Review Board, senate debated the timeline in which an election for Speaker Pro Tempore should occur.

A proposal to add the election of Speaker Pro Tempore to the agenda was motioned, but Budgetary Affairs Committee chair Jared McGlothlin motioned to remove the election, citing that it would be beneficial to avoid rushing the appointment of the second-highest role in senate. Other senators argued that it would be irresponsible not to fill the position immediately.

After discussion and debate, a placard vote of 15-8-5 led to the removal of the election for Speaker Pro Tempore from the agenda.

McGlothlin then led financial competency training. The presentation covered topics including the role of each branch in ASCSU, a summary of the budget, a summary of accounts, the role of legislation, understanding how money is allocated and removed, spending information and guidelines, the role of legislation and planning for the future.  

During the prior senate session Jan. 21, McGlothin shared that ASCSU is running in an approximate $83,000 budget deficit. A decrease in ASCSU spending is expected, as it is unlikely that revenue will increase, McGlothlin said.

The Executive, Judicial and Legislative branches then gave their respective reports. The judicial reports briefly reviewed included two recent ASCSU Supreme Court Opinion #5501 and  Opinion #5502. The opinions will be voted on in upcoming judiciary branch meetings that take place at 6 p.m. on Fridays.

Moving into old business, Lex # 5530, “Establishing Term Limits for University-Wide Elected Positions Within ASCSU” was revisited. The Lex, which was also debated in years past, works to “establish term limits for the positions of President, Vice President and Speaker of the Senate.” 

Many senators shared that their constituents were supportive of adding term limits or assumed that ASCSU already had them. Sen. Hayden Taylor, who wrote the bill, said that he shared the legislation and received positive feedback from a variety of people both this year and last year. 

“At an institution where most people only spend four years of their life, we have very few opportunities to hold elected positions within this organization,” Taylor said. “ I think adding term limits would help to have people hold these positions and would help to get new ideas and keep this space alive and thriving like it is.”

Following discussion and debate, the bill was sent to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Affairs Committee and the Budgetary Affairs Committee for review. 

Bill #5520, “Creation of Elections Committee Position Description,” was then revisited. The bill would create job descriptions and outline the responsibilities of elections committee members.

Following discussion and debate, the bill was approved with unanimous consent.

Bill #5529, “Establishing Legislative Referenda in ASCSU Elections,” was next addressed. This bill would amend the ASCSU Constitution by adding a process for the ASCSU legislature to refer questions of voting to the student body during ASCSU elections.

In order to make edits on the senate floor, a vote of 12-0-2 dissolved senate into the committee of the whole.

Following the committee of the whole, discussion and debate began. With a voice vote, the legislation was sent to the Budgetary Affairs Committee for review.

ASCSU senate will reconvene Feb. 4.