SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5011

BYSenators Halsan and Zimmerman

Revising provisions relating to the legislature and terms of state officials.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 19, 1987; January 22, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5011 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Halsan, Chairman; Garrett, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, McCaslin, Talmadge, Zimmerman.

Senate Staff:Barbara Howard (786-7410); Eugene Green (786-7405)

                  January 23, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, JANUARY 22, 1987

BACKGROUND:

For many years, the State Constitution provided that regular sessions of the Legislature be held every other year (Article II, Section 12).  In 1979, the Constitution was amended to provide for annual sessions.  By law, the Legislature set the commencement date as the second Monday of January.

It has been suggested that delaying the opening of regular legislative sessions until the second Monday of February would give the Legislature and the Governor more time to develop the budget and other legislative proposals.  In the case of a new Governor assuming office, it would also provide additional time for an orderly transition.

SUMMARY:

Regular annual sessions of the Legislature are to commence on the second Monday of February, instead of January.

The terms of office of the nine statewide elected officers are to commence on the second Monday of January following their election, instead of the Wednesday following.

A special meeting of the Legislature is provided for the second Monday in January of each odd-numbered year to canvass the votes for elected state officers, to judge the election returns and qualifications of its members and to administer the required oaths of office.  The only other legislative business which may be conducted at that meeting is the election of its officers and adoption of rules of legislative procedure. 

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Two modifications were made to clarify the intent.  The January meeting in the odd-numbered year is specifically limited to one day.  Language concerning the scope of business the Legislature may conduct in that meeting is re-ordered.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Sid Snyder, Secretary of the Senate