HJR 40 would constitutionally limit the length of the legislative session to 90 days. HJR 40 is slightly different from the approach taken in previous sessions of the legislature, as it attempts to address some of the concerns that people had with a shorter session.

Members would be sworn-in in December and session would begin on the second Monday in February. The legislative session would end in mid-May. Committees would be specifically authorized to meet during the interim and review pre-filed legislation before the legislature convenes in February. This would allow the Finance Committee to begin hearings on the Governor's budget immediately.

I believe this approach will address the concern many opponents had with the timing of the budget. The annual revenue forecasts come out in March. The approach taken in HJR 40 would not reduce the amount of time available to analyze the revenue forecast and adopt a budget.

Preliminary estimates show passage of HRJ 40 would result in a $1.5 million annual savings. I believe the legislature needs to show its leadership in reducing the cost of state government. Reducing the legislative session to 90 days one way to achieve this goal.

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