Senate Floor Decorum During Impeachment Proceedings

              Guidelines for Public Access to the Illinois State Senate Galleries During the Impeachment Trial of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich
The impeachment trial proceedings are a trial proceeding and not a regular session day.
To ensure open access by the public and preserve the integrity of the trial proceedings in which the members of the Senate serve as judges, the following guidelines will be in use:
Admittance
All persons seeking admittance to the Illinois State Senate Galleries shall sign-in at the required check-point outside of the gallery doors. All persons seeking admittance should provide valid photo identification.
After signing-in, each person shall receive a numbered pass which shall be worn by the person in plain sight. When exiting the Senate gallery, the pass shall be returned to the door-person on duty. Once a person exits the gallery, they shall only be allowed re-admittance if seating is available.
Seating
Seating in the South Gallery shall be available to the public on a first come, first serve basis.
Seating in the President’s Gallery is reserved for Senate staff, members and staff of the House of Representa­tives, Illinois Constitutional Officers, and staffs serving the Illinois Supreme Court. Proper credentials must be shown to gain admittance to the President’s Gallery.
Rules During Impeachment Trial
All persons seated in the galleries of the Senate shall abide by the following guidelines:
· No food, beverages, or gum;
· Cell phones, PDAs and related electronic devices must be turned OFF (vibrate is not acceptable);
· No cameras;
· No electronic music devices or games;
· No talking, clapping or other demonstrations; and
· All persons shall remain seated at all times.
A violation of any of the stated rules will result in the immediate removal from the Senate galleries and bar re-admittance for the remainder of that day of the Impeachment Trial.
These guidelines supplement any provisions regarding the Senate galleries that are contained in the standing rules of the Illinois Senate and any rules that may be adopted in regards to trying an impeachment.
Official Tribunal Guidelines
Impeachment Trial of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich
PUBLIC ACCESS