PIERRE - The 2008 South Dakota Legislature still has one day left, but lawmakers have already decided on a schedule for the 2009 lawmaking session.

Next year's 40-day Legislature will open on Jan. 13 and close on March 30.

Like this year, lawmakers have scheduled several four-day weeks. That allows legislative staff to get caught up and gives state representatives and senators extra time to tend to their personal lives.

South Dakota lawmakers will return to the state Capitol on March 17 for the final day of this year's session. They will use the day to address the governor's vetoes - if any - and finish all other last-minute business.