RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 407 (HB 49) 2024 Regular Session Bacala
Existing 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.
Existing 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.
Existing 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. Existing 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 existing
constitution.
Provides for submission of the proposed amendment to the voters at the statewide election
to be held Dec. 7, 2024.
(Amends Const. Art. III, §2(A)(3)(a) and (4)(a); Adds Const. Art. III, §2(A)(5))