SJR 29-DURATION OF REGULAR LEGISLATIVE SESSION Number 2131 SENATOR PARNELL stated that SJR 29 would place a constitutional amendment on the 2000 ballot limiting the Alaska legislature to annual sessions of 75 days, beginning on the fourth Monday of February. A shorter session would save the state at least $1.2 million. This legislation would help foster a citizen legislature and help legislators to focus their priorities. 32 states now have session limits shorter than 120 days and 22 states have session limits shorter than 75 days. SENATOR TORGERSON was not sure a constitutional amendment was necessary. CHAIRMAN TAYLOR responded he had proposed a 90 day limit several years ago by statute, but existing constitutional limitations would override and he felt an amendment may be necessary. Also, the Chairman felt this legislation would enhance a greater involvement from citizen legislators. SENATOR TORGERSON felt the legislation was workable, but because the proposed budget is published December 15, work should start sometime in January. Work on the budget is difficult to accomplish within the time limit now. Tape 00-1, Side B SENATOR PARNELL asked the committee if 75 days seemed workable. CHAIRMAN TAYLOR responded that certain members in the legislature, especially finance committee members, would need more time. He would have left the starting date in January and ended the session earlier, because winter is when people have more time off. A January start date would also keep the session closer to the budget cycle. SENATOR PARNELL responded he had considered this option but had based his calender on oil revenues. SENATOR PARNELL requested that the committee move SJR 29 with his amendment of 75 consecutive calendar days. CHAIRMAN TAYLOR moved SJR 29, as amended, from committee. MR. RICK URION, representing himself, spoke in favor of this legislation as a person who had served in the legislature prior to the 120 day limit when the sessions went on with no end in sight. The 120 day limit has proven work can be accomplished within a set time and could probably be accomplished in less time. He also feels this legislation will encourage a citizen legislature. SCOTT CALDER, representing himself, supports SJR 29 from a citizen's standpoint. He feels this proposal would give legislators more time to work with constituents and improve public perception. SENATOR TORGERSON was concerned about the February 1 start date because of the trip to Washington D.C. every year in March. The legislature would be taking a five day break almost immediately after opening. Starting February 1 would only give the legislature 31 days, after having the revenue forecast, to work on the budget. He would like to see the starting date moved back to the second Monday in February. SENATOR DONLEY commented that the start date is set by statute, therefore, section 1 of the resolution was unnecessary, unless there was implied voter approval. Number 1979 SENATOR PARNELL agreed except that terms of office would be affected. SENATOR DONLEY commented that legislators could take office in January to get up to speed on the budget even if the session did not start until February, rather than having lame duck legislators remain in office in January. SENATOR PARNELL agreed with this. CHAIRMAN TAYLOR said he would like to have a debate on holding a budget session in an off election year, passing a two year budget and then coming back in the election year and taking up issues. Many western states have this type of legislature. SENATOR PARNELL responded that some sessions are 30 days one year and 60 or 90 the next year. Some states felt that this lead to diminished legislative power and increased executive power. SENATOR PARNELL stated that this legislation was drafted so that legislative power was not diminished. SENATOR TORGERSON moved SJR 29 from committee with individual recommendations.