Latest news with #RuleofThree
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Around the West, politicians are writing more bills than ever
Who knew there were this many things that had to be fixed? The legislative sessions in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Washington are over. Depending on your political perspective, the benefits — or damages — will be felt for years to come. One thing that isn't in dispute? Lawmakers couldn't help but introduce a record number of bills in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Washington may also be added to that list, depending on what happens in the second part of its biennium. In Idaho, lawmakers introduced nearly 800 pieces of legislation — the highest mark going back at least 16 years. Less than 50% of the legislation actually made it across the finish line. Higher numbers are expected in Idaho, as lawmakers now individually introduce and approve every state department budget, rather than just one large state budget. Still, the numbers are staggering, not only for lawmakers who work at the state capitol, but also for citizens who try to follow the session and be involved in the process. Making it more challenging in Idaho is the sometimes minimal lack of notice regarding hearings for bills that have been introduced. We've recommended that lawmakers commit to a Rule of Three to allow citizens more time to be engaged. In Montana, lawmakers also hit a record of 1,761 bills introduced, with a little more than half being signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte. Montana's joint Rule 40-40 'allows members of the Montana Legislature to request an unlimited number of bill or resolution drafts before December 5. After that date, a member may request the Legislative Council to prepare no more than seven bills or resolutions. Unused requests by one member may be granted to another member. The limits do not apply to code commissioner bills or committee bills.' In Wyoming, which divides sessions among general session years and budget years, lawmakers also hit a record of 556 bills introduced. But only 31% became law. Washington state lawmakers were by far the least productive, passing only 19.5% of the more than 2,000 bills they introduced. And they're not done yet, as Washington works on a biennium and lawmakers will return next January to continue increasing the number. Passing legislation certainly isn't a contest. And this column is in no way an encouragement to increase the across-the-finish-line percentages. But it is worth pointing out that introducing legislation takes time and resources - resources that are provided by taxpayers (so perhaps a new state rock shouldn't be high on a lawmaker's list). More bill introductions also make tracking your elected official's work more difficult. Some states, including Arizona, California, New Jersey, Colorado, North Carolina, Florida, North Dakota, Indiana, Louisiana and Montana have sought to restrict how many bills a legislator can introduce each session. Do all states need a rule that limits a lawmaker's appetite for more and more legislation? Maybe. But we'd rather see a self-imposed diet. Chris Cargill is the president of Mountain States Policy Center, an independent free market think tank based in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and eastern Washington. Online at
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Western states like Idaho are drowning in legislation
Members of the Idaho Senate work from the Senate floor on the morning of March 10, 2025, at the Idaho Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) Who knew there were this many things that had to be fixed? The legislative sessions in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Washington are over. Depending on your political perspective, the benefits — or damages — will be felt for years to come. One thing that isn't in dispute? Lawmakers couldn't help but introduce a record number of bills in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Washington may also be added to that list, depending on what happens in the second part of its biennium. More pieces of legislation were prepared for Idaho's 2025 session than in the last 30 years In Idaho, lawmakers introduced nearly 800 pieces of legislation — the highest mark going back at least 16 years. Less than 50% of the legislation actually made it across the finish line. Higher numbers are expected in Idaho, as lawmakers now individually introduce and approve every state department budget, rather than just one large state budget. Still, the numbers are staggering, not only for lawmakers who work at the state capitol, but also for citizens who try to follow the session and be involved in the process. Making it more challenging in Idaho is the sometimes minimal lack of notice regarding hearings for bills that have been introduced. We've recommended that lawmakers commit to a Rule of Three to allow citizens more time to be engaged. In Montana, lawmakers also hit a record of 1,761 bills introduced, with a little more than half being signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte. Montana's joint Rule 40-40 'allows members of the Montana Legislature to request an unlimited number of bill or resolution drafts before December 5. After that date, a member may request the Legislative Council to prepare no more than seven bills or resolutions. Unused requests by one member may be granted to another member. The limits do not apply to code commissioner bills or committee bills.' In Wyoming, which divides sessions among general session years and budget years, lawmakers also hit a record of 556 bills introduced. But only 31% became law. Washington state lawmakers were by far the least productive, passing only 19.5% of the more than 2,000 bills they introduced. And they're not done yet, as Washington works on a biennium and lawmakers will return next January to continue increasing the number. Passing legislation certainly isn't a contest. And this column is in no way an encouragement to increase the across-the-finish-line percentages. But it is worth pointing out that introducing legislation takes time and resources — resources that are provided by taxpayers (so perhaps a new state rock shouldn't be high on a lawmaker's list). More bill introductions also make tracking your elected official's work more difficult. Some states, including Arizona, California, New Jersey, Colorado, North Carolina, Florida, North Dakota, Indiana, Louisiana and Montana have sought to restrict how many bills a legislator can introduce each session. Do all states need a rule that limits a lawmaker's appetite for more and more legislation? Maybe. But we'd rather see a self-imposed diet. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Hypebeast
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Art, Sound and Form Converge in ‘The Rule of Three' Exhibition at otherthings by THE SHOPHOUSE
Summary The Rule of Three, presented byotherthingsbyTHE SHOPHOUSE, explores the symbolic and structural significance of the number three in art. Featuring new works byKarena Lam,Hilarie HonandOlivier Cong, the exhibition examines how triadic principles manifest across different artistic mediums. Each artist contributes a distinct perspective, expressed through ceramics, paintings and music, yet their works intertwine in a unified dialogue, highlighting the interplay between form, material and perception. Throughout history, the number three holds deep cultural, religious as well as artistic significance. From the Holy Trinity in Christianity to the three unities in classical drama, triadic structures serve as foundational principles of balance and progression. InThe Rule of Three, this fundamental principle is reflected in the exhibition's very structure: it features three artists, exploring three distinct mediums, and engaging three modes of sensory interaction. This triadic framework serves as a foundational element, allowing for both individual artistic expression and a cohesive collective harmony within the presented works. Karena Lam's ceramic works embrace the intrinsic qualities of clay, treating it as an active participant in the creative process. Her method is conversational, allowing the material to develop organically, rather than shaping it through strict control. This aligns with the theme of balance, as her pieces reflect a dialogue between artist and medium, intention and organic form. Meanwhile, Hilarie Hon's vibrant canvases delve into the complexities of color and abstraction that directly challenge viewers to navigate the nuances of perception. Like Lam, Hon emphasizes responsiveness to her medium, engaging in an ongoing exchange with the imagery she creates. Olivier Cong's contributions introduce a vital auditory dimension to the exhibition. His compositions create 'made-up folklores' that accompany the totemic sculptures, with urban and folk-inspired melodies complementing Lam's moon jars. Meanwhile, Cong's rhythmic, emotive soundscapes mirror the contrast of noise and silence, akin to the invisible crowds juxtaposed with the solitary traveler figures in Hon's works. The Rule of Threeis currently on view by appointment until June 29, 2025 at otherthings by THE SHOPHOUSE. otherthings by THE SHOPHOUSE31 Sun Chun Street,Tai Hang Hong Kong
