During each regular session, the Legislature passes several bills and resolutions directing the Legislative Commission to study particular subjects and report when the Legislature reconvenes. The commission accomplishes its task by creating subcommittees drawn from the entire membership of the Legislature and assigning staff resources to the subcommittees. The interim subcommittees hold hearings, direct research and deliberate on proposed legislation for the next session of the Legislature. Qualifications of Legislators To be elected to either house of the Legislature, a person must be at least 21 years of age at the time of the election, a resident of the state for 1 year and a qualified elector in the district to be represented. Members of the Senate are elected for 4-year terms, with half being elected in one general election and the other half in the next.
Legislators receive additional allowances for stationery, postage, travel, and telephone use.