Chart on Legislative Recesses

The following chart provides the recesses conducted by the California Legislature during its biennial session, as set forth in Joint Rule 51:

First Year (Odd-Numbered Year):

Type	Purpose
Organizational Recess	The Legislature shall meet on the first Monday in December following the general election to organize. Thereafter, each house shall be in recess from the time it determines until the first Monday in January, except when the first Monday is January 1 or January 1 is a Sunday, in which case, the following Wednesday.
Spring Recess	The Legislature shall be in recess from the 10th day prior to Easter until the Monday after Easter.
Summer Recess	The Legislature shall be in recess from mid-July until mid-August. This recess shall not commence until the Budget Bill is passed.
Interim Study Recess	The Legislature shall be in recess from mid-September until the first Monday in January, except when the first Monday is January 1 or January 1 is a Sunday, in which case, the following Wednesday.

Second Year (Even-Numbered Year):

Type	Purpose
Spring Recess	The Legislature shall be in recess from the 10th day prior to Easter until the Monday after Easter.
Summer Recess	The Legislature shall be in recess during the month of July. This recess may not commence until the Budget Bill is passed.
Final Recess	The Legislature shall be in recess on September 1 until adjournment sine die on November 30.

Chris Micheli is an attorney and lobbyist with Snodgrass & Micheli, LLC, as well as an Adjunct Professor at McGeorge School of Law.