August 21, 2014 •
North Carolina General Assembly Adjourns
After 163 legislative days, the North Carolina General Assembly has adjourned sine die. The adjournment is several weeks overdue as legislators hotly debated such contentious issues as pay increases for educators and the dumping of coal ash. Photo of the […]
After 163 legislative days, the North Carolina General Assembly has adjourned sine die.
The adjournment is several weeks overdue as legislators hotly debated such contentious issues as pay increases for educators and the dumping of coal ash.
Photo of the North Carolina Legislative Building by Jayron32 on Wikimedia Commons.
August 4, 2014 •
Florida Legislature Will Convene Special Session on Aug. 7
The Florida Legislature will convene a special session at noon on Thursday, August 7, 2014. The special session is a result of a ruling by Judge Terry Lewis ordering the Legislature to revise its congressional district maps, specifically for the […]
The Florida Legislature will convene a special session at noon on Thursday, August 7, 2014. The special session is a result of a ruling by Judge Terry Lewis ordering the Legislature to revise its congressional district maps, specifically for the 5th and 10th Congressional Districts.
The Legislature could potentially adjourn as early as Monday, August 11, under a proposed schedule released by House Speaker Will Weatherford and Senate President Don Gaetz. However, the Legislature has until August 15 to revise the maps.
Photo of the Florida State Capitol by Jenn Greiving on Wikimedia Commons.
July 30, 2014 •
Christie Calls Special Legislative Session
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has called a special legislative session for Thursday, July 31. The session will convene at noon with Christie detailing his recommendations for amendments to the state’s bail system. Christie is asking the legislators to consider […]
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has called a special legislative session for Thursday, July 31. The session will convene at noon with Christie detailing his recommendations for amendments to the state’s bail system.
Christie is asking the legislators to consider a constitutional amendment allowing judges to deny bail to defendants considered dangerous or a flight risk, as well as legislation offering a non-monetary option for pre-trial release based on a risk assessment.
A constitutional amendment requires voter approval, and the amendment must pass both houses with 60 percent majorities by Monday, August 4, to make it on the ballot in November.
July 30, 2014 •
Delaware Gov. Calls Special Session
Gov. Jack Markell has called a special legislative session to convene October 8, 2014. The purpose of the special session is to confirm a new state Supreme Court justice after the abrupt resignation of sitting Justice Carolyn Berger. The nominee, […]
Gov. Jack Markell has called a special legislative session to convene October 8, 2014.
The purpose of the special session is to confirm a new state Supreme Court justice after the abrupt resignation of sitting Justice Carolyn Berger.
The nominee, Leo Shrine, currently sits on the bench of the Delaware Chancery Court.
July 29, 2014 •
New Brunswick Legislative Assembly Convenes One-Day Special Session
The Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick convened July 29, 2014, for a one day special session to address pension changes for retirees. The Assembly plans to amend the Pension Benefits Act to include retirees from Fraser Papers, a local pulp […]
The Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick convened July 29, 2014, for a one day special session to address pension changes for retirees.
The Assembly plans to amend the Pension Benefits Act to include retirees from Fraser Papers, a local pulp mill that filed for bankruptcy in 2009, in an increased pension payout scheme.
More than 1,200 retirees will benefit from the amendment.
July 28, 2014 •
Ontario Legislature Adjourns for Summer
On July 24, the Ontario, Canada, Legislature adjourned its session with unanimous consent until October 20, 2014. According to The Record, legislators will continue to work over the summer to address budget issues. “Make no mistake, this is not an […]
On July 24, the Ontario, Canada, Legislature adjourned its session with unanimous consent until October 20, 2014. According to The Record, legislators will continue to work over the summer to address budget issues. “Make no mistake, this is not an extended vacation that MPPs are going on, and certainly I will be working very hard over the coming weeks to prepare for all the implementation that comes with the passage of the budget,” said Premier Kathleen Wynne.
Photo of the Ontario Legislative Assembly Building by Antoien Cadotte in Wikimedia Commons.
July 1, 2014 •
Illinois Legislative Inspector General Steps Down
Tom Homer stepped down from his post as legislative inspector general at the end of June. Homer, an advocate for modern ethics reform, took the job in 2004 and served as the state’s first and only legislative watchdog. It is […]
Tom Homer stepped down from his post as legislative inspector general at the end of June. Homer, an advocate for modern ethics reform, took the job in 2004 and served as the state’s first and only legislative watchdog.
It is unclear who will replace him; the inspector general is appointed by a resolution approved by three-fifths majorities in both houses of the General Assembly.
Photo of Illinois State Capitol by Martin Haase on Wikimedia Commons.
July 1, 2014 •
Delaware General Assembly Adjourns
The 147th Delaware General Assembly adjourned sine die Tuesday, July 1, 2014. In keeping with longstanding Delaware tradition, legislators worked into the early hours of the morning attempting to pass dozens of bills before the end of the session. Noteworthy […]
The 147th Delaware General Assembly adjourned sine die Tuesday, July 1, 2014. In keeping with longstanding Delaware tradition, legislators worked into the early hours of the morning attempting to pass dozens of bills before the end of the session. Noteworthy among those bills are measures to provide $10 million in relief to the state’s three ailing casinos and to toughen penalties on DUI offenders.
June 25, 2014 •
Arkansas Governor to Call Special Session
Gov. Mike Beebe has indicated a special session will be called to address overcrowding in jails and teacher insurance. The House and Senate will consider a bill to add 600 beds to the Department of Corrections facilities and the Pulaski […]
Gov. Mike Beebe has indicated a special session will be called to address overcrowding in jails and teacher insurance. The House and Senate will consider a bill to add 600 beds to the Department of Corrections facilities and the Pulaski County Jail.
Lawmakers will also consider a plan to reduce insurance costs for public school employees by eliminating part-time employees and spouses who have other options for health coverage.
The session will begin on June 30 and last until July 2, 2014.
June 24, 2014 •
RI General Assembly Recessed on Saturday
The General Assembly concluded its session and recessed on June 21, 2014. Any bills submitted to Gov. Lincoln Chafee must be signed or vetoed by July 1. There is no pocket veto. Photo of the Rhode Island State Capitol courtesy […]
The General Assembly concluded its session and recessed on June 21, 2014.
Any bills submitted to Gov. Lincoln Chafee must be signed or vetoed by July 1.
There is no pocket veto.
Photo of the Rhode Island State Capitol courtesy of Garrett A. Wollman on Wikimedia Commons.
June 6, 2014 •
South Carolina Senate Has Work For Veto Session
Lawmakers adjourned the regular session on Thursday, June 5, 2014, but will return for a veto session on June 17. House Bill 3945, the ethics reform bill, passed the House, but was filibustered by Sen. Lee Bright. The Senate will […]
Lawmakers adjourned the regular session on Thursday, June 5, 2014, but will return for a veto session on June 17. House Bill 3945, the ethics reform bill, passed the House, but was filibustered by Sen. Lee Bright. The Senate will have a final opportunity to vote on the measure during the veto session.
Gov. Nikki Haley confirmed on Twitter she would sign the bill if passed.
The Senate is also expected to select a new President Pro Tem, who will automatically be promoted to lieutenant governor and replace retiring Lt. Gov. Glenn McConnell. Former President Pro Tem John Courson resigned to avoid becoming lieutenant governor.
June 3, 2014 •
Louisiana Legislature Adjourns Regular Session
The 2014 regular session of the Louisiana Legislature adjourned sine die on June 2, 2014. Upon transmittal of a bill, Gov. Bobby Jindal will have 20 days to sign or veto the legislation. Photo of the Louisiana State Capitol by […]
The 2014 regular session of the Louisiana Legislature adjourned sine die on June 2, 2014. Upon transmittal of a bill, Gov. Bobby Jindal will have 20 days to sign or veto the legislation.
Photo of the Louisiana State Capitol by Bluepoint951 on Wikimedia Commons.
May 30, 2014 •
Legislative Assembly of British Columbia Adjourns
On May 29, the second session of the 40th parliament of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia adjourned for the summer. It is scheduled to reconvene on October 6, 2014, and to adjourn on November 27, 2014. Two campaign finance […]
On May 29, the second session of the 40th parliament of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia adjourned for the summer. It is scheduled to reconvene on October 6, 2014, and to adjourn on November 27, 2014.
Two campaign finance bills affecting local elections in the province were passed during the session. Bill No. 20, the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act, and Bill No. 21, Local Elections Statutes Amendment Act, 2014 require, among other changes, third party advertising sponsors to register with Elections B.C., report expenditures and contributions of $50 or more, and clearly identify themselves in any election advertisement. Both bills received royal assent on May 29.
May 30, 2014 •
Arizona Legislature Adjourns Special Session
On May 29, the Arizona Legislature adjourned its special session sine die. Two bills were passed creating and funding the Department of Child Safety. Gov. Jan Brewer immediately signed both bills. Photo of the Arizona State Capitol by Jeff Dean […]
On May 29, the Arizona Legislature adjourned its special session sine die. Two bills were passed creating and funding the Department of Child Safety. Gov. Jan Brewer immediately signed both bills.
Photo of the Arizona State Capitol by Jeff Dean on Wikimedia Commons.
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