DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 49 Engrossed 2024 Regular Session Bacala
Abstract: Allows the legislature, by a two-thirds vote, to extend a regular session in increments of
two legislative or calendar days up to a maximum of six calendar days beyond the original
sine die adjournment time and date if necessary to pass a bill appropriating money.
Present constitution provides that in even-numbered years the regular session of the legislature
convenes at noon on the second Monday in March, in which the legislature shall meet for not more
than 60 legislative days during a period of 85 calendar days. Specifies that no such session shall
continue beyond 6 p.m. of the 85th calendar day after convening. Present constitution prohibits
consideration of any matter having the effect of law, except a measure proposing a suspension of
law, beyond the 57th legislative day or the 82nd calendar day, except by a two-thirds vote of the
elected members of each house of the legislature.
Present constitution provides that in odd-numbered years the legislature shall convene at noon on
the second Monday in April, in which the legislature shall meet for not more than 45 legislative days
during a period of 60 calendar days. Specifies that no such session shall continue beyond 6 p.m. of
the 60th calendar day after convening. Present constitution prohibits consideration of any matter
having the effect of law, except a measure proposing a suspension of law, beyond the 42nd
legislative day or the 57th calendar day, except by a two-thirds vote of the elected members of each
house of the legislature.
Proposed constitutional amendment provides that if necessary to finally pass a bill appropriating
money, the legislature, by a favorable record vote of two-thirds of the elected members of each
house, may extend a regular session in increments of two legislative or calendar days. Prohibits the
legislature from considering any matter having the effect of law other than a bill appropriating money
during such an extension and prohibits a regular session from being extended more than six calendar
days beyond the original time and day for the session to adjourn sine die. Makes technical changes
and otherwise retains present constitution.
Provides for submission of the proposed amendment to the voters at the statewide election to be held
Nov. 5, 2024.
(Amends Const. Art. III, §2(A)(3)(a) and (4)(a); Adds Const. Art. III, §2(A)(5))