Opponents of the Massachusetts Executive Council will urge the passage of a bill limiting the Council's power at a public hearing this morning at the State House.

Gov. Peabody, who tried unsuccessfully last year to abolish the Council, has promised to attend the hearing. At his press conference Friday, Peabody denied reports that he had softened his opposition to the nine-man, elected body.

Under the bill being discussed today, the Council would be stripped of all powers granted it by the legislature, including those of vetoing the Governor's appointments and state contracts and leases. Even if the bill is passed, however, the Council will retain jurisdiction over judicial appointments, commutations, and pardons.

The measure is expected to leave the Committee on State Administration in two or three weeks, probably with an adverse report. Both houses of the legislature must vote on it by May 6.

If the bill is rejected--and a defeat in the House would effectively kill it--then opponents of the Council hope to gather a minimum of 11,000 signatures for a referendum in November.