Jakob Thorington | Arizona Capitol Times
Key points:
- A measure that would constitutionally require the Legislature to adjourn by April 30 passed a House committee
- Lawmakers haven’t adjourned by April in more than a decade
- Voters must pass the measure to go into effect if it passes the House and Senate
The length of Arizona’s legislative sessions has grown longer in the 2020s, but voters this year could have the chance to ensure legislative sessions end no later than April.
A House concurrent resolution sponsored by Rep. Justin Wilmeth, R-Phoenix, would require the Legislature to adjourn sine die by April 30 each year. On Feb. 4, the measure passed the House Government Committee 4-3, bringing it one step closer to voters this November.
Both the House and the Senate have a rule requiring the chambers to adjourn by the Saturday following the 100th day of session, usually around late April. But since lawmakers get to make their own rules, that deadline has been consistently waived year-after-year while lawmakers pass the state budget in May and June.
The measure, House Concurrent Resolution 2005, would be on the November ballot if it passes the House and Senate. It has not received a full House vote yet.
