Computers on the floor.

• Author: Gordon, Dianna
• Position: Computers in state legislatures

A sex offender law was moving through the Indiana General Assembly in 1994. A legislator proposed an amendment to allow summary firing from certain jobs of those convicted of such offenses.

"Wait a minute," thought Senator Lindel Hume, minority whip, "is that constitutional?"

The senator was able to instantly check the Indiana Constitution and found that the proposed amendment was in flagrant violation of one of its provisions. The amendment was withdrawn, saving everyone time, money and pointless debate.

What allowed the instantaneous check? Indiana's computerized legislature. The Hoosier State and others are greeting the 21st century with enthusiasm and finding that the initial cost of high technology is outweighed by the savings in time and paper. In Indiana, such a paper trail involved truckloads of bills from the printers each morning. Even if there was only one amendment, a bill had to be completely reprinted. The cost was an estimated $4 million a year.

The Michigan Senate was the first chamber to install personal computers for legislators' use on the floor. The Florida House, California Assembly and Senate, the Arkansas Senate and the Texas House have all gone to computers while many other states are planning or are in the process of installing computer systems.

Most of the systems allow lawmakers to read the full text of amendments while sitting at their desks in the chamber. Some provide access to bills, statutes, electronic mail and other information.

Michigan developed the first computer network that linked each senator to the legislative information system. Lawmakers can call up the full text of legislative amendments, look at the day's legislative calendar or a list of bill introductions and referrals, make a request to speak or ask for a legislative page. Information from votes and text for the journal of daily...