Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study Of A Continuous Legislative Session, Extending The Legislative Session, And Adding Additional Recess Days.
The potential impact of SR39 includes a shift in how legislators and state governance function. By converting the part-time legislature into a full-time body, it is anticipated that this could improve efficiency, productivity, and transparency within the legislative process. This change may allow for more detailed and thorough analysis of bills and issues, leading to better governance. However, the proposal also necessitates a careful examination of the associated costs, including any adjustments required for the salaries of full-time legislators and their staff.
Senate Resolution 39 (SR39) seeks to enhance the operational framework of the Hawaii State Legislature by requesting the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a comprehensive study. The core objective of the bill is to explore the feasibility and implications of transitioning to a continuous legislative session, extending the duration of the current legislative session, and introducing additional recess days. Currently, Hawaii's legislature is limited to only sixty session days per year, typically running from mid-January to early May, which many believe limits their effectiveness.
The sentiment among the members of the legislature regarding SR39 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among those who believe that enhancing legislative effectiveness is vital for state governance. Nevertheless, there may also be concerns about the fiscal implications of this transition, as extending the session and having full-time legislators may elevate state expenditures. This indicates a need for balanced discussions around the merits and challenges presented by the proposed changes.
One point of contention that may arise from SR39 would be the practical aspects of implementing a continuous legislative session. Opponents may argue about the necessity of such a change compared to the traditional structure, particularly questioning if the additional session days and full time employment for legislators would indeed lead to tangible benefits. Moreover, considerations regarding how this restructuring might affect legislative priorities and workflow will likely be focal points during discussions about the study's findings.