Frequently Asked Questions about Convening a New Legislative Session

When does the Legislature convene a new session? The Legislature convenes in regular session at noon on the first Monday in December of each even-numbered year.

Where must the Legislature convene in regular session? The Legislature is required to convene in regular session in the City of Sacramento.

What is the first order of business when they convene? “Each house shall immediately organize.” This means each house elects its leaders and adopts its internal rules.

Who “takes the chair” in the State Senate when it first assembles? The President of the Senate (i.e., the Lt. Governor), or in case of his or her absence or inability, the senior member present.

What is the responsibility of the person who takes the chair in the Senate? First, call the Members and Members-elect to order, and then have the Secretary call over the senatorial districts, in their order, from which members have been elected at the preceding election.

What are the Senators supposed to do at the start of the new session? As the districts are called, the Members-elect are required to present their certificates, take the constitutional oath of office, and assume their seats.

What is the next order of business by the Senate? They may then elect their officers.

Who “takes the chair” in the State Assembly when it first assembles? The Chief Clerk of the Assembly, or in case of his or her absence or inability, the senior Member-elect present.

What is the responsibility of the person who takes the chair in the Assembly? First, call the Members-elect to order, and then call over the roll of counties in alphabetical order.

What are the Assembly Members supposed to do at the start of the new session? As the counties are called, the Members-elect present their certificates, take the constitutional oath of office, and assume their seats.

What is the next order of business in the Assembly? They must then elect their officers. In fact, there cannot be any other business, motion, or resolution considered before the election of the Speaker, with one exception.

What happens with legislators’ oath of office? An entry of the oath taken by <embers of the Legislature must be made in the Daily Journals of each house.

How does the Assembly organize itself? Within two days after the general election held in November of each even-numbered year, the majority and minority caucuses may meet for the purpose of selecting their officers for the next regular session.