June 24, 2020 •
Idaho House Calls Unofficial Session
On the morning of June 23, 15 House Republicans met in the Statehouse to discuss and air grievances over Gov. Brad Little’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers read a multi-page statement against the actions of Little, stating he had […]
On the morning of June 23, 15 House Republicans met in the Statehouse to discuss and air grievances over Gov. Brad Little’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lawmakers read a multi-page statement against the actions of Little, stating he had violated the separation of powers within the state.
However, despite calls from GOP groups and protesters, lawmakers decided not to conduct any legislative action before ending the unofficial session.
June 19, 2020 •
Rhode Island General Assembly Recesses After Passing Budget Bill
On June 18, both chambers of the General Assembly recessed after passing the current fiscal year supplemental budget. The bill distributed funding received from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to cover revenue losses for the […]
On June 18, both chambers of the General Assembly recessed after passing the current fiscal year supplemental budget.
The bill distributed funding received from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to cover revenue losses for the fiscal year ending on June 30 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lawmakers are expected to return to session this summer to address the budget for the 2021 fiscal year after federal action for additional state relief is determined.
June 19, 2020 •
Tennessee General Assembly Adjourns Sine Die
The 111th Tennessee General Assembly adjourned sine die just after 3 am on June 19 after hours of overnight negotiations. The negotiations culminated in passing a $39.5 billion budget, cutting $1 billion from the budget passed in March due to […]
The 111th Tennessee General Assembly adjourned sine die just after 3 am on June 19 after hours of overnight negotiations.
The negotiations culminated in passing a $39.5 billion budget, cutting $1 billion from the budget passed in March due to the shortfall caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 17, 2020 •
Oregon Governor Brown Calls Special Session
Gov. Kate Brown has called for a special session of the Oregon Legislature to convene on June 24. Lawmakers will be addressing issues regarding police accountability, the coronavirus pandemic, children’s education, and jobs. With social distancing measures still in place, […]
Gov. Kate Brown has called for a special session of the Oregon Legislature to convene on June 24.
Lawmakers will be addressing issues regarding police accountability, the coronavirus pandemic, children’s education, and jobs.
With social distancing measures still in place, the upcoming special session will be different than what any lawmaker has seen.
The Capitol will generally be closed to the public, however legislators will still be able to get in to do business.
June 16, 2020 •
Colorado General Assembly Adjourns June 15
The Colorado Legislature adjourned sine die on June 15 after an unprecedented session. The session originally began on January 8 with a focus on school safety and funding education. On March 14, the session was postponed to curb the spread […]
The Colorado Legislature adjourned sine die on June 15 after an unprecedented session.
The session originally began on January 8 with a focus on school safety and funding education. On March 14, the session was postponed to curb the spread of COVID-19.
When lawmakers resumed in May, the session quickly shifted to balancing the state budget in response to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lawmakers were also able to pass legislation introducing a sweeping set of reforms for law enforcement in the state.
This reform is including a ban on chokeholds and a provision requiring officers to intervene if they see the use of excessive force.
With the legislative work wrapped up, the focus is now shifting to the November election.
Gov. Jared Polis must still give his final approval on many of the bills approved in the final weeks by the state legislature.
June 15, 2020 •
Iowa Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
Following a nearly two-and-a-half-month interruption, the Iowa Legislature adjourned the 88th General Assembly sine die on Sunday after a marathon overnight debate. This debate ends a two-week session shortened by the coronavirus pandemic and recent protests. In addition to the […]
Following a nearly two-and-a-half-month interruption, the Iowa Legislature adjourned the 88th General Assembly sine die on Sunday after a marathon overnight debate.
This debate ends a two-week session shortened by the coronavirus pandemic and recent protests.
In addition to the passing the budget, the session included action to protect businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits, address police misconduct, and change rules regarding election procedures.
June 12, 2020 •
Utah Special Session Targeted for June 18
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert is targeting a special session from June 18 to June 19 to adjust next fiscal year’s budget in response to COVID-19. A plan is underway to allow lawmakers the option of attending virtually. The day prior […]
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert is targeting a special session from June 18 to June 19 to adjust next fiscal year’s budget in response to COVID-19.
A plan is underway to allow lawmakers the option of attending virtually.
The day prior to the special session, legislators will get new revenue estimates during a meeting of the Executive Appropriations Committee.
It is not known how the budget numbers will look, but they will be drastically different from the more than $900 million in excess revenue lawmakers used to set this year’s fiscal budget.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
June 11, 2020 •
Gov. Walz Calls Special Session of Minnesota Legislature
Gov. Tim Walz called a special session which will begin June 12. The primary purpose of the session will be to extend the COVID-19 peacetime emergency by 30 days, making sure the state can quickly respond to the pandemic. The […]
Gov. Tim Walz called a special session which will begin June 12.
The primary purpose of the session will be to extend the COVID-19 peacetime emergency by 30 days, making sure the state can quickly respond to the pandemic.
The House and Senate adjourned sine die on May 18, marking the end of the 2020 legislative session.
However, unfinished business and recent protests have added to the agenda.
Walz is obligated by law to call a special session for the Legislature to approve the emergency declaration.
Although, the length of the session will be determined by the Legislature.
June 11, 2020 •
Hawaii Legislature Expects to Reconvene June 22
The Hawaii Legislature will resume its session on June 22 to address budget issues, COVID-19, and police discipline measures. The Legislature previously recessed on May 22 after passing legislation storing more than $1 billion in the general fund. Now lawmakers […]
The Hawaii Legislature will resume its session on June 22 to address budget issues, COVID-19, and police discipline measures.
The Legislature previously recessed on May 22 after passing legislation storing more than $1 billion in the general fund.
Now lawmakers will need to pass a balanced budget of approximately $413 million for the fiscal year.
In terms of law enforcement reform, lawmakers will consider a proposal to require police to intervene when they see their fellow officers involved in potentially unlawful situations.
The legislative session is expected to adjourn sine die on July 10.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
June 9, 2020 •
Canada House of Commons Recalled June 10 to Consider COVID-19 Bill
On June 10, the House of Commons will sit by order of a recall by the Speaker Anthony Rota, who issued the proclamation on June 8. Lawmakers are being recalled to consider a bill to enact certain measures in response […]
On June 10, the House of Commons will sit by order of a recall by the Speaker Anthony Rota, who issued the proclamation on June 8. Lawmakers are being recalled to consider a bill to enact certain measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The House had agreed to meet following the conclusion of the proceedings of the Special Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senate, currently on an extended adjournment, is scheduled to next meet on June 16.
Since the start of safety measures to deal with the pandemic, the House and the Senate have been recalled under special standing orders for short one-day sessions.
June 8, 2020 •
Kansas Legislature Passes Emergency Power Bill, Adjourns Special Session
The Kansas Legislature adjourned its special session on June 5 after passing legislation to amend Gov. Laura Kelly’s emergency powers. House Bill 2054 provides oversight on the governor’s ability to distribute federal aid and close businesses for longer than 15 […]
The Kansas Legislature adjourned its special session on June 5 after passing legislation to amend Gov. Laura Kelly’s emergency powers.
House Bill 2054 provides oversight on the governor’s ability to distribute federal aid and close businesses for longer than 15 days at a time. It also gives the Kansas Board of Education the power to close schools.
The bill further prevents the governor from using emergency powers to seize ammunition.
Additionally, the bill limits the sale of firearms during a declared state of emergency, including for COVID-19.
The measure has been sent to the governor’s desk for signature.
June 5, 2020 •
Rhode Island General Assembly Extends Postponement
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the General Assembly has canceled legislative sessions for the week of June 8 to June 12. In addition, the Joint Legislative COVID-19 Emergency Spending Task Force is expected to meet on Tuesday, June 9. The […]
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the General Assembly has canceled legislative sessions for the week of June 8 to June 12.
In addition, the Joint Legislative COVID-19 Emergency Spending Task Force is expected to meet on Tuesday, June 9.
The meeting will be televised and live streamed online here.
Both chambers of the General Assembly are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, June 16.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
June 5, 2020 •
Louisiana Lawmakers Call Special Session to Address State Budget
Louisiana lawmakers called themselves into a 30-day special session that began on June 2, immediately following the adjournment of the regular session. The special session agenda focuses on piecing together a more than $30 billion operating budget for the financial […]
Louisiana lawmakers called themselves into a 30-day special session that began on June 2, immediately following the adjournment of the regular session.
The special session agenda focuses on piecing together a more than $30 billion operating budget for the financial year that begins on July 1.
The session will also center on tax credit considerations, exemptions, and suspensions for businesses that were forced to reduce operations since March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 4, 2020 •
Georgia General Assembly Set to Return on June 15
Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and Speaker of the House David Ralston announced the Georgia General Assembly will resume its 2020 legislative session on June 15. The General Assembly’s session has been on pause since March 13 due to COVID-19 concerns. […]
Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and Speaker of the House David Ralston announced the Georgia General Assembly will resume its 2020 legislative session on June 15.
The General Assembly’s session has been on pause since March 13 due to COVID-19 concerns.
Upon reconvening, a key issue will be the state budget.
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