Frequently asked questionsWhen does the regular legislative session begin and end? Although the upcoming 2018 Legislative Session will begin in January, typically the regular legislative session starts on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March for a period not to exceed 60 calendar days.
How often do the houses elect officers? In November of each even-numbered year, the legislature convenes for the sole purpose of organizing each house. At this organization session, held fourteen days after general election, members are sworn in, officers are elected, rules are adopted and the committee appointment process begins. What are the different types and versions of bills? Different types of bills include: Appropriations, Claim, General, Local, Memorial, Resolution, Reviser and Trust Fund. Different versions of bills include: Committee Substitute, Engrossed, Enrolled, Proposed Committee Bill and Proposed Committee Substitute. How can I tell the difference between a House and a Senate bill? House and Senate bills are numbered in serial order as they are filed. House bills receive odd numbers and are prefixed by "H" or "HB." Senate bills are even numbered and are prefixed by "S" or "SB." What does the C1, C2, C3, etc. mean on the end of a bill number? Each "C" denotes a committee substitute, which is a substitute bill proposed by committee for a bill considered and amended by that committee. Each committee to which a bill is referred may adopt a committee substitute for that bill. A committee substitute may also combine multiple bills. What is the difference between an engrossed bill and an enrolled bill? An engrossed bill is a bill which has been amended. A bill may be engrossed several times. An enrolled bill, which may or may not have been engrossed, is a bill that passed in the Senate and House of Representatives in identical form and has been converted into an act for presentation to the Governor or Secretary of State. What is a linked bill? A linked bill is one that is contingent upon the passing of another bill. A trust fund bill, a bill providing a public records exemption, or an implementing bill may be a linked bill. What are the meanings of "identical," "similar," and "compare" as they relate to the companion checking of bills? A companion is a bill introduced in one house that is identical or similar to a bill introduced in the other house. Use of companion bills permits its concurrent analysis and deliberation by both houses. Companion bills which are identical word-for-word, including titles, are marked "identical" in bill history. Companion bills are marked "similar" in bill history if they are substantially similar in text or have substantial portions of text that are identical or largely the same. Companion bills with selected provisions that are similar in text are marked "compare" in bill history. What does the bill action "in messages" mean? "In messages" refers to the location of a bill passed by a chamber en route to or residing in the other chamber for consideration. How often is bill information updated on MyFloridaHouse.com? Bill information is continually updated at MyFloridaHouse.com How do I track a bill? MyFloridaHouse.com makes it easy to follow a bill as it progresses through the legislative process. Every filed bill has a web page that offers current information about the bill and provides links to official documents associated with the bill. How can I check to see if a particular legislator voted on a bill? Floor votes for each bill are available as part of bill information on MyFloridaHouse.com. The information provided in provisional. For an official copy of a legislator's vote on a bill, consult the Senate or House journal. How can I search a bill on MyFloridaHouse.com?
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