January 21, 2020 •
New Mexico Senator Sponsors Post-Session Lobbying Bill
![New Mexico Senator Sponsors Post-Session Lobbying Bill](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/New-Mexico-Capitol-800x563.jpg)
New Mexico Capitol Building - Ken Lund
In an effort to increase transparency, Sen. Jeff Steinborn is sponsoring a bill that would require post-session lobbying reports. Under Senate Bill 53, lobbyists or their employers would have to file an expenditure report within 14 days after each legislative […]
In an effort to increase transparency, Sen. Jeff Steinborn is sponsoring a bill that would require post-session lobbying reports.
Under Senate Bill 53, lobbyists or their employers would have to file an expenditure report within 14 days after each legislative session listing the legislation they supported or opposed.
The 2020 session of the 54th Legislature is scheduled to begin on January 21 and adjourn on February 20.
If Steinborn’s bill passes, it will become effective on May 20.
January 17, 2020 •
North Carolina Adjourns until Spring without a Resolution to Outstanding Budget Measures
![North Carolina Adjourns until Spring without a Resolution to Outstanding Budget Measures](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/North-Carolina-Legislature-3-1000x563.jpg)
North Carolina State Legislative Building
The North Carolina General Assembly adjourned the regular session until April 28 after meeting for a single day. The Senate attempted but failed to override vetoes by Gov. Roy Cooper on teacher pay and the budget. Before adjourning, lawmakers unanimously […]
The North Carolina General Assembly adjourned the regular session until April 28 after meeting for a single day.
The Senate attempted but failed to override vetoes by Gov. Roy Cooper on teacher pay and the budget.
Before adjourning, lawmakers unanimously approved additional funding for the state’s scholarship for children of wartime veterans, which is expected to be signed into law by Cooper.
December 20, 2019 •
Michigan Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
![Michigan Legislature Adjourns Sine Die](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Michigan-Capitol-Building-1000x563.jpg)
Michigan State Capitol - By Brian Charles Watson
The 100th Legislature adjourned sine die at noon on December 19 after more than 100 legislative days in session. During the session, lawmakers voted to pass a bill to revise the rules on the governor transferring funds appropriated by the […]
The 100th Legislature adjourned sine die at noon on December 19 after more than 100 legislative days in session.
During the session, lawmakers voted to pass a bill to revise the rules on the governor transferring funds appropriated by the legislature to a different purpose than the one originally specified.
The legislature also voted to pass a bill to exempt equipment owned by a data center business from local special assessment levies, and some school property tax levies.
Per the state constitution, any business, bill, or joint resolution pending at the final adjournment of a regular session held in an odd-numbered year will carry over with the same status to the next regular session.
The 2020 session is scheduled to begin on January 8, 2020.
December 19, 2019 •
Utah Lawmakers Adjourn Special Session, Pass Tax, Health Bills
![Utah Lawmakers Adjourn Special Session, Pass Tax, Health Bills](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Utah-Capitol-Building-1-1000x563.jpg)
Utah Capitol Building - Jkinsocal
The Utah Legislature approved a sweeping tax-change bill during the one-day special session on December 12. The bill cuts state income taxes and hikes the sales tax on food, gas, and a list of other services. The tax bill did […]
The Utah Legislature approved a sweeping tax-change bill during the one-day special session on December 12.
The bill cuts state income taxes and hikes the sales tax on food, gas, and a list of other services.
The tax bill did not reach a two-thirds majority in either the House or Senate, subjecting it to challenge by a citizen referendum on December 16.
In order to qualify, the referendum must collect more than 115,869 validated signatures across the state by January 21.
Lawmakers also passed a bill to fund behavioral health services, moving $3.9 million from unused appropriations to provide health treatment.
The behavioral health bill passed with no opposition.
December 18, 2019 •
West Virginia House Adjourns Special Session
![West Virginia House Adjourns Special Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/West-Virginia-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
West Virginia Capitol Building - O Palsson
The House of Delegates adjourned the Second Extraordinary Session of 2019 on December 16 after reconvening the same day. Before adjourning, the House passed Senate Bill 2001. Senate Bill 2001 extends tax credits for tourism development projects through December 2025.
The House of Delegates adjourned the Second Extraordinary Session of 2019 on December 16 after reconvening the same day.
Before adjourning, the House passed Senate Bill 2001.
Senate Bill 2001 extends tax credits for tourism development projects through December 2025.
December 12, 2019 •
Utah Governor Calls Special Session
![Utah Governor Calls Special Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Utah-Capitol-Building-1-1000x563.jpg)
Utah Capitol Building - Jkinsocal
Gov. Gary Herbert called a special session of the Utah Legislature for December 12 to consider a massive tax reform plan. The special session comes a day after a divided legislative panel voted to advance a significant tax cut for […]
Gov. Gary Herbert called a special session of the Utah Legislature for December 12 to consider a massive tax reform plan.
The special session comes a day after a divided legislative panel voted to advance a significant tax cut for Utah residents.
In addition to the tax reform, the special session will include discussion of funding for behavioral health programs.
December 12, 2019 •
Connecticut General Assembly to Convene Two Special Sessions
![Connecticut General Assembly to Convene Two Special Sessions](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Connecticut_State_Capitol_Hartford-1000x563.jpg)
Connecticut State Capitol
The Connecticut General Assembly is scheduled to convene for a special session on December 18. The special legislative session is to vote on issues regarding a hospital tax settlement and a restaurant workers wage bill. Gov. Ned Lamont and the […]
The Connecticut General Assembly is scheduled to convene for a special session on December 18.
The special legislative session is to vote on issues regarding a hospital tax settlement and a restaurant workers wage bill.
Gov. Ned Lamont and the Legislature also agreed to convene a special session in early January to address a bonding bill and a long-term infrastructure plan.
December 6, 2019 •
U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Calls Special Session for Amendment to Cannabis Law
![U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Calls Special Session for Amendment to Cannabis Law](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Albert-Bryan-Jr-1-800x563.jpg)
U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announced a special session for December 18. The special session is to consider an amendment to the Medicinal Cannabis Patient Care Act. The amendment provides more regulatory controls and enables the generation of tax and fee […]
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announced a special session for December 18.
The special session is to consider an amendment to the Medicinal Cannabis Patient Care Act.
The amendment provides more regulatory controls and enables the generation of tax and fee revenues.
If passed, the amendment would allow for the sale of cannabis products to tourists and create a regulated system to prevent fraud, increase transparency, testing, licensing and penalties.
November 21, 2019 •
North Carolina Legislature Adjourns
![North Carolina Legislature Adjourns](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/North-Carolina-Legislature-3-1000x563.jpg)
North Carolina State Legislative Building
The North Carolina General Assembly adjourned after finalizing a replacement map for congressional districts. Legislators extended the legislative session to redraw the map due to state judges blocking lines drawn in 2016 from being used next year. The session was […]
The North Carolina General Assembly adjourned after finalizing a replacement map for congressional districts.
Legislators extended the legislative session to redraw the map due to state judges blocking lines drawn in 2016 from being used next year.
The session was one of the longest legislative sessions in recent history due to the redistricting lawsuit and a fight over the budget.
November 21, 2019 •
West Virginia Special Session Adjourns
![West Virginia Special Session Adjourns](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/West-Virginia-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
West Virginia Capitol Building - O Palsson
While the West Virginia Senate approved three bills during the special legislative session, the House is leaving one measure for the December interim meetings. The Senate adjourned the special session sine die after quickly passing versions of all three bills […]
While the West Virginia Senate approved three bills during the special legislative session, the House is leaving one measure for the December interim meetings.
The Senate adjourned the special session sine die after quickly passing versions of all three bills without substantial debates.
Lawmakers approved legislation to limit DUI expungement procedures to be in compliance with federal regulations.
Additionally, legislation approved limits spending authority for debt service payments for the second and third rounds of the general obligation bonds.
However, the House placed Senate Bill 2001 on second reading, which extends tax credits for tourism development projects through December 2025.
The House adjourned until asked to come back.
November 18, 2019 •
West Virginia Governor Calls for Special Session
![West Virginia Governor Calls for Special Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/West-Virginia-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
West Virginia Capitol Building - O Palsson
Gov. Jim Justice issued a proclamation calling for the West Virginia Legislature to convene in special session on Monday, November 18. The session will coincide with regularly scheduled interim committee meetings. The purpose of the special session is to consider […]
Gov. Jim Justice issued a proclamation calling for the West Virginia Legislature to convene in special session on Monday, November 18.
The session will coincide with regularly scheduled interim committee meetings.
The purpose of the special session is to consider three bills.
The first bill would amend the West Virginia Tourism Act to extend the availability of the Tourism Development Act Tax Credit Program and authorize the tourism office to participate in reviewing, processing, and approving applications.
The second bill would bring certain DUI expungement procedures into compliance with federal law.
The third bill relates to spending authority for debt service payments on roads to prosperity general obligation bonds for rounds two and three.
Also on the call is legislation to pay for the special session.
Interim meetings are already scheduled for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
November 11, 2019 •
Virginia Democratic Controlled Legislature to Reintroduce Gun Control Legislation in 2020
![Virginia Democratic Controlled Legislature to Reintroduce Gun Control Legislation in 2020](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Virginia-Capitol-Building-1000x563.jpg)
Virginia Capitol Building - Ron Cogswell
The Virginia State Crime Commission cancelled their planned November 12 meeting regarding gun control. The meeting was scheduled to discuss eight bills proposed by Gov. Ralph Northam during the July special session. Republican Majority Leader Todd Gilbert also stated the […]
The Virginia State Crime Commission cancelled their planned November 12 meeting regarding gun control.
The meeting was scheduled to discuss eight bills proposed by Gov. Ralph Northam during the July special session.
Republican Majority Leader Todd Gilbert also stated the November 18 reconvened special session will become pro forma and lawmakers will not have to report to the General Assembly.
With the Democrats controlling the Legislature, lawmakers are expected to reintroduce the gun control issue in the upcoming January session.
October 31, 2019 •
Illinois Lawmakers Convene for Veto Session
![Illinois Lawmakers Convene for Veto Session](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/illinois-springfield-capitol-and-sky-1000x563.jpg)
Illinois State Capitol Building
Lawmakers are back in Springfield for a six-day abbreviated veto session to address major laws passed earlier this year. The veto session convened October 28 through October 30, and reconvenes from November 12 through November 14. The veto session agenda […]
Lawmakers are back in Springfield for a six-day abbreviated veto session to address major laws passed earlier this year.
The veto session convened October 28 through October 30, and reconvenes from November 12 through November 14.
The veto session agenda includes reviewing video gambling, marijuana, and vaping legislation.
October 31, 2019 •
Wisconsin Calls Special Session on Gun Control
![Wisconsin Calls Special Session on Gun Control](https://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Wisconsin-Capitol-1000x563.jpg)
Wisconsin State Capitol Building
Gov. Tony Evers called for the Legislature to convene in a special session on November 7 to vote on gun control legislation. The bills require universal background checks for all firearm purchases in the state. The legislation would also implement […]
Gov. Tony Evers called for the Legislature to convene in a special session on November 7 to vote on gun control legislation.
The bills require universal background checks for all firearm purchases in the state.
The legislation would also implement red-flag laws requiring people perceived as threats to surrender their firearms.
The impact of a special session may be limited, as lawmakers plan to convene and then immediately adjourn the special session on the same day without voting on the proposals.
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