Session Updates
California |
September 02, 2008 Floor Sessions Conclude; Budget Still Unresolved
The State Legislature completed floor sessions late Sunday evening (August 31) after it became clear that lawmakers would be unable to bridge the impasse on the state budget. Legislative sources indicate that additional floor sessions - allowed by the state constitution until November 15 - would be held until the budget impasse is resolved. The legislature also failed to pass legislation to split health plans into five tiers to allow comparative pricing, and was unable to agree upon a measure to establish a commission charged with revising sentencing- and parole-related rules. Nevertheless, legislators did approve legislation to regulate health insurance policy cancellations; an exemption extension for public project volunteers; and a measure to allow certain younger illegal immigrants to apply for, and receive, financial aid for college. The governor has until September 30 to act upon legislation that reached his desk from the session. Find out more: |
Connecticut |
August 23, 2008 Special Session Update
Lawmakers convened August 22 in Hartford for a one-day special session to dedicate most of the state’s $75 million budget surplus to heating-cost relief for low-income consumers, schools, and non-profit organizations, including a $14 million reserve for Operation Fuel, a non-profit supplementary heating cost relief provider for families who do not otherwise qualify for regular government assistance programs. The legislative package also grants a $500 rebate to homeowners who repair or upgrade their furnaces. Attempts to amend the legislation in order to allow municipalities to form discount oil-buying cooperatives and to cap the state’s gross receipts tax on gasoline failed. The session is now officially in recess at the call of the chair. Governor M. Jodi Rell (R) - who proposed the legislation - has indicated that she intends to sign the two-bill package next week. Find out more: |
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New York  |
August 21, 2008 Special Session Concludes
Addressing a perceived economic downturn in the state, the State Legislature adjourned its special session yesterday after agreeing to $427 million in cuts from the state’s current budget. Most notable among those cuts was a six percent reduction in funding for regional transit, economic development, and community health needs.
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New Mexico  |
August 20, 2008 Special Session Adjourns
The legislature adjourned its special session yesterday (August 19) after agreeing to scaled-back versions of Governor Bill Richardson’s (D) proposals to: (1) provide health insurance coverage to approximately 17,000 children; (2) fund infrastructure improvements; (3) expand the working-family tax credit; (4) provide low-income heating assistance and fiscal aid for school bus fuel purchases and (5) provide emergency funding for those affected by recent floods in Lincoln County and the Ruidoso area. Legislators also approved a tax rebate plan that gives residents earning up to $30,000 a $50 rebate plus $50 for each dependent; Richardson’s proposal called for a $120 rebate and $48 for each dependent of a person earning up to $60,000. The governor has until September 11 to sign or veto legislation passed during the special session. Find out more: |
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New York |
August 14, 2008 Special Session to Convene
The New York State Legislature will convene Tuesday, August 19, for a special session to consider a plan, proposed by Governor David A. Paterson (D), to cut $1 billion from the state’s current budget by cutting spending for, among other things, Medicaid assistance, higher education, and so-called "pork-barrel" projects. At present, it is unclear when this session may adjourn.
Find out more: |
Illinois |
August 11, 2008 Special Session Convenes
The General Assembly will convene tomorrow (August 12) in Springfield for a two-day special session to consider proposals - called by Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) - to adjust the state’s education funding system, as well as a $25 billion construction plan.
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Alaska |
August 11, 2008 Special Session Concludes
The Legislature adjourned August 7 after lawmakers passed an exclusive natural gas pipeline license for TransCanada Corporation and a $1 billion energy relief package, which includes a one-time $1,200 rebate to Alaska residents. Governor Sarah Palin ( R) has 20 days - excluding Sundays - to sign or veto legislation once it reaches her desk.
Find out more: |
Mississippi |
August 11, 2008 Special Session Concludes
Lawmakers adjourned their special session August 4 after failing to reach consensus on several items - most notably, a Medicaid deficit funding plan. As a result, Governor Haley Barbour (R) is likely to opt for an increase in the gross revenue assessment on hospitals to cover the shortfall. Legislators also were unable to agree on a plan to sustain the state Health Department’s ability to utilize its laboratory to combat diseases such as the West Nile Virus. On the flip side, the legislature endorsed legislation to re-authorize the state’s Department of Employment Security as well as an increase in maximum weekly unemployment compensation benefits. Subsequently, both bills were signed by the governor. Find out more: |
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Connecticut |
August 02, 2008 Special Session Called
The General Assembly will convene August 22 in Hartford for a one-day special session to consider legislation that would dedicate the state's $22 million budget surplus to home heating relief measures.
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Massachusetts |
August 01, 2008 Floor Sessions Conclude
The General Court completed floor sessions early this morning after lawmakers agreed on an authorization of more than $10 billion in capital projects while restoring $56.4 million in spending struck from the budget by Governor Deval Patrick (D). Legislators also passed a healthcare cost management program; a refinancing package for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority; a measure to allow out-of-state gay and lesbian couples to marry in the state; and a 20 percent reduction requirement in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. Lawmakers were unable to agree to a measure to streamline voter registrations on Election Day, nor could they come to a consensus on a proposal enacted by several other states to circumvent the Electoral College in presidential elections by substituting a direct popular vote. The General Court’s regular session is now technically in recess, with intermittent informal sessions likely until the official adjournment. Once passed legislation reaches his desk, the governor will have 10 days to act upon it. Find out more: |
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New Mexico |
July 24, 2008 Special Session Called
Governor Bill Richardson (D) has announced that the Legislature will convene August 15 for a special session to consider a universal health care coverage plan; a $200 million road construction funding package; and proposed tax rebates to lessen the impact of recent gas prices. At present, it is unclear when this session may adjourn.
Find out more: |
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North Carolina  |
July 19, 2008 Regular Session Adjourns
The General Assembly adjourned late Friday after lawmakers reached agreement on a $21.4 billion state budget, which included a modest pay raise for teachers and state employees; $857 million in construction project borrowing not subject to voter approval; and no tax increases. Legislators also passed "Jessica’s law," which mandates a minimum 25-year prison sentence and post-release satellite monitoring for certain child sex offenders; an emergency foreclosure prevention program; increased scrutiny by state medical examiners of deaths that occur in mental institutions; and prohibitions on gun purchases by persons with dangerous mental illnesses. Lawmakers failed to agree to a state bailout of the state’s retirement plan for teachers and state employees, nor did they endorse an anti-bullying law that would have included gay and lesbian students under its protection. Governor Mike Easley (D) has until August 17 to act upon legislation passed during the session. Find out more: |
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Illinois |
July 11, 2008 Special Sessions Conclude
Yesterday, lawmakers concluded two days of special sessions after failing pass measures designed to bridge the budget impasse, including a proposal to expand gaming in the state. Earlier in the week, Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) announced cuts totaling $1.4 billion from the $59 billion budget passed by lawmakers in the waning days of the regular session. While Senate leaders have indicated that the Senate will not re-convene until the November lame-duck session, the House will return to Springfield next week for a three-day session to consider overriding several of the governor’s budgetary vetoes. It has been reported that House leaders also may try to add $300 million to state coffers by transferring money from as yet unspecified, non-critical funding streams. Find out more: |
Virginia |
July 10, 2008 Special Session Adjourns
The General Assembly adjourned its second special session of 2008 late yesterday after lawmakers failed to reach consensus on a transportation-funding package. A shortfall was created this year when the state Supreme Court ruled that, as an unelected body, the Northern Virginia Transportation Committee was not authorized to impose taxes, as it had been doing, and, consequently, was unconstitutional. Neither Governor Tim Kaine’s (D) proposal - which, generally, called for statewide taxes to fund highway maintenance - nor related plans put forth by the legislative caucuses gained any traction. Lawmakers were able to agree on other issues, including a measure to authorize the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to enter into fixed-price contracts for highway construction project materials, and an update of eligibility requirements for extended unemployment benefits. Find out more: |
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Alaska |
July 10, 2008 Special Sessions Update
Lawmakers re-convened yesterday for a second special session to further consider Governor Sarah Palin’s (R) recommendation to ratify a natural gas pipeline construction proposal from TransCanada Corporation. The legislature adjourned its first special session July 2 without taking any official action on the governor’s proposal. Other energy relief measures - including a one-time $1,200 cash payment to Alaska residents and a one-year moratorium on fuel taxes - also are on the table in this newest of sessions, which is slated to adjourn by August 7.
Find out more: |
Hawaii |
July 09, 2008 Veto Session Convened
Lawmakers convened a one-day special session yesterday to consider Governor Linda Lingle’s (R) vetoes. In all, the legislature overrode 13 of 41 vetoes, including those on measures increasing spending on social service programs; establishing a statewide preschool system; appropriating $500,000 to establish a Kapuna Care Program; and authorizing public school teachers to operate a distinct health insurance program. Lawmakers also overrode a veto on a bill mandating manufacturer recycling of printers, fax machines, scanners, and other electronic devices. Lawmakers failed to override a veto of a "right to dry" measure that would allow laundry clotheslines to be used on any privately-owned, single-family home.
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Illinois |
July 02, 2008 Special Session Called
The General Assembly will return to Springfield next Wednesday (July 9) for a two-day special session to consider measures proposed by Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) intended to bridge the state’s lengthy budget impasse. Legislators approved a budget in the waning days of the regular session that ostensibly creates an estimated $2 billion deficit for the new fiscal year, which began July 1.
Find out more: |
Delaware |
July 01, 2008 Floor Sessions Conclude
The General Assembly completed floor sessions early this morning after lawmakers agreed on several measures, including a $3.3 billion state budget; a $602 million bond bill; and a $45 million grant-in-aid bill. Lawmakers also agreed upon measures to expedite insurance premium tax receipts; shorten the time before the state can claim dormant escheat accounts; shift $2.3 million in annual proceeds from a portion of the Transportation Trust Fund to the general fund; and increase corporate franchise and race track slot machine taxes. Lawmakers were unable to reach consensus on a new tax for hospitals; a 50 percent increase of the state’s alcohol tax; and an increase in alcohol distribution licensure fees. The General Assembly’s regular session is now technically in recess, subject to the call of the chair. Once passed legislation reaches her desk, Governor Ruth Ann Minner (D) will have 10 days, excluding Sundays, to act upon it. Find out more: |
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West Virginia  |
June 29, 2008 Special Session Completed
The Legislature adjourned its special session Saturday, June 28, after lawmakers agreed on all 19 bills on Governor Joe Manchin’s (D) agenda, including a one-year freeze on the state’s gas tax; a $25 million appropriation to enable the transfer of certain teachers and school service workers to the Teachers’ Retirement System; and other appropriations for greyhound training tracks and school bus fuel costs. Legislators also approved a controversial amendment to a campaign finance law regarding public disclosures. The governor has until July 19 to act upon legislation that reaches his desk.
Find out more: |
Nevada |
June 29, 2008 Special Session Adjourns
Lawmakers concluded a one-day special session on Friday (June 27) that addressed an expected revenue shortfall by lowering the state budget approved by the legislature in 2007 by $1.2 billion. Legislators approved a mixture of budget cuts, however, were able to avoid taking tobacco settlement funds and deferring a four percent salary increase for state workers and teachers that is due to go into effect July 1. Governor Jim Gibbons (R) has until July 9 to act upon legislation that reaches his desk.
Find out more: |
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