Bill Description: Senate Joint Resolution 104 would amend the state constitution to impose a 20-day limit on extraordinary sessions of the Idaho Legislature when it is convened upon a written request of 60% each of the House and Senate membership. 

Rating: -1

Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease government spending or debt?

Senate Joint Resolution 104 would amend Section 23, Article III of the Idaho Constitution to say that "no extraordinary or special session of the legislature shall continue for a period longer than twenty days." This 20-day limit already applies to sessions convened by the governor but not to sessions convened upon a written request of 60% each of the House and Senate membership. 

There is no compelling need for this amendment. It would have limited practical application, as the Legislature could convene itself again if extraordinary circumstances required it. 

Amending the state constitution is a lengthy and expensive process, with an estimated cost of $200,000 just for the Idaho Secretary of State to publish a proposed constitutional amendment and the arguments surrounding it, as required by law. An amendment must also be brought to the public for a vote, which means there must be compelling and articulable arguments for altering our state constitution. The amending process should be reserved for serious matters that warrant the gravity and expense of the process.

(-1)