Title: In Re Opinion of the Judges

State: south-dakota

Issuer: South Dakota Supreme Court

Document:

119 N.W.2d 145 (1963) In re OPINION OF THE JUDGES. No. 10064. Supreme Court of South Dakota. January 23, 1963. TO HIS EXCELLENCY, ARCHIE GUBBRUD, GOVERNOR OF SOUTH DAKOTA: In a communication dated January 22, 1963 you have requested an advisory opinion of the judges of this court as to the effect of the recently approved amendment[1] to Sections 6 and 7, Article III of the Constitution of the State of South Dakota relating to annual sessions of the legislature. The question propounded relates to the exercise and coordination of your executive powers with the legislative department of our state. The pertinent portions of the above amendment to our constitution read as follows: *146 Our legislature is authorized to meet only at "regular"[2] or "extraordinary"[3] sessions. Broadly speaking, the effect of the foregoing constitutional amendment is to replace "regular" biennial[4] sessions with "regular" annual sessions. The relationship between regular sessions has not been changed. Each is separate and independent from the other in the same sense that biennial sessions were separate and independent. Therefore, one regular annual session cannot be considered as an adjourned or a so-called "split" session having connective continuity with another regular annual session. Respectfully submitted. [1] Proposed by Ch. 296, L.1961; Approved Nov. 6, 1962. [2] See Art. III, Secs. 6 and 7, S.D. Constitution. [3] By Art. IV, Sec. 4, the Governor may convene the legislature on "extraordinary occasions". [4] Art. III, Sec. 2.