Refresh: What is a Special Session? Unlike a regular legislative session, legislatures hold special sessions to deal with specific issues or topics, limiting the session’s scope to these issues. Each state has its own rules and laws for special session procedures, including how they are initiated. In 14 states, only the Governor can call for a special session. Meanwhile, either a state’s Governor or legislature can call a special session […]
by: Ryan J. Stevens As COVID death tolls in the United States continues to rise and the economic impacts of the uncontained pandemic continue to harm schools, businesses, and households, many states are considering requiring flu vaccinations this fall. Which states may require flu vaccines this fall? Massachusetts The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends an annual influenza vaccine for anyone older than six months. In August, the Commonwealth announced […]
Congress gets back to work in Washington this week with brokering funding deals at the top of the agenda. Both the House and Senate must pass a stopgap spending bill to fund the government and prevent a shutdown on September 30. Congressional leaders plan to prioritize the most time-sensitive legislation during the short September session. Legislative efforts in both chambers to respond to Covid-19 and its economic effects hampered work […]
by: Ryan J. Stevens In a state’s system of checks and balances, governors maintain the power to veto legislation. Each state has its own laws and rules outlining the veto process, which varies from state-to-state. There are also numerous types of vetoes including line-item vetoes, amendatory vetoes, reduction vetoes, pocket vetoes, and full bill vetoes. Governors across the country have vetoed numerous pieces of legislation on various topics, some more […]