State Government Affairs
"Extended Recess" and Other Confusing Legislative Session Terms Explained
August 19, 2021 | David Shonerd
We get a lot of questions about state legislatures’ status and legislative terminology - such as, “What does extended recess mean, and how is it different from adjournment?” Since several states are currently in “extended recess,” while others have adjourned or are about to adjourn, here's a guide to help sort through some of these terms and why they matter. We break down common terms used by multiple states and explain the differences between “recess” and “extended recess,” adjourned” and “adjourned sine die,” and “special session” and “extended recess.”