Session Updates
California |
September 01, 2010 Regular Session Ends without Budget Agreement
Lawmakers concluded regular floor sessions for 2010 yesterday after failing to reach consensus on competing budget plans from the Democrats and Republicans (focusing on tax/spending increases and spending cuts, respectively). Legislative leaders are expected to meet with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) to finalize a spending plan and convene a subsequent special session when such an agreement is reached. Legislators also failed to approve a statewide ban on plastic grocery bags. As the session ended, lawmakers were able to approve several public compensation reforms; including $2.9 million in property tax refunds for overtaxed residents in Los Angeles, a ban on accrual of sick time and vacation until the last year of a public worker’s employment to boost their pension calculations, commonly known as "pension spiking," and a ban on automatic pay raises for local government officials that exceed the cost-of-living index. Legislators also approved enhanced penalties on reckless or aggressive celebrity photographers, increased rental car fees at airports, and the "Rigs to Reef" bill, which allows oil companies to leave the pilings of offshore oil-drilling platforms in coastal waters after the wells run dry. The governor has until September 30 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Official sine die adjournment is scheduled for November 30. Find out more: |
Mississippi |
August 20, 2010 Special Session Called
Governor Haley Barbour (R) has called on lawmakers to convene a one-day special session August 27 to consider a $500 million incentive package for economic development projects in the state. Barbour indicated that the projects are expected to create one thousand direct and indirect jobs. UPDATE: Lawmakers approved an incentive package -- including a $75 million state-backed loan -- to entice a Texas-based bio-fuel venture to build three such plants over the next five years in the state. Legislators also approved a statewide ban on synthetic marijuana, commonly known as K2 or "spice." Governor Haley Barbour (R) has indicated his intention to sign the bills into law. Find out more: |
Arizona |
August 06, 2010 Special Session Called
Governor Jan Brewer (R) has called lawmakers into a special session August 9 to correct a ballot measure that would require secret ballots for public elections and for workers voting to organize as a labor union. The state Supreme Court ruled August 3 that the ballot measure asks two separate questions, and therefore violates a constitutional requirement limiting ballot measures to one question. UPDATE: The special session adjourned August 11 after lawmakers approved a separate November ballot measure that continues the existing system of secret ballots in union elections. The referenda is seen as a pre-emptive method of thwarting potential federal "Card Check" legislation, which allows union leaders to simply gather affirmative signatures of at least half of the affected workers. Find out more: |
Massachusetts |
August 03, 2010 Floor Sessions Conclude
Lawmakers concluded regular floor sessions of the 2010 regular session July 31 after approving an overhaul of the Criminal Offender Record Information system, an economic development bill creating an August 14-15 sales tax holiday, and a measure that would require health insurers to spend almost 90 percent of their premium revenues on medical care rather than administrative costs. Legislators also agreed on a measure to award the commonwealth's electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the national popular election, as well as a gaming bill that establishes both resort-style casinos and slot parlors at racetracks. Governor Deval Patrick (D) has indicated he will return the bill to the General Court with an amendment that strips the slot parlor provisions. As the regular sessions ended, lawmakers could not reach agreement on a so-called "Right to Repair" bill that requires authorized automobile dealerships to sell the materials and information needed to repair cars to both independent auto dealerships and individual vehicle owners. The 2009-2010 biennial session officially adjourns January 4, 2011. Find out more: |
|
New York  |
July 26, 2010 Special Session Announced
Governor David Paterson (D) has called the legislature into an extraordinary session beginning July 28 to finalize the remaining portion of the state budget -- a revenue bill is still pending in the Senate -- and to consider a contingency plan to address a potential $1 billion shortfall if federal Medicaid funds do not materialize. Property tax relief legislation and a measure to allow certain state colleges to set their own tuition rates may also be considered. UPDATE: Lawmakers met July 28-29 without considering any legislation. Find out more: |
|
West Virginia  |
July 22, 2010 Special Session Adjourns
Lawmakers adjourned a special session yesterday after approving $1 million in funding for a pilot alternative school program for disruptive students. Legislators also approved a measure to allow a low-performing school to partner with community groups to improve test scores. However, a more-comprehensive overhaul of response measures for improving low-performing schools proved elusive. As the special session adjourned, lawmakers also could not reach agreement on alternative teacher certification methods. Earlier in the week, legislators approved, and Governor Joe Manchin (D) signed, a bill to establish a special election to replace the late Senator Robert Byrd. Find out more: |
Florida |
July 20, 2010 Special Session Convenes; Adjourns
Lawmakers convened and subsequently adjourned the special session July 20 sine die. Lawmakers took less than an hour to reject consideration of the governor’s proposal to place a constitutional amendment banning oil drilling in state waters -- already existent in statute -- on the November ballot. Legislative leaders have indicated that the legislature will likely re-convene in August or September to consider a package of economic recovery measures for those affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil-well blowout.
Find out more: |
|
West Virginia |
July 15, 2010 Special Session Called
Prompted by the recent death of United States Senator Robert Byrd (D), lawmakers are expected to meet today in special session to consider Governor Joe Manchin's (D) proposed revisions of the state's electoral law. Designed to streamline the process for filling U.S. Senate vacancies, the measure would require a special election be held within a year of the seat becoming vacant when at least 30 months remain on the seat's six-year term. Legislative leaders have not yet specified an adjournment date. This special session is separate from the planned July 19 special session dedicated to education reform. UPDATE (07/19/10): The special session orginally planned for addressing education reforms has been merged into the current special session. Find out more: |
Missouri |
July 14, 2010 Special Session Adjourns
Lawmakers concluded a four-week special session Wednesday after approving a $150 million tax break package -- including a provision to allow up to $15 million in annual employee withholding taxes -- for automakers, including the Ford Motor Company assembly plant in Claycomo. Legislators also approved state employee pension system reforms for new hires in 2011 and beyond -- including a raise in the state employee retirement age to 67 and a 10-year vesting period -- designed to save $660 million over 10 years. Governor Jay Nixon (D) is expected to sign both measures. Find out more: |
|
North Carolina  |
July 10, 2010 Regular Session Adjourns
Lawmakers adjourned the 2010 regular session early Saturday morning after reaching agreement on measures to attract data centers and film producers to the state, allow law enforcement to obtain DNA from certain criminal suspects, and require businesses to disclose their election funding sources. Legislators also approved an $18.9 billion budget and a major ethics package that increases penalties for exceeding campaign contribution limits, requires increased fundraising activity disclosure by more political appointees, and expands public access to state personnel information. Governor Beverly Perdue (D) -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has until August 9 to sign or veto legislation that reaches her desk. Find out more: |
|
Florida |
July 08, 2010 Special Session Announced
Governor Charlie Crist (I) announced that he is calling lawmakers into special session July 20-23 to consider a proposed constitutional amendment to ban offshore oil drilling within the state's waters. Such an amendment would need to be approved by August 4 to be placed on the November 2 ballot. However, there does not appear to be a present consensus with legislative leaders. House Speaker Larry Cretul (R) has indicated there is an existing statute that prohibits such drilling and that a constitutional amendment is not necessary.
Find out more: |
Delaware |
July 01, 2010 Regular Session Adjourns
Lawmakers adjourned the 2010 regular session early Thursday morning reaching agreement on a $3.3 billion budget and a $389.7 million bond bill to fund capital projects such as school and road construction. Legislators also approved measures to enhance penalties for sexual abuse against children, create a new residential recycling program, ban hand-held cell phone usage in automobiles, and strengthen public access to state records. The Legislature also began a special session, a technical move that allows either chamber to call itself back into special session (if needed) without the governor's approval. Find out more: |
|
New Jersey  |
June 30, 2010 Special Session Announced
On the day he signed a new $29.4 billion state budget, Governor Chris Christie (R) ordered lawmakers to convene a special session July 1 in order to consider his constitutional amendment to cap property taxes at 2.5% per annum. The governor also has charged lawmakers with addressing his proposals to reduce municipal and educational costs. While an adjournment date for the special session has not yet been indicated, the constitutional amendment faces a July 7 deadline to be placed on the November ballot. Find out more: |
Louisiana |
June 22, 2010 Regular Session Adjourns
Lawmakers concluded the 2010 regular session Monday after reaching agreement on a $26 billion state budget; which eliminates approximately 3,000 state jobs, makes across-the-board spending cuts, and closes a $580 million spending gap by tapping into existing funds and revenues from a tax amnesty program. Legislators granted new tuition-raising authority to colleges and universities, revamped the teacher-evaluation process to link performance reviews to student achievement and passed a measure that requires the governor to preserve and make public any records associated with the recent oil spill. The legislature also repealed a $15 increase in drivers' license fees and approved a ban on texting while driving in recent days. As the session concluded, lawmakers could not agree on a measure to eliminate the lieutenant governor's office, consolidation of higher-education management boards, a ban on red light cameras, a ban on smoking in casinos and bars, and a measure to let gay or unmarried couples adopt children. Governor Bobby Jindal (R) -- who does not possess a pocket veto - has until July 11 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
|
Missouri |
June 19, 2010 Special Session Announced
Governor Jay Nixon (D) has called upon lawmakers to convene a special session June 24 to consider tax incentives up to $15 million per year to entice the Ford Motor Company to maintain production of the next version of its Escape/Mercury Mariner SUV at its Claycomo plant instead of moving production to Kentucky next year. The governor also is asking legislators to consider a method for financing the incentives through decreased funding -- and increased employee participation -- in the state pension plan.
Find out more: |
|
Rhode Island  |
June 11, 2010 Regular Session Adjourns
Lawmakers adjourned the 2010 Regular Session early Friday after approving an education-funding formula, increased penalties for habitual traffic offenders, and a merger between Landmark Hospital and Caritas Christi Health Care. Legislators also reached agreement on the creation of the Deepwater Wind offshore turbine off Block Island, a November ballot measure to allow casino gaming, and legislation to forestall municipal bankruptcies. A new $7.8 billion state budget was approved last week. As the session adjourned, lawmakers could not agree on measures to improve access to public records and to reinstate the authority of the state Ethics Commission (recently stripped by a Supreme Court decision). Governor Don Carcieri (R) -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has until June 21 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
Tennessee |
June 10, 2010 Regular Session Adjourns
The 2010 regular session ended early Thursday after lawmakers approved a $30 billion budget. Legislators also passed legislation that makes it easier for bars -- as well as restaurants -- to sell wine and liquor by the drink, a measure to require jails to notify federal immigration authorities when they process prisoners without proof of legal residence, and enhanced penalties for fatally injuring construction workers in work zones. As the session ended, lawmakers were unable to reach agreement on a measure to instruct the state attorney general to sue the federal government if it penalizes any person for failing to buy health insurance, effectively nullifying the federal health care reform law passed earlier this year. Legislators also failed to agree on measures to ban "mountaintop removal" coal mining (defined as mining more than 2,000 feet above sea level), authorize stiff fines for motorists going in excess of 25 mph over the speed limit, and limit red-light enforcement cameras. Governor Phil Bredesen (D) -- who does not possess a pocket veto -- has 10 days upon transmittal (excluding Sundays) to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
|
New Hampshire  |
June 10, 2010 Special Session Adjourns
Lawmakers concluded a one-day special session after approving legislation to close a $295 million spending gap. The measure includes $50 million in state-agency spending reductions, especially from the Department of Health and Human Services, $44 million from dedicated funds, and $1 million from the judicial branch. The measure also relies on one-time cuts to bonding, the selling of state assets, tax and fee increases, and debt refinancing. Governor John Lynch (D) has signed the bill.
Find out more: |
|
South Carolina  |
June 04, 2010 Floor Sessions End
Lawmakers ended regular floor debates of the 2010 session Thursday after reaching an agreement on a $5.1 billion state budget which excludes new or increased taxes and includes across-the-board spending cuts, especially to local governments, education, and health care. Legislators also approved increased Medicaid prescription allowances, funding to hire 45 new state troopers, and additional funding to the state judiciary to offset rising expenses. As the floor sessions ended, the legislature could not reach a final agreement on a measure that would require a woman seeking an abortion to wait 24 hours after an ultrasound is performed before proceeding. The bill remains in a conference committee and may be further considered during the June 15-17 veto session. Find out more: |
|
New Hampshire |
June 03, 2010 Regular Session Closes; Budget Special Session Next Week
The General Court ended regular floor sessions Wednesday after reaching agreement on increased funding for low-income electricity assistance, a plan to allow employers to "furlough" workers (as opposed to laying them off) to qualify for state help in providing unemployment benefits, and a measure to reduce recidivism and enhance parole procedures. As the session concluded, measures to legalize marijuana and to nullify the federal health care reform law failed. Lawmakers also were unable to approve a state budget for the next fiscal year, prompting a return to Concord June 9 for a special session to finalize a spending plan and to close an estimated $295 million spending gap. Legislative leaders indicate that a new budget will likely include spending cuts, bonding, and new taxes and fees, however will not include the establishment of casino gambling. Also slated for consideration is a repeal of an extension of the tax on interest and dividends of limited liability companies. Governor John Lynch (D) -- who possesses a pocket veto -- has five days upon presentment (excluding Sundays) to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk. Find out more: |
If you already have a favorite feed reader, subscribe by clicking on the reader of your choice:
What is RSS?
RSS, which stands for "Really Simple Syndication," is a technology for sharing information on the Internet. Web sites will publish RSS "feeds" that you can subscribe to using the RSS reader (or "aggregator") of your choice. Your reader checks all your subscribed feeds regularly for new content and downloads any updates it finds. Using an RSS reader, you can read content from multiple web sites all in one place, without having to go to each individual site separately.
If you do not have a feed reader, it is easy to get one. Most RSS readers are free and web-based. Here are links to the sign-up pages for some of the popular ones:
If you do not have a feed reader, it is easy to get one. Most RSS readers are free and web-based. Here are links to the sign-up pages for some of the popular ones: