A senate bill designed to alleviate the struggle ASUW has had with its election committee and give additional responsibility to the ASUW Judicial Council failed after its second reading and debate at Tuesday night’s ASUW meeting.
If passed, the bill would have transferred ASUW elections to the ASUW Judicial Council in an effort to relieve some of the committee’s responsibilities.
“Whereas, the Elections committee of ASUW is historically comprised of Senators who often are running in the elections; and, whereas, this can make impartiality difficult; and, whereas, the Judicial Council is charged with making all official decisions on elections complaints already.”
Bill 2397 was written March 11 by ASUW President Joel Defebaugh and Senator Josh Messer and amended April 5.
“I think the bill was headed toward failing due to great discussion, but when it was found unconstitutional to have the justices weighing on debate that solidified the ‘no’ votes,” Defebaugh said.
The first readings of six other senate bills also took place at the meeting. These include the Committee Revisions Act of 2013, the ASUW five-year plan, and Support for a Good Samaritan Policy on Alcohol and Drugs at UW.
SafeRide Coordinator Zach Brown was the special guest at Tuesday’s meeting. He came to discuss improvements made since TransPark has taken over.
As of now, all drivers employed with TransPark need background tests and drug testing, something not required before. UWPD also has provided a security officer placed at the downtown office during the weekend.
The security officer does not have the ability to arrest, but can detain, according to Brown.
SafeRide is now in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, allowing any passengers with handicaps to be accommodated if need be.
While many changes have been made to SafeRide, its downtown office and the presence of the Saferide committee remain the same.
