Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee |
HB 1207
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Complying with the constitutional requirement to set a starting time for regular legislative sessions.
Sponsors: Representative Overstreet.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 2/3/11
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
Article II, Section 12 of the Washington Constitution specifies that a regular session of the Legislature must be convened each year. The specific day and time must be designated by the Legislature in statute. During an odd-numbered year, the regular session shall not be more than 105 consecutive days. During an even-numbered year, the regular session shall not be more than 60 consecutive days.
The Legislature has designated the second Monday of January to be the first day of the annual regular session.
Summary of Bill:
Legislative findings are made that the Legislature has relied on custom and joint legislative rules, rather than statute, to set the start time of the first day of session as 12 noon. Since the Constitution specifically directs that the time be determined by statute, the Legislature intends to add the 12 noon start time.
A 12 noon start time is designated in statute as the start time for the first day of the annual regular session.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.