By Meagan Dorsch
How many state legislatures will hold session in 2011?
With the new year comes the start of legislative sessions for all 50 states and territories; 43 of those begin in January. Several will finish in only a few months, although eight states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands will meet throughout the year.
The length of states' sessions vary from a few months to most of the year. Illinois, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania are some of the states that meet throughout the year. Utah's session, by contrast, will last less than two months. Legislative session lengths may be unrestricted or limited and are set in a variety of ways. Currently, 11 states do not limit the length of a regular session. In the remaining 39, limits are set by constitution, statute, chamber rule or indirect method.
2011 is expected to be a busy year for state legislatures and we welcome everyone back in January.
Use NCSL's 2011 legislative session calendar to find out when your state legislature will go back into session.