Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to terms of legislators and to the length of regular sessions of the legislature.

Posted: February 4, 2000

HJR 45 provides for a shorter legislative session. It changes the Alaska legislative session from 121 days to 60 days. The regular session would convene on the first Monday in February and would adjourn not more than sixty (60) consecutive calendar days later. A one-time extension, by a two-thirds vote, would be possible.

The cumulative effect of this change would save the State money through payment of less per diem, less travel and lower costs associated with the current (121 day) session.

A companion measure HCR 18 changes the legislative Uniform Rules to allow for interim committee action on legislation and teleconferenced voting. A shorter session will encourage more people to run for office, and make more feasible opportunities to continuing working at their current careers, while serving as a citizen legislator.