The day-to-day work of the Legislature takes place both in
the Standing Committees (where bills receive a public hearing and discussion by
members of the Committee) and on the "floor" of the House and Senate. "Floor
action" may consist of Committee of the Whole debate, 2nd reading, or
3rd reading and final passage of bills.
The House and Senate typically convene at 9:00 or 10:00
a.m. each morning, recess at mid-day from 12 Noon until 1:30 or 2:00 p.m., and
adjourn for the day around 4:00 p.m. This schedule allows time for the Standing
Committees to meet and work on bills assigned for their initial consideration
(Committee meetings are usually scheduled prior to convening each morning, over
the noon hour or following afternoon adjournment, see "Committee Meeting
Calendars" on this Website).
The standard order of business for the House and Senate
while in session each day is set out in House Rule 2-1 and Senate Rule 4-1. The
House and Senate "Floor Calendars" at the left provide the daily convening time
for the House and Senate and set out the list of bills scheduled for
consideration that day on 2nd and 3rd reading (these
readings normally take place during the morning session) and bills on "General
File" which is simply a list of bills that are awaiting debate by the full House
or Senate sitting as the Committee of the Whole (Committee of the Whole debate
is typically scheduled for the afternoon session.)