Nevada Legislature: Committee OKs measure seeking annual legislative sessions

State lawmakers are moving forward with a measure that would let voters decide if the Nevada Legislature should meet every year.

The Senate Legislative Operations and Elections Committee voted Thursday to pass SJR8, which proposes a constitutional amendment that would impose more frequent sessions.

The Legislature currently meets every other year for 120 days, but proponents of the resolution say meeting yearly will help lawmakers respond more quickly to the state’s needs. SJR8 proposes a 90-day session in odd-numbered years, and a 30-day session in even-numbered years.

Republican committee chairwoman Sen. Patricia Farley pointed out that Nevada is one of only four states that meets biennially.

The Legislature approved the same measure in 2013, and if it passes the full Legislature this year, it will become a ballot question.