Calls for legislative conference committees; requires appropriate legislative committee to act on a bill if requested by the sponsor of the bill

Title of bill

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment to section 12 of article 3 of the constitution, in relation to conference committees

Purpose or general idea of bill

This Constitutional Amendment will require that conference committees be implemented to reach decisions on legislation such as the budget and other important matters.

Summary of specific provisions

The amendment would specifically require:

* the conference committees be composed of four members from each house,

* the committee will deliberate to reach a consensus,

* the committee's work will be done in public,

* that the consensus reached by the committee be accepted or rejected in whole or in part and not altered by either house,

* that conference committee shall keep convening until both sides reach consensus.

Justification

Conference committees are a valuable, efficient and fair way for bicameral legislatures to reach consensus. Most states, as well as the united States Congress, employ the conference committee to resolve house differences. other states, such as Florida, have a constitutional provision for conference committees. See: Fla. Const. Art. III, §4. A constitutional requirement calling for conference committees will help end some of the gridlock in the budget process as well as ensure that significant policy agreement is reached.

Prior legislative history

A.11855 of 2004, A.577 of(2005-06) A.1200 (2007-2008)

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Resolved (if the Assembly concur), That the foregoing amendment be referred to the first regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding general election of members of the assembly, and in conformity with section 1 of article 19 of the constitution, be published for 3 months previous to the time of such election.