Sponsor Statement for HJR 1

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the duration of a regular session

House Joint Resolution 1 proposes an amendment to Alaska's Constitution that would limit regular legislative sessions to 90 consecutive calendar days. If this resolution passes, the proposed constitutional amendment would be presented to the voters at the next general election. The voters would then decide the fate of this proposal.

Ninety days is more than enough time for the Legislature to complete its business. In an era of decreasing budgets, reducing the session by thirty days would save state funds. As an example, the amount expended for session per diem would decrease.

Prior to 1984, the Legislature had no time limit on the number of days it could remain in session. The voters approved the present 120 day limit on November 6, 1984. Since that time, it has been amply proven that the Alaska Legislature can operate within a time limit. It is now time to shorten that session limit so that the business of the people can be addressed in a reasonable manner within a reasonable time limit.

Ed.1:2/11/97