The Indiana Law Blog has a good post on the subject of the video record of the proceedings of the Indiana House of Representatives. I’m glad the video is available and is online, but I wonder how useful it really is. I’m a pretty avid follower of the General Assembly, but I’ve only been tempted to watch the video once or twice but have never followed through. Part of this is my skepticism that any votes change as a result of public debate. My impression is that the decisions have been made prior to the public hearings and that the testimony and speeches are just dog and pony shows.
Doug,
With the live-recorded sessions, you can see what is happening in real time. In the case of extended debate, it gives a member of the public an opportunity to e-mail their legislator as the legislation is being discussed. The constituent may be able to bring a point to the attention of a lawmaker which he had not thought of. I suspect it is most effectively used by lobbyists though–as I understand some states have closed members’ access to e-mail while they are in session. I can only imagine that the archives are going to become fertile ground for opposition reseach purposes. Imagine the benefit of being able to use the videotape of Rep. Thompson explaining his asinine amendment to the eminent domain bill seeking to nullify local civil rights ordinances?
Actually, it would seem to me that the availability of this type video will greatly deteriorate the already poor level of actual work that occurs on the record in the legislature.
Remember how terrible the Alito hearings were, with the senators making lengthy speeches instead of asking real questions. We all know that votes on issues are secured in back rooms and private phone calls, not on the floor.
I think the prospect of some of this video turning up at campaign time will make most legislators rather timid about getting up and saying something stupid.