HOUSE BILL REPORT

EHB 1335

BYRepresentatives Grimm and Walker

Revising the terms of elected officials and the commencement dates for legislative sessions.

House Committe on Constitution, Elections & Ethics

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendment.  (7)

      Signed by Representatives Fisher, Chair; Pruitt, Vice Chair; Amondson, Barnes, R. King, Leonard and Sanders.

House Staff:Kenneth Hirst (786-7105) and Randy Acker (786-7136)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 9, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Regular sessions of the Legislature are held annually starting on the second Monday of January.  During even-numbered years regular sessions are 60 days, while in odd-numbered years regular sessions are 105 days.

During its first session following the election of state officers, the Legislature meets to canvass the votes for elected officers as provided in the state's Constitution.  The state officers include the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney General, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Commissioner of Public Lands, and Insurance Commissioner.  Their terms of office are for four years and start on the Wednesday after the second Monday of January following the election.

Each house also meets to judge the election, returns, and qualifications of its newly elected members, as provided for in the Constitution.

SUMMARY:

dRegular sessions of the Legislature held in odd-numbered years commence on the second Monday of February.  On the second Monday of January of each odd-numbered year, the Legislature is required to meet to:  canvass the votes for elected state officers; judge the election, returns, and qualifications of its members; and administer the oath of office to state officers and members of the legislature.

The Legislature may elect its officers and adopt rules of procedure at this meeting but may not pass legislation unless it is convened in regular or special session as provided for in the state's Constitution.

The terms of the elected officers of the legislative and executive branches of state government begin on the second Monday of January following their election.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Randy Lewis, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    A recent study of the Legislature suggests that convening the Regular Session in a budget writing year should be delayed by one month.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.