Sedgwick-Organized from part of Logan in 1889. South Arapahoe-Organized from part of Arapahoe in 1901. Washington-Organized from part of Weld in 1887; part taken to form Yuma in 1889. 1889. Weld-Parts taken to form Logan and Washington in 1887 and Morgan în Yuma-Organized from part of Washington in 1889. FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE NEWLY ELECTED MEMBER. In the compilation of the following, it has been the intention to present in concise and convenient form, for ready reference, a mass of information regarding legislative work and procedure, which could be obtained by one not familiar with such matter only after long and diligent study or years of experience. Even the old and trained legislator is often at a loss to readily recall many technical points in connection with his duties in the General Assembly, and it is in the hope of supplying, at least in a measure, a handy reference in such cases that the following has been written. Very serious error is liable to occur through lack of familiarity with these matters, and the new member especially finds his time so much occupied with the active work of the session that it is next to impossible for him to look up and familiarize himself with the technicalities pertaining to the work of legislation, even should he have ready access to all documents and records required, which is not by any means always the case. In such emergencies, it is hoped that this will be found especially helpful. By its careful perusal, the new member will be equipped to take an active part in the proceedings of the assembly from the time it is first called to order, and the information it contains will enable him to readily formulate plans for action and to execute them with the least possible delay. The rules of organization, the positions to be filled in both houses, the routine of measures introduced, the effect of the various motions provided for in the rules, the work of committees and the privileges of the floor are all outlined, together with much other information of a character which, it is hoped, will greatly facilitate the work of the session. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. TIME OF MEETING. The constitution of Colorado provides that the general assembly shall convene in regular session every two years, on the first Wednesday in January of each year ending with an uneven figure. The Fourteenth General Assembly will convene on January 7, 1903, at noon. The general assembly is composed of 100 members, thirty-five of whom belong to the senate and sixty-five to the house of representatives. The former are elected by districts and the latter by counties. Senators serve for a term of four years and representatives for a term of two years. The term of office of all members of the general assembly begins on the first Wednesday in December of the year of their election. At 12 o'clock noon, of the day of the meeting of the general assembly, the chief clerk or secretary of the next preceding session, or in case of his absence, some person holding a certificate issued by the secretary of state, under the authority of the state canvassing board, as a member, shall call the house to which he belongs to order, and the persons present holding certificates issued by the secretary of state as members thereof, and whose names on the list or roll furnished, as provided by law, by the secretary of state, shall elect a clerk for the time being. are The secretary of state has in readiness a communication for each house, containing a list of members holding certificates of election. After the certified lists have been read by the respective clerks, the work of organization is at once begun, the members so certified being privileged to participate in the proceedings until unseated by contest or impeachment. Each body is constituted the sole judge of its own membership. A majority of all members elected to either house constitute a quorum. ORDER OF BUSINESS. The usual hour for beginning a day's session is 10 o'clock in the morning, and if the roll call reveals the fact that a quorum is lacking, the names of the members present shall be recorded in the journal, and the sergeant at arms may be instructed to bring in the absent members. In case no quorum is obtained, an adjournment may be taken from day to day. Upon opening a session in the senate, after prayer by the chaplain, roll call and reading of the journal, the order of business is usually as follows: 1-Presentation of petitions and memorials. 2-Introduction of resolutions. 3-Introduction of bills and first reading by title. 4-Reports of standing committees. 5-Reports of special committees. 6-Consideration of resolutions. 7-Second reading of bills. 8-Third reading of bills. 9-Messages received and read. 10-Communications from state officers. 11-Messages from the governor. 12-General orders. This order of business may be modified, changed or altered at any time by a majority vote of members present and voting. The same rule applies to the order of business in the house. |