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.