SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5464

             AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS,

                               FEBRUARY 26, 1991

Brief Description:  Providing for the commencement of regular sessions of the legislature on the second Monday of February.

SPONSORS:Senators Gaspard, Snyder, Wojahn, Murray, Rinehart, Vognild, Owen, Stratton, Conner, Madsen, Williams, Talmadge, Moore, Skratek, L. Kreidler, A. Smith, Bauer and McMullen.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Roach, Vice Chairman; Madsen, and Matson. 

Staff:  Rod McAulay (786‑7754)

Hearing Dates:February 26, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Article II, Section 12 of the State Constitution provides that a regular session of the Legislature shall be convened each year and that the sessions shall convene on "such day and at such time as the Legislature shall determine by statute."  The Legislature has provided that regular annual sessions shall commence on the second Monday of January.  The Legislature has also provided that the regular term of office of each senator and representative shall commence on the second Monday in January following the date of election.

SUMMARY:

Regular annual sessions of the Legislature shall commence on the second Monday of February.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Permits Legislature to begin budget process with more current revenue forecasts.  Allows more time to prepare for session.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Senator Gaspard (pro)