SENATE BILL REPORT

SJR 8215

BYSenators von Reichbauer, Talmadge, Moore, Hayner, Saling and Metcalf

Amending the Constitution to provide for special sessions for the purpose of confirming gubernatorial appointments.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1989; January 22, 1990

Majority Report:     Do pass.

     Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Patrick, Sutherland.

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

                January 22, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, JANUARY 22, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Senate may only confirm gubernatorial appointments during regular or special sessions of the Legislature.  During the 1988 interim, the Select Senate Committee on Gubernatorial Appointments recommended a package of three proposals.  Among them was a constitutional amendment which would allow the Senate to confirm appointments in special interim sessions.

Oregon provides in its constitution and general laws for special confirmation sessions during legislative interims.  Some other states where the Legislature is in session nearly year-round, or where there are several adjournments to a later time certain -- such as Michigan -- have developed procedures to expedite the process.

SUMMARY:

Article II, Section 12 of the Constitution is amended to allow for Senate confirmation sessions of no more than one day per calendar month.  No other business may be conducted during such sessions, and convening by the President is governed by Senate rule.

Action on gubernatorial appointments is included in the definition of "official business" of select or standing committees of the Senate.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   No one