03/22/2001 08:05 AM House STA

HJR  5-CONST AM: 90 DAY LEGISLATIVE SESSION                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Number 2959                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
CHAIR COGHILL  indicated that the  next order of  business before                                                               
the committee  would be HOUSE  JOINT RESOLUTION NO.  5, Proposing                                                               
an amendment to the Constitution  of the State of Alaska relating                                                               
to the duration of a regular session.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Number 2972                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  KEN  LANCASTER,  Alaska State  Legislature,  came                                                               
forward to testify as sponsor of HJR  5.  He said he thinks there                                                               
are efficiencies to be gained [through it].                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
TAPE 01-27, SIDE B                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Number 0001                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  LANCASTER mentioned  that  he likes  some of  the                                                               
other  ideas such  as  a biennial  budget  and interim  committee                                                               
meetings, and said he regards  shortening the legislative session                                                               
to 90  days as  a piece  of the long-range  fiscal plan  to which                                                               
Representative James had alluded.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
CHAIR COGHILL noted that efficiency is what everyone is seeking.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Number 2943                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
CHAIR  COGHILL asked  three  committee members  to  serve on  the                                                               
subcommittee:   Representatives Stevens, Crawford, and  Fate.  He                                                               
asked if any  of them would like to refuse  the appointment or if                                                               
any other members wished to  join the committee.  Representatives                                                               
James  and Wilson  volunteered.   Representative  Fate agreed  to                                                               
chair the subcommittee.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
CHAIR COGHILL  asked the  committee to  submit a  written report.                                                               
He  asked  them  to  return  with  recommendations  to  the  full                                                               
committee on Thursday, March 29.   He also asked the committee to                                                               
meet with the bill sponsors or at least with their staff.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
CHAIR  COGHILL  declared  a  brief  at-ease at  9:58  a.m.    The                                                               
committee was called back to order after 30 seconds.