Disagreement over adjourning legislative session leaves Idaho in uncertain territory
The problem? Idaho Constitution says neither chamber shall, without the concurrence of the other, adjourn for more than three days.
Idaho is in an unprecedented, uncertain situation with the states two legislative chambers at odds over adjournment procedures, according to analysis issued Thursday by the Office of Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden.
Late Wednesday night, the Idaho Senate voted to adjourn the longest session in Idaho history for the year. However, the Idaho House of Representatives voted down a motion from Democrats to adjourn sine die, a Latin phrase meaning without a day used to indicate the legislative body will not set a time to meet again. Instead, the House voted to go at recess until a date no later than Dec. 31.
The problem is the Idaho Constitution says neither chamber shall, without the concurrence of the other, adjourn for more than three days.
In the AGs analysis, Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Kane wrote that the Senates adjournment could be considered invalid, noting one legal interpretation could be that both chambers are considered to be at recess.
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https://idahocapitalsun.com/2021/05/13/disagreement-over-adjourning-legislative-session-leaves-idaho-in-uncertain-territory/