STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Legislation sponsored by State Representative Justin Wilmeth to set a firm April 30 adjournment deadline for regular legislative sessions passed the House Government Committee on Wednesday.

House Concurrent Resolution 2005 proposes a constitutional requirement that the Arizona Legislature adjourn sine die no later than April 30 each year. The measure addresses routine session extensions that have pushed regular sessions well beyond the timeframe envisioned for a citizen Legislature and delayed final budget action.

HCR 2005 preserves the ability to convene special sessions when necessary and limits those sessions to the subjects specified in the call.

“I appreciate the committee moving this measure forward, allowing the discussion to continue,” said Representative Wilmeth. “This proposal is about accountability and discipline. Arizonans expect the Legislature to do its job, pass a budget, and finish its work on time. President Ronald Reagan kept a sign on his desk in the Oval Office that said, ‘It CAN be done.’ I agree with that. Finishing our work by April 30 is achievable, and it should be the standard.”

If approved by the full Legislature, HCR 2005 would be placed on the next general election ballot for voter consideration.

Justin Wilmeth is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 2 in North Phoenix and is Chairman of the House Committee on Artificial Intelligence & Innovation. Follow him on X at @JustinWilmethAZ.