Citizens' Legislative Seminar

The Citizens' Legislative Seminar(CLS) is a citizen program, organized by the Senate Office of Education and Civic Engagement, which aims to better educate the public on the functions of the Massachusetts State Legislature. CLS was originally established in 1976 through a joint effort of the Massachusetts State Senate and the University of Massachusetts, Boston. This seminar is offered twice a year, Spring and Fall.

The curriculum includes the "History of the Legislature", "The Formal Legislative Process", "The Informal Legislative Process", "The Budget", "The Parliamentary Role of the Clerk of the Senate" and "The Future of the Legislature". The presentations are made by Senators and Senate staff.

Past presenters have included: Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Michael Rush, Senator John Keenan, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Senator Paul Feeney, Senator Jacob Oliveira and Senator Patrick O'Connor. Senate Clerk Michael Hurley presents a session on the Office of the Senate Clerk and the Massachusetts Legislative Process. Senate Counsel James DiTullio explains the Role of the Senate Counsel.

Highlights of the two-day program are a simulated legislative hearing and a simulated Senate Session held in the Senate Chamber. Participants use what they have learned to actively experience the legislative process.

Due to its popularity, participants in CLS, must be nominated to be invited by their senator. (Please note that you must be able to attend both days of the seminar in order to participate.)

If you have questions or would like to know more about the Program, contact your Senator's office or the Senate Office of Education and Civic Engagement at (617) 722-1380.

Sample Citizens' Legislative Seminar Schedule
Day One
9:30-10:15	Welcome Coffee -- Introductions and Logistics: Anne Ziaja, Executive Director Senate Office of Education & Civic Engagement
10:15-11:15	The Formal Legislative Process: Senator Michael Moore and Senate Clerk Michael Hurley
11:15-11:45	The Informal Legislative Process: Senator Jason Lewis
11:45- 1:00	Lunch & Class Photo Senate Reading Room: Senate President Karen Spilka Return to Room 428 after lunch
1:00-1:45	The Role of the Senate Counsel: James DiTullio, Counsel to the Senate
1:45-2:30	Budget and Fiscal Policy: Senator Michael Rodrigues
2:30-3:00	The Role of the Minority Party: Senator Patrick O’Connor
3:00-4:00	Simulated Joint Legislative Hearing: Senator Brendan Crighton, Chair “An Act to promote student learning and mental health.”

Day Two
9:30-10:00	Preparation for Simulated Senate Session Senate Clerk Michael Hurley
10:00-10:45	Simulated Senate Session: Senator William Brownsberger Return to Room 428 after session
11:00-12:00	The Commonwealth’s Historical Heritage & Massachusetts State Constitution The New State House: Senator Jake Oliveria The Old State House: Ed O’Connell, Civic Engagement Manager, Revolutionary Spaces
12:00-1:15	Lunch on your own! Return to Room 428
1:15-1:45	The Future of the Legislature: Senator Sal DiDomenico
1:45- 2:15	Outside Influences on the Legislature: Senator Paul Feeney
2:15-3:00	Historic State House Tour: Secretary of State’s State House Tours Division
3:15-4:00	How to Stay Informed with the Legislative Website: Paul Pak, Chief Information Officer, Massachusetts State Legislature and Michael Hurley, Senate Clerk