SENATE BILL REPORT
SJR 8211
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 March 1, 2011
Brief Description: Amending the Constitution to allow for adjournment after cutoff during the regular session.
Sponsors: Senators Morton, Swecker, Honeyford, Ericksen, Delvin, Becker and Stevens.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/14/11 [DPF].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)
Background: Article II, Section 12 of the Washington State Constitution provides that a regular session of the Legislature must be convened each year. Regular sessions must convene on such day and at such time as the Legislature determines by statute. During each odd-numbered year, the regular session must not be more than 105 consecutive days. During each even-numbered year, the regular session must not be more than 60 consecutive days.
Special legislative sessions may be convened for a period of not more than 30 consecutive days by proclamation of the Governor pursuant to Article III, section 7 of the Washington State Constitution. A special session may also be convened by for a period of not more than 30 consecutive days by resolution of the Legislature upon the affirmative vote in each house of two-thirds of the members elected or appointed thereto.
The state Constitution provides additional requirements for the Legislature to follow, including the requirement that each house keep a journal of its proceedings and publish the same, except such parts that require secrecy. The doors of each house must be kept open, except when the public welfare requires secrecy. Neither house may adjourn for more than three days, nor to any place other than that in which they may be sitting, without the consent of the other.
Summary of Bill: At the next general election the Secretary of State must submit to the qualified voters of the state for their approval and ratification, or rejection, an amendment to Article II, sections 11 and 12 to read as follows:
A regular session of the the Legislature shall be convened each year. During the odd numbered year, the regular session shall not be more than 115 consecutive days. During each even-numbered year, the regular session shall not be more than 70 consecutive days.
During each regular session, the Legislature shall adjourn for ten days after the last day on which the Legislature is allowed to consider bills in their house of origin as provided for by resolution.
The Secretary of State must cause notice of this constitutional amendment to be published at least four times during the four weeks preceding the next election in every legal newspaper in the state.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect upon approval by the voters at the next general election.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.
Persons Testifying: No one.