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Bill

HJR 4210

Amending the state Constitution to allow the legislature to determine the duration of regular sessions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Berry and 12 co-sponsors

The bill would let the Legislature set regular-session length by statute rather than fixed constitutional day limits.

Referred to Appropriations.
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Bill Summary · HJR 4210

Overview

House Joint Resolution 4210 (HJR 4210) proposes a constitutional amendment in Washington to authorize the legislature to determine the duration of regular legislative sessions by statute, rather than having fixed, Constitution-imposed time limits. The measure would be placed on the next general election ballot for voters to approve or reject.

Purpose and intent

  • Give the Legislature the authority to set the length of regular sessions through statute, for both odd- and even-numbered years.
  • Replace current constitutional language that imposes maximum lengths on regular sessions (historically up to 105 days in odd-numbered years and 60 days in even-numbered years, though the exact language in the proposal shows the new framing focuses on “as determined by statute”).
  • Preserve the existing framework for special sessions, including governor-call options and legislatively-provided timelines, with requirements on purposes and germaneness unless expanded by supermajority agreement.

Key provisions

  • Article II, Section 12 (Regular Sessions):
    • Regular sessions must be convened every year.
    • The legislature would determine session start/end dates by statute, removing fixed-day limits from the Constitution.
    • The current, explicit day limits for odd- and even-numbered years appear to be removed or superseded by the new statute-based approach.
  • Article II, Section 12 (Special Sessions):
    • Special sessions may be convened for up to 30 consecutive days by a gubernatorial proclamation or by a two-thirds vote of each house.
    • Special sessions may also be convened during interim periods under procedures established by law or resolution.
    • Specified purposes for special sessions; expansions require a two-thirds vote in each house.
    • The governor’s specified purposes are considered by the legislature but are not mandatory.
  • Committees:
    • Standing and special committees would continue to operate under the legislature’s rules.
  • Formal instructions:
    • The amendment is treated as a single constitutional amendment under Washington law.
    • A concise description would accompany the ballot measure, explaining that it would allow the legislature to set regular-session durations by statute.

Affected parties and impacts

  • General public: Voters would decide whether the Legislature can set session length by statute.
  • Legislature: Gains flexible control over regular-session duration, potentially enabling longer or shorter sessions depending on statutory determinations.
  • Legislators, staff, and lobbyists: The proposed change could affect workload, scheduling, budget, and pace of policymaking (potential for longer sessions and changes in how and when bills are considered).
  • Administrative processes: May necessitate new or revised scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation tied to statutory-duration decisions.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The measure is scheduled for a ballot vote at the next general election if approved by voters.
  • In the legislative process, the bill has been referred to the State Government & Tribal Relations committee, with actions including public hearings and executive action.
  • The sponsoring and co-sponsoring members are listed, indicating bipartisan consideration.

Supporting and opposing views (highlights)

  • Support: Advocates argue it would improve workforce well-being, enhance schedule equity, and allow more thoughtful, deliberate policymaking without forcing bills through under time pressure.
  • Oppose: Critics contend constitutional constraints are essential checks on legislative power and worry about potential overreach or politicization of session length, potentially diminishing public input.

Note: This summary reflects the bill text and accompanying materials as introduced and reported in committee; final provisions could evolve through amendments or floor action.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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