Select Legislative Terminology BIENNIUM
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
The two-year period by which North Dakota and Minnesota budgets are set. Unless called into special session, lawmakers in North Dakota meet once during the biennium. While Minnesota lawmakers have a flexible schedule, they are not required by law to meet annually - but are authorized to do so.
A group of members from the House and Senate appointed to resolve differences in a proposal passed by both chambers in different forms. CONSENT CALENDAR
Typically non-controversial bills that are awaiting their second reading.
BILL
FISCAL NOTE
A proposal calling for a new law, a change in current law, the repeal of current law or a constitutional amendment is drafted into a bill for consideration by the legislative bodies.
Fiscal notes are intended to be an objective assessment on the price tag of proposed legislation on the change in expenditures and revenues that will result from a bill.
CAUCUS
INTERIM
House and Senate members of the same political party or faction meet a “caucus” to elect leadership and discuss priorities.
The months between adjournment of one regular session and the next is referred to as the “interim.” When the legislature is not in session, committees continue to work on assigned studies and often produce legislation to introduce in the following session.
COMPANION BILLS
In Minnesota, identical bills can be introduced in the House and the Senate. The bills can be passed out of both chambers into committees for further action. If both bills return to the House and Senate floor, a conference committee would be appointed to work out the differences. Companion bills are not used in North Dakota as typically a bill is introduced in the House or the Senate, is referred to a committee. Once it returns to the House or Senate floor it is voted on and if passed, sent to the second house. If the bill is amended by the second house, a conference committee ultimately is appointed to work out the differences.
JOURNALS
The official records of the House and Senate, which are posted on their respective legislative websites. LOBBYIST
Lobbyists are individuals who attempt to influence action in a particular manner. These individuals may act on their behalf or be hired to do so. Information on how to register as a lobbyist, rules and reporting requirements can be accessed from each State’s Secretary of State office.
CONCURRENCE
REFERENDUM
When changes or amendments are made to a proposal, the original body can concur or not concur. Concurrence is an action in which one body approves or adopts a proposal or action taken by the other house.
Legislatures can refer law making proposals to the voters by passing a referendum. The referendum would be placed on the ballot for a vote.
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