February 18, 2016 •
Special Session of the General Assembly Called in North Carolina
On February 18, Gov. Pat McCrory called a special session of the General Assembly, for the purpose of drawing new congressional district maps. The new maps are needed because two congressional districts have been declared unconstitutional by the United States […]
On February 18, Gov. Pat McCrory called a special session of the General Assembly, for the purpose of drawing new congressional district maps. The new maps are needed because two congressional districts have been declared unconstitutional by the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina just ahead of the upcoming primary election.
The regular session of the General Assembly is not scheduled to meet until April 25.
Photo of the North Carolina State Legislative Building by Jayron32 on Wikimedia Commons.
February 8, 2016 •
Special Legislative Session Called in Louisiana Before State’s Regular 2016 Session
On February 5, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards called a special session of the Legislature to meet on February 14. The purpose of the session is to focus on fiscal issues concerning the state, including a call for reductions in […]
On February 5, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards called a special session of the Legislature to meet on February 14. The purpose of the session is to focus on fiscal issues concerning the state, including a call for reductions in the state’s ordinary operating expenses, new legislation affecting rates and brackets for state income tax, new legislation with regard to state contracts, and new legislation addressing the state sales tax on telecommunications services. Additionally, the governor is asking for a state constitutional amendment relating to deductible items in computing state income tax. In all, the session will address 36 items.
The regular session of the Legislature is not scheduled to meet until March 14. The governor’s proclamation specifies the special session is to extend no later than March 9.
Photo of the Louisiana State Capitol by Bluepoint951 on Wikimedia Commons.
February 4, 2016 •
Mississippi Governor Calls Legislature into Special Session
Gov. Phil Bryant has announced a special session of the legislature to consider economic incentives to bring two development projects to the state. The session, running concurrently with the regular session, began today, February 4, 2016. During the special session, […]
Gov. Phil Bryant has announced a special session of the legislature to consider economic incentives to bring two development projects to the state. The session, running concurrently with the regular session, began today, February 4, 2016.
During the special session, lawmakers will be exclusively considering the construction of a tire plant outside of Jackson and a project to help a Gulfport shipyard.
Photo of the Mississippi State Capitol by Shawn Lea on Wikimedia Commons.
January 20, 2016 •
Spring and Fall Sitting Dates Announced for Legislative Assembly of Alberta
Alberta’s New Democratic Party has filed a calendar for the Second Session of the 29th Legislature and announced starting dates for the spring and fall sittings. The spring sitting will commence March 8 with a throne speech and is expected […]
Alberta’s New Democratic Party has filed a calendar for the Second Session of the 29th Legislature and announced starting dates for the spring and fall sittings. The spring sitting will commence March 8 with a throne speech and is expected to run no longer than June 2. The fall sitting will begin on October 31 and end before December 1.
The spring or fall sitting of the Assembly may be shortened or extended by passage of a motion to be decided without debate or amendment. There is no word yet on when Finance Minister Joe Ceci will table the government’s budget.
Photo of Alberta’s Legislative Building in Edmonton by Tkyle on Wikimedia Commons.
January 13, 2016 •
New Jersey Legislative Session Adjourns
The state Legislature adjourned on Monday, January 11. Among the business handled the last day of the session was an amendment to the state constitution to change how redistricting is handled. Due to criticism and a lack of support, the […]
The state Legislature adjourned on Monday, January 11.
Among the business handled the last day of the session was an amendment to the state constitution to change how redistricting is handled. Due to criticism and a lack of support, the measure was pulled, with state Sen. Nicholas Scutari, who had sponsored the bill, promising the measure would be studied further and reintroduced in next legislative session.
The Legislature passed bills allowing counties to impose a hotel tax, to expand the state’s DNA database, and to require nonprofit hospitals to pay “community service assessments” to the counties in which they are located.
Bills concerning required sick leave for employees and required licensing and insurance for ride-share service drivers, like those who work for Uber or Lyft, expired at the end of the session.
December 21, 2015 •
Nevada Adjourns Special Session
On December 19, the Nevada Legislature adjourned its four day special session sine die. Four bills passed facilitating a move to bring the electric car manufacturer Faraday Future to Nevada. The legislation has already been signed into law by Gov. […]
On December 19, the Nevada Legislature adjourned its four day special session sine die. Four bills passed facilitating a move to bring the electric car manufacturer Faraday Future to Nevada. The legislation has already been signed into law by Gov. Brian Sandoval.
Photo of the Nevada Legislative Building by Dave Parker on Wikimedia Commons.
December 16, 2015 •
Nevada Special Session Starts Today
On Tuesday, December 15, Gov. Brian Sandoval signed a proclamation calling a special session of the Legislature to meet on Wednesday, December 16 at 5:00 pm. The session is being called to consider tax abatements and other incentives to lure […]
On Tuesday, December 15, Gov. Brian Sandoval signed a proclamation calling a special session of the Legislature to meet on Wednesday, December 16 at 5:00 pm. The session is being called to consider tax abatements and other incentives to lure the electric car company known as Faraday Future to North Las Vegas, according to the Las Vegas Sun.
Photo of the Nevada Legislative Building by Ryan Jerz on Wikimedia Commons.
December 8, 2015 •
Connecticut Governor to Call Special Session
Gov. Dannel Malloy announced he will be calling the General Assembly into special session after reaching a tentative deal with fellow Democrats on the state’s budget deficits. The session will begin December 8, 2015. While the governor and Democrats have, […]
Gov. Dannel Malloy announced he will be calling the General Assembly into special session after reaching a tentative deal with fellow Democrats on the state’s budget deficits. The session will begin December 8, 2015.
While the governor and Democrats have, for the most part, come to an agreement, Republican members of the legislature are not yet on board. It is unclear whether the lack of bipartisan support will hamper passage of any bill introduced.
Photo of the Connecticut State Capitol courtesy of Ragesoss on Wikipedia.
November 23, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Start-Up Leaders Embrace Lobbying as Part of the Job” by Cecilia Kang in The New York Times Campaign Finance Kansas: “Wichita City Council considers changes to campaign finance, salaries” by Kelsey Ryan in The Wichita Eagle Washington: “Seattle provides […]
Lobbying
“Start-Up Leaders Embrace Lobbying as Part of the Job” by Cecilia Kang in The New York Times
Campaign Finance
Kansas: “Wichita City Council considers changes to campaign finance, salaries” by Kelsey Ryan in The Wichita Eagle
Washington: “Seattle provides cash for average political players” by Gene Johnson (Associated Press) in The Detroit News
Ethics
“Ethics Committee Defers to DOJ on Pittenger Probe” by Bridget Bowman in Roll Call
Oregon: “Online financial disclosure system to launch Jan. 1” by Hillary Borrud in The Daily Astorian
Elections
Maine: “Maine May Be 1st State to Eliminate ‘Winner Take All’ Elections” by Christopher Cousins (Tribune News Service) in Governing
Legislative Sessions
Indiana: “Four things to expect from the Indiana legislature” by Brian Slodysko (Associated Press) in the Courier-Journal
Kansas: “Kansas black leaders agree on legislative, election agenda” by The Associated Press in The Topeka Capital-Journal
Massachusetts: “State legislative session sputters to an end” by Frank Phillips in the Boston Globe
Government Transparency
Alaska: “Alaska’s Open Data Portal Still Dark” by Nathaniel Herz (Alaska Dispatch News) in Government Technology
November 19, 2015 •
New Hampshire Adjourns Special One-Day Session
On November 18, a special one-day session of the New Hampshire Legislature convened and adjourned after considering establishing funding for programs to battle the state’s rising use of heroin and other drugs. Lawmakers agreed to the creation of a joint […]
On November 18, a special one-day session of the New Hampshire Legislature convened and adjourned after considering establishing funding for programs to battle the state’s rising use of heroin and other drugs. Lawmakers agreed to the creation of a joint Legislative task force to formulate legislation addressing drug abuse issues in the state.
According to the Union Leader, the task force will focus on several areas concerning illegal substance abuse, including “standardizing insurance company treatment authorization, enhancing the prescription drug monitoring program, [and] expanding drug courts.” The task force is expected to issue a final report on January 6, 2016.
Photo of the New Hampshire State House by AlexiusHoratius on Wikipedia.
November 16, 2015 •
Special Session Requested in Minnesota
Gov. Mark Dayton has requested state lawmakers to return to work in a special legislative session. Dayton penned a letter to members of the Minnesota Legislature asking them to address the need to help out-of-work miners in the state. In […]
Gov. Mark Dayton has requested state lawmakers to return to work in a special legislative session.
Dayton penned a letter to members of the Minnesota Legislature asking them to address the need to help out-of-work miners in the state.
In Minnesota, special sessions can be called by the governor.
November 6, 2015 •
Alaska State Legislature Adjourns Special Session
The 3rd special session of the 29th Alaska State Legislature adjourned sine die on Thursday, November 5. Lawmakers approved a $160 million spending bill for the state’s natural gas pipeline. Construction is still years away, but the money will allow […]
The 3rd special session of the 29th Alaska State Legislature adjourned sine die on Thursday, November 5. Lawmakers approved a $160 million spending bill for the state’s natural gas pipeline. Construction is still years away, but the money will allow study and planning for the pipeline to continue. Ultimately, if approved, the pipeline project could require a $15 billion investment from the state.
Photo of the Alaska State Capitol by Jay Galvin on Wikimedia Commons.
November 5, 2015 •
Special Session Requested in Maine
Governor LePage has requested a special session during an appearance before the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee. LePage is urging the committee to readdress the state budget and to reconsider additional funding to address the drug crisis facing the state. In Maine, special […]
Governor LePage has requested a special session during an appearance before the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee. LePage is urging the committee to readdress the state budget and to reconsider additional funding to address the drug crisis facing the state.
In Maine, special sessions can be called by either the governor or the Legislature.
October 29, 2015 •
Arizona Special Session Called
On October 28, 2015, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey called a special session of the Legislature to meet on the same day at 8 p.m. In anticipation of the session, lawmakers had met to create bills dealing with education funding in […]
On October 28, 2015, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey called a special session of the Legislature to meet on the same day at 8 p.m. In anticipation of the session, lawmakers had met to create bills dealing with education funding in the state and to authorize a special election for the May 2016 consolidated election date. Once the bills were ready, Ducey issued the proclamation for a special session and tweeted a picture of the proclamation on his twitter account.
Photo of the Arizona State Capitol by Jeff Dean on Wikimedia Commons.
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