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The General Assembly and its Terms

Terms


 

Act:

A bill passed by the Senate and House,
Adjournment:

The end of a legislative day. Regular adjournments set the date for the next meeting. Adjournment sine die (without a day) marks the end of the session, since it does not set a time for reconvening.
Amend:

To formally modify by adding to or deleting from a measure.
Appropriation:

Authorization for the expenditure of public funds for a stated purpose.
Bill:

A draft of a law presented for enactment.
Calendar:

List of bills awaiting action, entered in order reported.
Caucus:

Meeting of legislators of the same political party to decide policy and course of action.
Debate:

Formal discussion and decision on matter before the body.
Enabling act:

A law that permits a State official or a subordinate governmental unit to take specific action.
Floor:

The main level of the House and Senate chambers.
Hearing:

A formal meeting of a committee or commission at which testimony is presented.
Introduction:

The presentation of a bill.
Journal:

Record of daily proceedings in the Senate and House.
Lobbyist:

A person hired by others to influence the legislative process.
Point of order:

A question raised by a legislator concerning the rules of procedure.
Quorum:

The number of members required for the conduct of business.
Recommittal:

Sending a bill back to the committee that reported it out for consideration.
Resolution:

Expresses the will of the legislature or on either branch but does not, generally, have the scope or authority of law.
Session:

The period during which the legislature meets and carries on its business.