Binary Solo

Want to see the Missouri Senate erupt in passionate debate?

Put forward a bill to allow laptops on the Senate floor.

Members of the General Assembly's upper chamber clashed on Monday about casting away tradition and allowing portable computers at senatorial desks. The debate featured some impassioned testimony from proponents (such as Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee's Summit) and opponents (Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin).

Bartle argued that disallowing the computers provided a disincentive for senators to be on the floor during debate. He also said the restriction went against the idea of producing a citizen's legislature:

Nodler, however, said the devices besmirch decades of tradition. He argued against allowing the computers in a back-and-forth with Sen. Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles:

Sen. Delbert Scott, R-Lowry City, put forward an amendment that would curtail the use of Blackberry phones on the Senate floor. The gizmos are for all intents and purpose miniature computers that suck away the attention of many legislators [and reporters].

Sen. Chuck Purgason, R-Caulfield, noted that former Sen. Chris Koster - a Harrisonville Democrat who is now attorney general - used his phone to outflank him in debates:

 

While the debate had some entertaining moments, opponents of a computerized Senate floor won out. Senate Majority Leader Kevin Engler - a Farmington Republican who sponsored the bill - shelved the legislation after a couple of hours of debate.

Comments

[Eapen]

Jason,
Eapen here. I submit to the Missouri Legislature the example of the NDT/CEDA college policy debate circuit, where laptop use during rounds has been prominent for several years and has become a vital competitive tool. The analogy is not perfect: public service is not a zero-sum game like a debate round, but the it would be a powerful tool if legislators were able to access the full scope of the resources available to them during sessions.

Eapen Thampy