SENATE BILL REPORT

SJR 8206

BYSenators Vognild, Bluechel, Warnke, Zimmerman, Patterson, Rinehart, Williams and Conner

Lengthening legislative 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 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 5 of the State Constitution is amended to elect members of the House of Representatives for four-year terms, one-half retiring every two years.

Article II, Section 6 of the State Constitution is amended to elect Senators for terms of six years, one-third retiring every two years.

Provision is made for the staggering of initial terms beginning with the general election held in November 1988.

Fiscal Note:      none requested