Posted: | December 8, 2022 11:24 AM |
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From: | Representative Russ Diamond |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Change Swearing-in Day to December 1 |
In the near future I will be introducing a joint resolution for a constitutional amendment to effectively change Swearing-in Day for the General Assembly from the first Tuesday in January to the first day of December. Upon the expiration of the last two legislative sessions on November 30 of their respective years, there have been questions and confusion regarding when the General Assembly can meet to reorganize and begin its business for the new legislative session. Additionally, with the recent adoption of constitutional amendments regarding the General Assembly’s authority and duties to act within 21 days of the declaration of a disaster emergency, the gap in time between the beginning of new sessions on December 1 of even-numbered years and Swearing-in Day the following January serves as an obstacle to effective and vigilant governance. Article II Section 4 of our Constitution currently states: “The General Assembly shall be a continuing body during the term for which its Representatives are elected. It shall meet at 12 o'clock noon on the first Tuesday of January each year.” My legislation will simply replace “first Tuesday of January” with “first day of December” in Article II Section 4. Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB430