A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION to allow the House of Representatives and the Senate of the 122nd General Assembly to adjourn and recess separately throughout the First Special Session for periods in excess of three (3) consecutive days as the need, in the judgment of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, respectively, may arise.
The resolution seeks to amend Article 4, Section 10 of the Indiana Constitution, which currently restricts either House from adjourning for over three consecutive days without the consent of the other. By granting permission for longer recesses, the bill would enable each House to operate independently as required, ultimately aiming to improve legislative efficiency.
HCR0001 is a concurrent resolution aimed at allowing the Indiana House of Representatives and the Senate to adjourn and recess separately for periods exceeding three consecutive days during the First Special Session of the 122nd General Assembly. This measure is put forward as a necessary flexibility in the legislative process, recognizing that each House may have different needs and schedules while conducting public business.
Proponents of HCR0001 argue that the flexibility to adjourn independently is essential for addressing the distinct legislative priorities of each House, especially during special sessions where pressing matters may arise unexpectedly. However, some may raise concerns about the potential for disjointed legislative operations. The separation of recesses could lead to less coordinated effort between the two Houses, impacting the overall legislative agenda.
This resolution reflects a strategic approach to managing the legislative calendar and ensures that both the House and Senate can respond to their respective needs without being directly tied to the operations of the other. As the structure of state government evolves, HCR0001 serves as a significant step in adapting procedural measures to better accommodate the functionality of governance.