Summaries of 23 Adjourned State Legislative Sessions

Several state legislatures have adjourned for 2016. Below are brief summaries of how the legislative sessions concluded in those states:

Alabama – the legislature adjourned on May 6 however the State continues to be embroiled in controversy. There were legislative attempts to impeach the Governor, the Speaker of the House was been indicted on 23 felony corruption charges, and the Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court was suspended from his seat on the Court pending trial on a list of six ethical violations. 

Alaska – the Alaska legislature adjourned on May 18 without passing a State budget, immediately prompting Governor Bill Walker (I) to call a special session to resolve the outstanding budget issues that began on May 23. In addition to the State budget, the Governor has asked for the special session to consider, among other issues, capital budget bills and tax increases on consumption and natural resource extraction.

Arkansas – the General Assembly adjourned its session on May 9 after approving a $5.33 billion budget bill.  

Arizona – legislators adjourned the session on May 7. During their last day, lawmakers voted on more bills than they passed during the entire 116 prior days of the session, sending more than 100 possible new laws to Gov. Doug Ducey (R) for consideration. 

Colorado – legislators adjourned on May 11 after lawmakers were unable to reach an agreement on infrastructure improvement funding and budget reforms. Governor John Hickenlooper (D), who does not possess a pocket veto, has until June 11 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk.

Connecticut – State lawmakers adjourned their session on May 4, though they returned to the capitol May 12 for a special session to finalize the budget.

Georgia – the Georgia legislature adjourned on March 25 after passing its State budget. 

Hawaii – lawmakers adjourned the regular session on May 4 after approving a measure to provide a $100 million program to climate-control 1,000 classrooms. However, they were unable to reach an agreement on renewable energy rebates. Governor David Ige (D), who does not possess a pocket veto, has until June 20 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk.

Idaho – the Idaho legislature adjourned on March 24 after passing a State budget. 

Iowa – lawmakers in Iowa adjourned their session on April 29 after passing a $7.3 billion State budget that included funding for infrastructure improvements but were unable to reach an agreement on funding for water quality projects. Governor Terry Branstad (R), who does not have a pocket veto, has until May 31 to sign or veto legislation just passed by the legislature. 

Kansas – the legislature ended regular floor sessions on May 2 after narrowly passing a $6.3 billion budget with a $22 million projected spending gap. The legislature is expected to return June 1 to consider vetoes from the Governor.

Kentucky – lawmakers in Kentucky adjourned the 2016 legislative session on April 15 after passing a revenue bill to finance State operations and approving funding for infrastructure improvements. 

Maine – the legislature in Maine adjourned on April 29 after its final day veto session. Legislators there were unable to override a veto from Governor Paul LePage (R) on a bill that would have boosted solar energy programs. 

Maryland – lawmakers in Maryland completed the 2016 regular session on April 11 and adjourned. Governor Larry Hogan (R) – who does not possess a pocket veto – has until May 31 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk.

Minnesota – legislators in Minnesota adjourned on May 22 after failing to reach an agreement on a transportation funding proposal and an infrastructure improvements package, including mass transit funding. Governor Mark Dayton (D), who possesses pocket veto, has until June 7 to sign or veto legislation that reaches his desk.

Mississippi – the legislature adjourned on April 21 after passing a $6 billion budget that cut spending across the board due to lower than estimated State revenues.  

Nebraska – the legislature adjourned on April 20 after passing a revised State budget that held growth to 3.6%. 

South Dakota – Lawmakers wrapped up the 2016 regular session on March 29 with the annual veto session. Legislators were unable to override Governor Dennis Daugaard’s (R) four vetoes from the session. 

Tennessee – the Tennessee legislature adjourned on April 22 after approving a $34.9 billion budget. 

Vermont – legislators in Vermont adjourned the regular session on May 6 after approving a $2.5 billion State budget and providing for greater public input for alternative energy proposals.

Virginia – the Virginia legislature returned on April 20 for a one-day session to review Governor McAuliffe’s (D) vetoes, one of which provided millions in coal tax credits. None of the vetoes were overridden. The regular session had ended on March 11.

Washington – Lawmakers adjourned the special session on March 29 after approving a $191 million supplemental budget to the $38.2 billion budget passed in 2015. The regular session had ended on March 10.

West Virginia – Governor Earl Ray Tomblin (D) called lawmakers into a special session, beginning May 16, to finalize the State budget legislators could not pass during the regular session. They will specifically consider closing a projected $270 million spending gap. A new spending plan is needed by July 1.