HJR1004: Annual legislative sessions

Rep. Harris is running his resolution again to allow for annual legislative sessions (the additional session in even years would be for appropriations) here in Arkansas. Because the Constitution calls for the legislature to assemble every other year (Art. 5, § 5), this measure (if passed) will be referred to the people in 2008.

To me, the most important change of this measure is the fact that it allows the legislature by a two-thirds vote to add measures to the "call" in the "appropriation" session (rather than this issue being left to the governor). Rep. Harris believes that allowing the legislature to make this call (and meeting annually in itself) will help balance the power between the executive and legislative branches.

Oregon has recently adopted the practice of meeting annually. With Oregon's measure, the only states that do not meet annually are Arkansas, Nevada, Montana, North Dakota, and Texas.

Pros: the legislature can deal with important issues such as a revenue surplus more frequently.

Cons: It can be argued that this may cost more -- proponents would argue that meeting annually doesn't necessarily equal meeting longer.