The office of Senate President Pro Tempore is a customary leadership post in many state legislatures. The Senates of thirty-seven states have a position of Senate President Pro Tempore, while two others have a comparable position of Vice President. The origins of the position come from the model set forth in the organization of our United States Senate.

In Massachusetts, the duties of the job are to assist the Senate President and the Senate Majority Leader in the running of the Senate and to preside during sessions when the Senate President is temporarily absent – hence, the term “Pro Tempore,” which is Latin meaning “for the time being.” It is considered one of the top two senior leadership posts after the Senate President.

It shall be the duty of the committee on Ethics and Rules to consider all violations of rules and all question of conduct of Senators and employees of the Senate. The committee is also authorized to recommend policy procedures for the Senate and recommend rules changes for matters requiring the expeditious action by the Senate..

Official Committee web site

The committee on Bills in the Third Reading shall consider all bills and resolves prior to their final reading, and examine, correct and recommend such amendments as may be necessary concerning duplication, grammatical errors, constitutionality, etc. The committee shall also consider all amendments subsequent to third reading and all amendments from the House. The committee shall also act in relation to all resolutions and proposals, and act on any other matters referred thereto.

Official Committee web site

Often, members of the Legislature form informal caucuses which meet to pursue common legislative objectives. Caucuses are sometime also referred to as coalitions, study groups, task forces, and working Groups. Senator Moore is a member of the following caucuses:

• Central Massachusetts Legislators Caucus
• MetroWest Legislators Caucus
• Biotechnology Caucus
• Regional School Caucus
• Polish Legislative Caucus
• Mental Health Caucus 
• Library Caucus
• Boating Caucus

Commissions are established by law to study and report back to the Legislature, the Executive Branch and other groups on a specific issue. Senator Moore is a currently a member of the following commissions:

• Blackstone River and Canal Commission - Senate designee and chairman