SENATE BILL REPORT
SJR 8203
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 18, 2019
Brief Description: Amending the state Constitution to modify legislative session days.
Sponsors: Senators Cleveland and Hunt.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/13/19, 2/15/19.
Brief Summary of Joint Resolution |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Jarrett Sacks (786-7448)
Background: Regular and Special Legislative Sessions. Article II, section 12 of the state Constitution provides that a regular session of the Legislature must be convened each year. During every odd-numbered year, the regular session may not be more than 105 consecutive days. During each even-numbered year, the regular session may not be for more than 60 consecutive days.
Special legislative sessions may be convened for not more than 30 consecutive days by proclamation of the Governor. Special sessions may also be convened for not more than 30 days by resolution of the Legislature with a two-thirds vote in each house.
Federal Holidays. Legal public holidays are established under federal law by Congress and include:
New Year's Day, January 1st;
birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., the third Monday in January;
Washington's Birthday, the third Monday in February;
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May;
Independence Day, July 4th;
Labor Day, the first Monday in September;
Columbus Day, the second Monday in October;
Veterans Day, November 11th;
Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November; and
Christmas Day, December 25th.
Summary of Joint Resolution: Article II, section 12 of the state Constitution is amended to exclude federal holidays from the days counted in regular and special legislative sessions.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The Joint Resolution takes effect if approved by the voters at the next general election.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Federal holidays are meant for observance and remembrance, and to honor individuals. Traditions are important, and holidays are important traditions. The Legislature does not pause with the rest of the country, but it should.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Annette Cleveland, Prime Sponsor
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.