Amendment 2 will appear on the Nov. 7 ballot. It will be listed in two parts, sections "A" and "B."

Section "A" is the heart of the amendment. A "yes" vote on this amendment would permit either house to recede for not more than 30 days at a time if a majority of members approve, and for more than 30 days if two-thirds approve. It would allow each house to meet during the legislative session as it considers appropriate.

The amendment also would allow the Senate to hold organizational sessions in the years senators are elected after the election and before the next regular session the following January. In other words, organizational meetings could take place after the November election results are known and before the Senate convenes again in January. The House already is permitted to organize this way.

Section "B" of this amendment amounts to a technicality. It would delete a requirement that prohibits either house from adjourning for more than three days without the consent of the other house. This deletion is necessary to permit the meeting and receding provisions outlined in Section "A" to take place.

The central purpose of Amendment 2 is to permit both houses to meet depending on when they can conduct business. It would apply primarily at the end of each session. Often, one house will be clearing up appropriations bills or other last-minute business while the other house sits idle, waiting either for the other house to send over bills for consideration by the other house.

In effect, this amendment allows for sensible and efficient scheduling for official business in both houses and organization of the Senate after an election. There is little sense in forcing the Senate or House to remain in session while only one is conducting business.

We urge voters to support both parts of this amendment.

IN SUMMARY
This amendment would allow both houses of the Legislature to vote when to take recess.