Frequently Asked Questions about Adjournment in the California Legislature

Is there more than one type of adjournment in the California Legislature? Yes, there is a distinction between adjournment and adjournment sine die.

What is the definition of adjournment? According to the Legislative Counsel’s Glossary of Terms, adjournment means the termination of a meeting, occurring at the close of each legislative day upon the completion of business, which is accomplished by a successful motion to end the session, with the hour and day of the next meeting being set prior to adjournment.

What is required for adjournment? In order for the Assembly and Senate to adjourn, a motion to adjourn must be made. The motion to adjourn is not debatable and may not be amended.

Is a motion to adjourn always in order? Yes, it is always in order, except when another Member has the floor, when voting is taking place, or during a call of the house.

How is the adjournment motion handled by the Assembly? Pursuant to Assembly Rule 84, the details of the adjournment motion are entered in the Assembly Daily Journal. A motion to adjourn requires a majority vote. 

What is the other type of adjournment? Adjournment sine die which, in Latin, means literally to adjourn without days. According to the Legislative Counsel’s Glossary of Terms, the phrase means that there are no more days left in the 2-year Session. It is used to describe the final termination of the two-year legislative session.

What is the constitutional provision on adjournment? Pursuant to Article IV, Section 3(a) of the California Constitution, “each session of the Legislature shall adjourn sine die by operation of the Constitution at midnight on November 30 of the following even-numbered year.” Both regular and special sessions of the Legislature adjourn sine die at midnight on November 30 of each even-numbered year.