Voters won’t be deciding if the Legislature should have the authority to call itself into special session for up to seven legislative days.
A bill proposing a constitutional amendment was continued on the calendar May 17 by its House sponsor after a number of amendments were suggested. It would have allowed, if approved by voters, a special session to be called by written agreement of a majority of the members elected to each house or upon the orders of the presiding officers of both houses. Now, only the governor can call a special session.
“The ability of the state Legislature to call a special session would provide balance between the branches of government and reduce the gridlock that sometimes results when the governing bodies do not agree,” said Rep. Lyndon Carlson (DFL-Crystal), who sponsored HF2554/SF3072 with Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope). Carlson added that it would make it easier for the Legislature to respond quickly to state emergencies.
Critics said the ability to call a special session would be a move toward a full-time legislature
There are currently 33 state legislatures, including Iowa and Wisconsin, that have the ability to call a special session.
In the Senate, the bill was awaiting action by the Senate Rules and Administration Committee when session ended.
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Foregoing the usual partisan warfare, all sides declare victory in 2008 session
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At Issue: Crossing the partisan divide
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At Issue: Taming the ‘Wild West’
Members aspire to streamline the legislative process
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Stepping Down: Three more say goodbye
Heidgerken, A. Peterson and Ruth make late departure announcements
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Minnesota Index
Figures and statistics on the 2008 legislative session
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Published 5/30/2008
Stepping Down: Reassessing priorities
After years of public service, Berns steps down to focus on his family
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Published 5/16/2008
Resources: Tallying the votes
What you should know first about how your legislator votes
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Published 5/9/2008
At Issue: A little-used tool in the toolbox
Governor can use unallotment to balance state’s budget if legislators do not
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Published 5/2/2008
Stepping Down: Seizing an unexpected opportunity
Paulsen leaving state House to run for the U.S. House
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Published 5/2/2008
Feature: Leap of faith
Legislators find political refuge in fellowship
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Published 5/2/2008
Stepping Down: Back to Bemidji
Moe takes a break from politics to focus on life at home
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Published 4/25/2008
At Issue: ‘Garbage’ or good legislation?
Omnibus bill can be one legislator’s junk, another’s treasure
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Published 4/11/2008
Stepping Down: Looking for better balance
After 12 years, Tingelstad to focus on family
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Published 4/4/2008
Stepping Down: Do right by the people
DeLaForest thankful for the ‘awesome responsibility’ of serving
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Published 3/28/2008
Stepping Down: Focus on family time
Finstad leaving to concentrate on his children
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Published 3/28/2008
Stepping Down: New house means leaving the House
Personal move leads to a professional change for Kranz
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Published 3/28/2008
Stepping Down: In the middle, a man apart
After 24 years in the House, Ozment prepares to step down
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Published 3/28/2008
Stepping Down: Rejuvenation for Walker
First black woman to serve in the House hopes for renewal time
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Published 3/28/2008
Minnesota Index
Session 2008 figures and statistics.
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Published 2/15/2008