May 23, 2017 •
Minnesota Adjourns and Immediately Begins Special Session
The 2017 Minnesota regular legislative session adjourned late on Monday, May 22, 2017. The legislators failed to pass a $46 billion spending package. As a result, the Legislature immediately entered into a special session at 12:01 a.m., on May 23, […]
The 2017 Minnesota regular legislative session adjourned late on Monday, May 22, 2017.
The legislators failed to pass a $46 billion spending package. As a result, the Legislature immediately entered into a special session at 12:01 a.m., on May 23, 2017.
The special session is expected to end on May 24, 2017.
May 23, 2017 •
South Carolina Special Legislative Session to Begin Today
South Carolina lawmakers scheduled a three-day special legislative session before adjourning the regular session on May 11. The special session is expected to begin today. Because state law requires it, House Speaker Jay Lucas will gavel it in but then […]
South Carolina lawmakers scheduled a three-day special legislative session before adjourning the regular session on May 11. The special session is expected to begin today.
Because state law requires it, House Speaker Jay Lucas will gavel it in but then likely adjourn an empty chamber.
He encouraged House members not to return for the session because there is no budget compromise to consider. He plans to call House members back when the budget panel, consisting of members from both chambers of the Legislature, has taken the time to complete its work and reach an agreement.
The 46 members of the Senate are expected to be present for the special session, as Senate President Pro Tem Hugh Leatherman has not indicated anything to the contrary.
May 22, 2017 •
Alaska Government Shutdown Looms as Lawmakers Unable to Compromise
Gov. Bill Walker ordered Alaska legislators into a special session just minutes after the regular session adjourned. Lawmakers have been unable to agree on how to resolve the state’s annual $2.7 billion deficit. Majority House Democrats proposed a state income […]
Gov. Bill Walker ordered Alaska legislators into a special session just minutes after the regular session adjourned.
Lawmakers have been unable to agree on how to resolve the state’s annual $2.7 billion deficit. Majority House Democrats proposed a state income tax as well as cuts to oil and gas subsidies, while Republicans in the Senate Majority favored budget cuts and spending from the Permanent Fund’s investment earnings.
Alaska’s fiscal year begins July 1, giving lawmakers just over a month to make a deal.
May 19, 2017 •
Vermont Legislature Adjourns, Special Session Likely
The Vermont Legislature adjourned the 2017 regular session today, May 19, 2017. Lawmakers delayed adjournment by more than a week as they continued negotiations on the state budget. The budget includes a health insurance savings program for teachers, as demanded […]
The Vermont Legislature adjourned the 2017 regular session today, May 19, 2017. Lawmakers delayed adjournment by more than a week as they continued negotiations on the state budget.
The budget includes a health insurance savings program for teachers, as demanded by Gov. Phil Scott in the eleventh hour of the session. With little time to create the proposal, the final version passed by both houses is expected to meet the governor’s veto stamp and the specter of a special session looms.
Also passed by both houses, and awaiting the governor’s action, is a bill to establish a state ethics commission and a state code of ethics.
May 9, 2017 •
Florida Adjourns Legislative Session
The Florida Legislature adjourned the 2017 regular session on Monday, May 8, 2017. Lawmakers extended the session an extra day after failing to reach an agreement on the state budget, despite Republican majorities in both houses. The $82.4 billion budget […]
The Florida Legislature adjourned the 2017 regular session on Monday, May 8, 2017.
Lawmakers extended the session an extra day after failing to reach an agreement on the state budget, despite Republican majorities in both houses.
The $82.4 billion budget was $1.1 billion less than Gov. Rick Scott’s proposal, leaving open the possibility of at least a partial veto.
A special session also remains possible to deal with implementing the medical marijuana amendment passed by voters last year.
May 8, 2017 •
West Virginia Legislature in Recess Adjournment
The West Virginia Legislature is taking a 10-day recess from the special session that convened May 4. Lawmakers quickly rejected Gov. Jim Justice’s tax increase plan and there is little agreement on how to address the budget. Both the House […]
The West Virginia Legislature is taking a 10-day recess from the special session that convened May 4. Lawmakers quickly rejected Gov. Jim Justice’s tax increase plan and there is little agreement on how to address the budget.
Both the House and Senate agreed to a resolution adjourning the special session until May 15 to allow time for lawmakers to work toward an agreement that all parties can support.
Lawmakers must pass a budget bill before July 1 to avoid a government shutdown.
May 8, 2017 •
New Mexico Special Session on the Horizon
Gov. Susana Martinez has called a special session for May 24, 2017. According to the proclamation, the special session is called to enact legislation concerning the budget, tax reform, and nominees for the appointment to the Board of Regents for […]
Gov. Susana Martinez has called a special session for May 24, 2017.
According to the proclamation, the special session is called to enact legislation concerning the budget, tax reform, and nominees for the appointment to the Board of Regents for state higher education institutions.
Per New Mexico law, all legislators are prohibited from soliciting a campaign contribution beginning when a proclamation has been issued and ending when the special session adjourns.
The adjournment date has yet to be determined.
May 2, 2017 •
North Dakota Adjourns Legislative Session
The North Dakota Legislature adjourned its legislative session on April 27. The session lasted 77 days, ending ahead of the 80-day maximum set by the Constitution. Lawmakers approved a $13.6 billion budget for the 2017-2019 biennium before adjourning.
The North Dakota Legislature adjourned its legislative session on April 27.
The session lasted 77 days, ending ahead of the 80-day maximum set by the Constitution.
Lawmakers approved a $13.6 billion budget for the 2017-2019 biennium before adjourning.
April 25, 2017 •
Washington Legislature Begins Special Session
On April 23, the Washington Legislature adjourned the regular session sine die. Lawmakers were unable to reach agreement on a budget bill during the regular session, forcing a special session to start Monday, April 24. A two-year operating budget needs […]
On April 23, the Washington Legislature adjourned the regular session sine die.
Lawmakers were unable to reach agreement on a budget bill during the regular session, forcing a special session to start Monday, April 24.
A two-year operating budget needs to be signed into law by June 30 or the state faces a partial government shutdown.
April 18, 2017 •
Alaska Legislature Continues in Session
The Alaska Legislature will remain in session despite its April 17 deadline, with lawmakers still working to pass a budget bill and other deficit reduction measures. A voter initiative passed in 2006 limits the legislative session to 90 days, but […]
The Alaska Legislature will remain in session despite its April 17 deadline, with lawmakers still working to pass a budget bill and other deficit reduction measures.
A voter initiative passed in 2006 limits the legislative session to 90 days, but legislators often continue after the deadline and follow the constitutional deadline of 121 days.
If more time is needed after the constitutional deadline, a special session would need to be convened.
April 18, 2017 •
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice Vetoes Budget Bill; Special Session Ahead
On April 13, Gov. Jim Justice vetoed the budget bill passed by West Virginia lawmakers. In the latest stunt in the contentious battle among lawmakers on how to address West Virginia’s $500 million budget shortfall, Justice held a press conference […]
On April 13, Gov. Jim Justice vetoed the budget bill passed by West Virginia lawmakers.
In the latest stunt in the contentious battle among lawmakers on how to address West Virginia’s $500 million budget shortfall, Justice held a press conference to announce the veto complete with props including a platter of bull excrement.
The fiscal year begins July 1 and a special session to pass a budget bill would need to be held prior to that date or the state government will face a shut down.
The special session is expected to be called sometime in late April or early May.
April 10, 2017 •
West Virginia Legislature Adjourns Regular Session; Special Session Likely
On April 9, the West Virginia Legislature wrapped up its regular legislative session. The House and Senate passed a spending plan prior to adjournment; however, the governor is expected to veto the bill and call a special session after further […]
On April 9, the West Virginia Legislature wrapped up its regular legislative session.
The House and Senate passed a spending plan prior to adjournment; however, the governor is expected to veto the bill and call a special session after further negotiations to finalize a more acceptable budget bill.
The fiscal year begins July 1 and a special session would need to be called prior to that date.
April 6, 2017 •
West Virginia’s Legislative Session Extended
Gov. Jim Justice signed a proclamation to extend the legislative session by one day to an adjournment date of April 9. The extension is required by the constitution since the Legislature has not yet passed a budget bill. More time […]
Gov. Jim Justice signed a proclamation to extend the legislative session by one day to an adjournment date of April 9. The extension is required by the constitution since the Legislature has not yet passed a budget bill.
More time may be needed for lawmakers to pass a budget as there is little agreement among lawmakers on how to address West Virginia’s $500 million shortfall in the 2018 fiscal year budget.
Both the House and Senate advanced budget bills on Wednesday, April 5; however, Justice indicated he plans to veto either plan that reaches his desk.
April 5, 2017 •
West Virginia Legislative Session Likely to be Extended
An extended session appears likely for West Virginia’s Legislature. Lawmakers have yet to approve a budget and the regular session is set to adjourn April 8. The state currently faces a $500 million shortfall in the 2018 fiscal year budget […]
An extended session appears likely for West Virginia’s Legislature.
Lawmakers have yet to approve a budget and the regular session is set to adjourn April 8. The state currently faces a $500 million shortfall in the 2018 fiscal year budget and there is little consensus among lawmakers on how to address the deficit.
The constitution requires the Governor to issue a proclamation extending the session if the Legislature has not passed a budget bill by the 57th day of the 60-day regular session. Wednesday, April 5, is the 57th day of the session.
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