A Senate committee this morning endorsed a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the legislature, not just the governor, to call itself into a special session.

This could be done by the call of leaders of the two houses or by petition of two-thirds of members. The purposes of the session would have to be specified, but the session could be extended for other purposes.

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This amendment is in keeping with a batch of measures this session to increase the power of the legislature over the executive and judicial branches and local governments as well.

A House committee has endorsed an amendment that says initiated acts or constitutional amendments would require 60 percent of votes for approval, a move aimed at keeping popular proposals off the ballot. This also increases the power of special interests, which can control the legislature at a cheaper price than they can control voters at elections.

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The legislature may submit three constitutional amendments. Dozens of other ideas are pending, though guns and religion seem to be at the top of many legislators’ agendas.