Frequently Asked Questions About Urgency Clause Bills

What is an urgency clause? It is a section added to the end of a bill that makes the bill immediately take effect when signed into law by the Governor.

What is the main difference between a regular bill and an urgency clause bill? The regular bill takes effect on the following January 1, while the urgency bill takes effect immediately.

Is there a special vote requirement for an urgency bill? Yes, a bill containing an urgency clause must pass both houses by a 2/3 vote.

Are urgency clause bills treated differently than regular bills? In general, an urgency clause bill is not subject to the usual calendar deadlines contained in the Joint Rules that apply to regular bills.

If a bill is introduced without an urgency clause, can such a clause be added later? In order to add an urgency clause after the bill has been introduced without this clause, permission of the respective Rules Committee is required.

What determines an urgency? Article IV, Section 8(d) specifies that “urgency statutes are those necessary for immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety.”

Does an urgency statute require any additional provisions? Yes, an urgency bill must contain an urgency clause which specifies why the bill qualifies for this special status. Section 8(d) requires “a statement of facts constituting the necessity shall be set forth in one section of the bill.”

Why does the presiding officer at floor sessions announce the same vote twice for an urgency bill? Because the state Constitution requires “in each house, the section and the bill shall be passed separately, each by rollcall vote entered in the journal, two thirds of the membership concurring.”

Are there any limitations on the use of urgency clauses? Yes, Article IV, Section 8(d) provides that “an urgency statute may not create or abolish any office or change the salary, term, or duties of any office, or grant any franchise or special privilege, or create any vested right or interest.”