Common reasons for a governor to call a special session include responding to economic downturns or other fiscal problems; federal legislation; disasters; and war. Some special sessions addressed more than one of these issues.
A special session is a meeting of a group of people, such as a government or organization, that is called for a specific purpose or issue. It is different from a regular session, which happens on a regular schedule.
Special Session Defined. A “special” session is one convened pursuant to a proclamation issued by the Governor. Article IV, Section 3(b) of the state Constitution specifies, in part: “on extraordinary occasions the Governor by proclamation may cause the Legislature to assemble in special session.
Arizona Legislative Sessions. Regular sessions of the Arizona State Legislature begin on the second Monday of January each year. Special sessions can be called by the governor or initiated by the legislature itself.
At times presidents have called Congress into extraordinary session to address urgent issues such as war and economic crisis. On other occasions, presidents have summoned the Senate into session to consider nominations and treaties.
A special legislative session called by the Governor by proclamation to address only those issues specified in the proclamation; also referred to as a special session.
The Arizona Legislature adjourned on June 15, 2024.
There are no limits on the number of special session that may be called. Many factors can influence the number of special legislative sessions that occur in any year, including: Court decisions. Federal government actions.
House speaker and Senate president pro tempore may call a special session upon receiving a joint written request of at least 60 percent of the members of each chamber.