Bill could alter special session process

Although state lawmakers can technically call themselves into a special session, it rarely happens. More times than not, it is the governor that gets the Legislature to meet outside of its regular schedule—and, in return, House and Senate members usually grumble during those gatherings that the governor sets their agenda. If Rep. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, has his druthers, it could soon become easier for legislators to schedule a special session. His House Bill 39 would allow lawmakers to pass around more than one petition for signatures. “I just want to make it easier for us to call a special session on our own,” Talbot says. Talbot says he’s still working on the language, but also wants his bill to allow a resolution to start on either floor. When asked if there’s a need or any ongoing campaigns for a special session, Talbot says there was no clandestine plan at play. “But I suspect we may need a special session next year to address redistricting,” he says. On whether or not this bill could result in lawmakers abusing the system for special sessions, Talbot offered up a laugh and an afterthought. “You know, maybe I ought to actually make it harder to call a special session,” he says. —Jeremy Alford