'Christmas Tree Bill' heard in state Senate

Today is Christmas in the state Senate

House Bill 420 is nicknamed the "Christmas Tree Bill" because it is festooned with multiple amendments by members as one of the last pieces of legislation to be passed during the General Assembly's session.

The bill's original purpose is to require that certain state information, such as earmarks, be made available online. But it also serves as a vehicle to attach language changes to bills that were passed into law and can no longer be amended, as well as bills that haven't had time to be brought to votes, but that legislators feel need to be passed this year.

The amendment requests are being heard by the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by state Sen. John Carey (R-Wellston). Carey said his committee tries to limit additions to what is essential, such as adopting a bill concerning law libraries that would otherwise be disrupted if legislation waits until next year. Carey said there were 45 amendments under consideration, about a third of which are language changes.

"It does attract attention. We try to keep it down as much as we can. But there are certain things that need to be done before session ends," he said.

If the House or the governor has an amendment they talk to Carey and the ranking Democrat. If it isn't controversial they put it in, he said.

Carey said he expected the bill to come out of committee Wednesday.