March 23, 2020 •
Idaho House Adjourns, Ending Legislative Session
![Idaho House Adjourns, Ending Legislative Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Idaho-Capitol-Building-1000x563.jpg)
Idaho Capitol Building - JSquish
The second session of the 65th Idaho Legislature has ended. The House adjourned sine die on Friday after balancing fears of spreading the coronavirus with potential vetoes of several bills representatives will now be powerless to override. If the House […]
The second session of the 65th Idaho Legislature has ended.
The House adjourned sine die on Friday after balancing fears of spreading the coronavirus with potential vetoes of several bills representatives will now be powerless to override.
If the House stayed in session, it would have given them the option of holding an override vote.
The override would be necessary if Gov. Brad Little vetoed any of the bills sent to him in the last days of the session.
The House voted 32-28 to end the legislative session a day after the Senate adjourned sine die.
During the session, lawmakers passed a bill relating to the filing of campaign finance reports and a bill relating to codifier’s corrections.
Senate Bill 1233 amends who can file reports of contributions and expenditures to include the political committee and the candidate.
The bill was an emergency and became effective January 1, 2020.
Senate Bill 1334 makes non-substantive changes to definitions relating to lobbying and contributions.
The bill becomes effective May 19, 2020.
This does affect lobbyist reporting.
The statutory requirement to file monthly reports when the Legislature is in session will end with the report due April 15.
March 23, 2020 •
Canadian Parliament to Reconvene to Address Coronavirus
![Canadian Parliament to Reconvene to Address Coronavirus](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Temporary-Canada-House-of-Commons-1000x563.jpg)
Temporary Canadian House of Commons in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
On March 24, the Canadian House of Commons will reconvene for a one-day session to vote on legislation to battle the coronavirus pandemic. Lawmakers are expected to allocate more than $80 billion in emergency aid for the nation. The Canadian […]
On March 24, the Canadian House of Commons will reconvene for a one-day session to vote on legislation to battle the coronavirus pandemic.
Lawmakers are expected to allocate more than $80 billion in emergency aid for the nation.
The Canadian Senate is then expected to meet for a one-day session on March 25 to vote on that legislation.
On March 13, the Parliament had adjourned until at least April 20 because of the emerging health crisis.
March 20, 2020 •
Illinois Lawmakers Cancel A Second Week of Legislative Sessions
![Illinois Lawmakers Cancel A Second Week of Legislative Sessions](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/illinois-springfield-capitol-and-sky-1000x563.jpg)
Illinois State Capitol Building
Illinois Lawmakers canceled a second week of legislative sessions to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. The General Assembly was scheduled to come back to Springfield on March 24. The deadline for House bills to move out of committee, […]
Illinois Lawmakers canceled a second week of legislative sessions to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The General Assembly was scheduled to come back to Springfield on March 24.
The deadline for House bills to move out of committee, March 27, has been extended to April 3.
Members may end up meeting during the scheduled spring break period, April 6-17.
The deadline to move bills out of Senate committee is still set for March 27.
The Illinois Constitution requires lawmakers pass a budget before they adjourn on May 31.
Under the Illinois Constitution and state law, the General Assembly cannot hold remote sessions.
March 20, 2020 •
Kansas Lawmakers Postpone Session Until Late April
![Kansas Lawmakers Postpone Session Until Late April](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/1280px-Arkansas_State_Capitol_2-1000x546.jpg)
Arkansas State Capitol
The House and Senate went into overdrive March 19 to complete deals on a new state budget and an updated 10-year highway program before vacating the Capitol until late April. Lawmakers agreed to set aside $50 million for unforeseen expenditures […]
The House and Senate went into overdrive March 19 to complete deals on a new state budget and an updated 10-year highway program before vacating the Capitol until late April.
Lawmakers agreed to set aside $50 million for unforeseen expenditures during the COVID-19 crisis.
Another $15 million was allocated for emergency preparedness operations tied to the virus.
Additionally, the House and Senate voted to send a comprehensive transportation bill of $9.7 billion to Gov. Laura Kelly.
This decadelong program for roads, bridges, railways, and airports would make a top priority of highway system preservation projects.
The Legislature is scheduled to return April 27 to adjust the state budget and take up other unfinished work on bills.
However, there is no guarantee the pandemic would allow the 165 legislators to congregate.
March 20, 2020 •
Idaho Senate Adjourns Sine Die
![Idaho Senate Adjourns Sine Die](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Idaho-Capitol-Building-1000x563.jpg)
Idaho Capitol Building - JSquish
The Idaho Senate adjourned sine die Thursday night. However, the House voted to meet again Friday morning despite recommendations to practice social distancing amid COVID-19 concerns. Coronavirus has been looming over the last week of the session, causing Gov. Brad […]
The Idaho Senate adjourned sine die Thursday night.
However, the House voted to meet again Friday morning despite recommendations to practice social distancing amid COVID-19 concerns.
Coronavirus has been looming over the last week of the session, causing Gov. Brad Little to be dealing with the increase in cases.
If the House stays in session for three days, it will force the Senate to return to town.
If the House adjourns on Friday, at 75 days, it will be tied for the fourth shortest session in the past 20 years.
March 20, 2020 •
Delaware General Assembly Postpones Session Until Further Notice
![Delaware General Assembly Postpones Session Until Further Notice](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Delaware-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Delaware Capitol Building
The Delaware General Assembly has postponed the legislative session indefinitely. Lawmakers originally postponed the session until March 24, but have extended the delay after reevaluating the COVID-19 situation. The General Assembly is determining how to pass emergency legislation regarding the […]
The Delaware General Assembly has postponed the legislative session indefinitely.
Lawmakers originally postponed the session until March 24, but have extended the delay after reevaluating the COVID-19 situation.
The General Assembly is determining how to pass emergency legislation regarding the coronavirus and pass the state budget.
March 20, 2020 •
Rhode Island General Assembly Postpones Session for Another Week
![Rhode Island General Assembly Postpones Session for Another Week](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Rhode-Island-State-House-800x563.jpg)
Rhode Island State House
Speaker of the House Nicholas A. Mattiello and President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio, in collaboration with the Department of Health, have announced sessions and all committee hearings for the week of March 23 to March 27 have been […]
Speaker of the House Nicholas A. Mattiello and President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio, in collaboration with the Department of Health, have announced sessions and all committee hearings for the week of March 23 to March 27 have been canceled.
The General Assembly had previously canceled sessions for the week of March 16 to March 20 due to COVID-19.
This does not affect any lobbyist reporting.
March 20, 2020 •
Tennessee Lawmakers Recess Amid COVID-19 Concerns
![Tennessee Lawmakers Recess Amid COVID-19 Concerns](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Tennessee-capitol-night-crop-999x563.jpg)
Tennessee Capitol Building - Ichabod
The General Assembly recessed Thursday, March 19 after meeting for over 14 hours. This marathon session included the approval of the state’s $39 billion budget bill. Though scheduled to reconvene on June 1, the General Assembly will continue to monitor […]
The General Assembly recessed Thursday, March 19 after meeting for over 14 hours.
This marathon session included the approval of the state’s $39 billion budget bill.
Though scheduled to reconvene on June 1, the General Assembly will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation to see if additional delays may be necessary.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting dates.
March 19, 2020 •
Saskatchewan Lawmakers Recess Because of Coronavirus Pandemic
![Saskatchewan Lawmakers Recess Because of Coronavirus Pandemic](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Saskatchewan-Legislative-Assemblyt-799x563.jpg)
The Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan was adjourned at the end of its sitting on March 18 because of the coronavirus pandemic. A motion by Government House Leader Jeremy Harrison to recess the session, which was agreed to by all the […]
The Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan was adjourned at the end of its sitting on March 18 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
A motion by Government House Leader Jeremy Harrison to recess the session, which was agreed to by all the lawmakers, leaves open the return date.
Specifically, the legislature will be recalled by the speaker upon the request of the government, which will determine the appropriate date for members to resume their session.
When the Assembly reconvenes, the rules of the parliamentary calendar will still apply and the completion day for the Fourth Session of the Twenty-Eighth Legislature will be set.
March 19, 2020 •
Florida Legislature Adjourns 2020 Session
![Florida Legislature Adjourns 2020 Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Florida-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Florida Capitol Building
After extending the session to complete work on several appropriations bills, the Florida Legislature adjourned sine die Thursday, March 19. During the 2020 session, the Legislature considered but failed to pass any of the proposed ethics bills. Bills include changes […]
After extending the session to complete work on several appropriations bills, the Florida Legislature adjourned sine die Thursday, March 19.
During the 2020 session, the Legislature considered but failed to pass any of the proposed ethics bills.
Bills include changes to revolving door restrictions and the establishment of a centralized local lobbyist registration system.
Additionally, this does not affect any lobbyist dates reporting.
March 19, 2020 •
Despite Capitol Shutdown, Colorado Lawmakers Are Considering COVID-19 Responses
![Despite Capitol Shutdown, Colorado Lawmakers Are Considering COVID-19 Responses](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Colorado-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Colorado Capitol Building
Even with the Capitol closed and the legislative session suspended, Colorado lawmakers are working behind the scenes to craft legislation addressing COVID-19. Lawmakers are considering a pay hike for Colorado National Guard members activated in response to the spread of […]
Even with the Capitol closed and the legislative session suspended, Colorado lawmakers are working behind the scenes to craft legislation addressing COVID-19.
Lawmakers are considering a pay hike for Colorado National Guard members activated in response to the spread of the virus.
The Democratic majority in the House plans to prioritize continued downpayment of the debt owed to school districts.
Other conversations include how to provide immediate relief to businesses.
Industries eligible for relief include the retail and restaurant sectors, where most of the layoffs are occurring.
While the General Assembly temporarily recessed the legislative session to March 30, it is becoming increasingly unlikely the term will resume on that date.
March 19, 2020 •
Iowa Legislature Adjourned Until April 15
![Iowa Legislature Adjourned Until April 15](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Iowa-Capitol-2-1000x563.jpg)
Iowa Capitol Building - Ashton B Crew
The Legislature passed a concurrent resolution to provide for an extended adjournment of the 2020 regular session of the 88th General Assembly. The extended adjournment is due to public health concerns over COVID-19. Senate Concurrent Resolution 102 provides upon the […]
The Legislature passed a concurrent resolution to provide for an extended adjournment of the 2020 regular session of the 88th General Assembly.
The extended adjournment is due to public health concerns over COVID-19.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 102 provides upon the adjournment of the House of Representatives and the Senate on March 16, both houses will remain adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on April 15.
The Legislative Council may shorten or further extend the adjournment if deemed necessary.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting dates .
March 18, 2020 •
Wyoming Legislature Wraps Up Legislative Session
![Wyoming Legislature Wraps Up Legislative Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1152px-Wyoming_State_Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Wyoming Capitol - By Bradlyons
The 2020 budget session of the Wyoming Legislature adjourned sine die on March 13 after 24 days in session. The session lasted an extra four days this year because of a decision made by lawmakers last year. During the session, […]
The 2020 budget session of the Wyoming Legislature adjourned sine die on March 13 after 24 days in session.
The session lasted an extra four days this year because of a decision made by lawmakers last year.
During the session, legislators passed a bill expanding limitations on campaign contributions.
Senate File 20 expands limitations on campaign contributions from organizations to include a candidate’s campaign committee or any political party or political action committee that directly coordinates with a candidate or a candidate’s campaign committee.
The bill becomes effective July 1, 2020, and does not affect lobbyist reporting.
March 18, 2020 •
Mississippi Legislature Halts Session Over COVID-19 Concerns
![Mississippi Legislature Halts Session Over COVID-19 Concerns](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Mississippi_State_Capitol_Jackson_Mississippi_3931963863-1000x563.jpg)
Mississippi State Capitol - by Ken Lund
The Legislature has announced the legislative session will be suspended. The Senate met March 18 to pass House Bill 1647. House Bill 1647 provides administrative leave to local government and school district employees in response to the effects of COVID-19. […]
The Legislature has announced the legislative session will be suspended.
The Senate met March 18 to pass House Bill 1647.
House Bill 1647 provides administrative leave to local government and school district employees in response to the effects of COVID-19.
The Senate also agreed to House Concurrent Resolution 65, suspending the session until April 1.
The resolution also extended the legislative session until June 9 and provided for a potential further extension until July 9.
The additional extension is needed if the Legislature is unable to reconvene in time for the June 9 deadline.
This does affect lobbyist reporting.
The end of session report due 10 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die will now be due on June 19 unless an additional extension of the session occurs.
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