SENATE BILL REPORT

SJR 8204

BYSenators Rasmussen, Pullen, Conner, Bauer and Craswell

Ratifying an amendment to the United States Constitution on congressional pay raises.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 20, 1989

Majority Report:     Do pass.

     Signed by Pullen, Chairman; Hayner, Madsen, Nelson, Newhouse, Rasmussen.

Senate Staff:Dick Armstrong (786-7460)

                February 20, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, FEBRUARY 20, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Article V of the United States Constitution sets forth the procedures that can be used to amend the United States Constitution.  One of the procedures provides that Congress, by a two-thirds vote of both houses, can propose an amendment which becomes effective when ratified by three-fourths of the legislatures of the states.

On September 25, 1789, the First Congress proposed a constitutional amendment which provides that a law which varies the compensation of a member of the United States Senate or House of Representatives cannot take effect until an election of Representatives has intervened.

At the present time, 25 states have ratified the proposed constitutional amendment.  The amendment cannot become effective until approved by 38 states.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature of the state of Washington ratifies an amendment to the United States Constitution.  The constitutional amendment provides that the compensation of a member of the United States Senate or House of Representatives cannot be varied until an election of the House of Representatives has intervened.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Robert Wood, citizen (pro)