SENATE BILL REPORT

SJR 8202

BYSenator Moore

Changing the number of legislators and the length of their terms.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 2, 1987

Senate Staff:Eugene Green (786-7405); Sam Thompson (786-7754)

AS OF JANUARY 28, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Article II, Section 2 of the State Constitution provides that the House of Representatives shall have not less than sixty-three nor more than ninety-nine members.  Also, the number of Senators shall not be more than one-half nor less than one-third the number of members of the House of Representatives.  Presently, there are ninety-eight members of the House of Representatives and forty-nine Senators.

Article II, Section 5 of the State Constitution provides that members of the House of Representatives shall be elected biennially and their term of office shall be two years.

Article II, Section 6 of the State Constitution provides that Senators shall be elected for a term of four years, one-half retiring every two years.

SUMMARY:

Article II, Section 2 of the State Constitution is amended to change the composition of the House of Representatives to seventy members and the Senate to thirty-five members, beginning with the legislative session starting in January, 1991

Article II, Section 5 of the State Constitution is amended to elect members of the House of Representatives for three-year terms, one-third retiring each year, beginning with the legislative session starting in January, 1991.

Article II, Section 6 of the State Constitution is amended to elect Senators for terms of five years, one-fifth retiring every year, beginning with the legislative session starting in January, 1991.

Provision is made for the staggering of initial terms.

Article II, Section 43 of the State Constitution is amended to establish the commission on redistricting in 1989 (rather than 1991) to implement the necessary redistricting.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Effective Date:January 1, 1989 and applies to the legislative session beginning the second Monday of January in 1991.