In the News...

Shorter Legislative Sessions Proposed

Friday, April 23 2010

The Pueblo Chieftain
By: Patrick Malone
April 23rd, 2010

DENVER — State Sen. Gail Schwartz plans to introduce a resolution today that seeks to shorten the length of future legislative sessions.

  Presently, the Colorado General Assembly assembles for 120 days. Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village, has proposed that it be shortened to 100 days.

  "We have one of the most frequent, longest sessions in the country," she said. "I think we could be more focused and more efficient."

  Neighboring states hold much shorter sessions than Colorado's.

  New Mexico's Legislature meets 60 calendar days in odd-numbered years and 30 days in even-numbered years. Nebraska's lawmakers are in session for 90 legislative days (when floor work is accomplished) during odd-numbered years, and 60 legislative days during even-numbered years. That state has the nation's only single-chamber legislature.

  Wyoming holds 40 legislative days in odd-numbered years and 20 legislative days in even-numbered years/

  Legislatures in Montana, Nevada, North Dakota and Texas convene biennially.

  Cost savings are one reason Schwartz supports a shorter session.

  "Plus, in my opinion, it allows the legislators to spend more time in their communities, where the constituents can voice their wishes for what they'd like to see accomplished at the Capitol," Schwartz said.

  Schwartz will be joined in offering the resolution by Sen. Keith King, R-Colorado Springs, House Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker, and Rep. Christine Scanlon, D-Dillon.