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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina's regular legislative session would last just three months each year under a measure advanced by a House panel.

A House Judiciary subcommittee voted 2-1 Thursday to ask voters whether legislators should cut two months from their yearly sessions at the Statehouse.

The proposed constitutional amendment would move the official start date from early January to February. The session would end in early May instead of June.

January would be reserved for committee meetings.

House Speaker Bobby Harrell says little happens in chambers in the early weeks, especially the year following an election when all bills go back to the starting line. Proposals must get through the committee process before reaching the floor.

Rep. Walt McLeod disagrees with ending session in May. He says that hurts the budget process.