A legislative resolution referred to voters in the November 2010 general election amended the state's constitution and changed the schedule of regular sessions from bi-annual to annual.

[6] Senate Joint Resolution 41 was voted on as state Ballot Measure 71, which passed statewide by a margin of more than 2 to 1.

[7] With limited exceptions, the constitutional changes enacted through Measure 71 limit the length of legislative sessions beginning in odd-numbered years to 160 calendar days, and sessions beginning in even-numbered years to 35 calendar days.

[10] The Constitution of Oregon requires 3/5s vote in both houses in order to pass new taxes or increase existing ones.

In addition, the state's legislative Emergency Board, which is jointly chaired by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, can take action to provide additional funds to state agencies for activities required by law or that arise unexpectedly during the legislative interim.

[16] Sen. Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene) said at the hearing that the low pay deters Oregonians from serving in the Legislature and urged the new salary be approved.

He said the current pay serves to encourage only those with personal wealth or with multiple jobs to run for the legislature.

Because of the high time commitment legislative positions require, the current salary also makes it financially difficult for some to stay in office once they have been elected.

In light of this, three veteran House Democrats jointly announced they would not seek reelection because of the apparent failure of SB1566.

The three state representatives, Karin Power, Rachel Prusak and Anna Williams, said they could not afford to work full time for part-time pay.