By Ethan Faverino |
State Representative Justin Wilmeth (R-LD2) has introduced House Concurrent Resolution 2005 (HCR 2005), a proposed constitutional amendment that would mandate the Arizona Legislature to conclude its regular session no later than April 30 each year.
Arizona’s citizen Legislature was designed to be part-time, not full-time, reflecting the intent of the state’s founders for lawmakers, many of whom maintain outside careers.
Despite an expectation that the Legislature conclude its work within approximately 100 days of convening in January, routine extensions have become common, regularly stretching sessions into late spring and early summer.
“Arizona does not have a full-time Legislature, and it was never meant to operate like one,” said Rep. Wilmeth. “A firm April 30 adjournment restores discipline to the process, forces timely budget decisions, and respects the part-time nature of legislative service. We should be able to do the people’s work without dragging regular sessions into June.”
Prolonged sessions create unnecessary uncertainty for taxpayers, school districts, and state agencies that rely on timely budget approvals. By establishing a hard deadline of April 30, HCR 2005 aims to instill greater accountability, expedite essential decisions like the state budget, and align legislative operations with Arizona’s constitutional vision of a citizen-led government.
The measure preserves the Governor’s existing authority to convene special sessions whenever deemed necessary. Any special session would remain limited to only the subjects specified in the Governor’s call.
If approved by the Legislature, HCR 2005 would be placed on the ballot for the next general election, allowing the people of Arizona to vote on the proposed amendment.
The resolution explicitly amends the constitutional language to state that legislative sessions “shall commence on the second Monday of January of each year and shall adjourn sine die not later than April 30 of each year.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
