Arizona State Representative Justin Wilmeth has introduced a constitutional measure that would require the Legislature to adjourn its regular session by April 30 each year. The proposal, known as HCR 2005, is intended to prevent legislative sessions from extending into late spring and early summer, a practice that has become common despite an expectation for lawmakers to finish their work within 100 days of convening.
Wilmeth explained the reasoning behind the measure: “Arizona does not have a full-time Legislature, and it was never meant to operate like one. 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.”
The proposed amendment would still allow the Governor to call special sessions but would limit those sessions to topics specified in the official call.
If approved by both chambers of the Legislature, HCR 2005 will appear on the next general election ballot for voters to decide.
Michael Carbone, also a Republican legislator, was elected in 2023 to represent Arizona’s 25th House District after Michelle Udall left office.
