The Legislature is continuing to advance measures out of the second house’s policy committee (June 27th was the deadline) as it comes closer to August 31, which is when the Legislature is required to conclude its work, per the State’s Constitution.

Most measures will need to be heard by the second-house fiscal deadline of August 15th. The Assembly will continue to place measures on their suspense file for those measures that cost more than $150,000, while the Senate has reduced their suspense threshold to $50,000.

Traditionally, the Legislature takes its summer recess during the month of July if a budget has been passed by the Legislature. This year, the notion of an on-time budget seems as likely as a snow storm in Sacramento in the summer.

With a multi-billion dollar deficit, a lack of willingness of Democratic members to address the shortfall by cuts alone, and an even stronger opposition to tax increases by Republican members, an end-date to the stalemate seems far off in the future.

In light of this fiscal “perfect storm”, the Legislature will continue to have a presence in Sacramento in July, as they work a “modified” work schedule. The Assembly and the Senate will likely continue to work bills that have made it to the floor and are eligible for a vote. Both the Senate and the Assembly’s Appropriations Committees will also continue to meet and move bills in an attempt to take advantage of the extra month in Sacramento.

Below is brief summary of key dates for the remainder of the 2008 session:

July 3 - Summer Recess begins upon adjournment, provided Budget Bill has been passed (J.R. 51(b)(2)).

Aug. 4 - Legislature reconvenes from Summer Recess (J.R. 51(b)(2)).

Aug. 15 - Last day for fiscal committees to meet and report bills to the floor (J.R. 61 (b)(14)).

Aug. 18-31 - Floor session only. No committees, other than conference committees and Rules Committee, may meet for any purpose. (J.R.61(b)(15)).

Aug. 22 - Last day to amend bills on the floor (J.R. 61(b)(16)).

Aug. 31 - Last day for any bill to be passed. (Art. IV, Sec. 10(c), (J.R. 61(b)(17)). Final Recess begins upon adjournment (J.R. 51(b)(3)).

September 30 -- Last day for Governor to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature before Sept. 1 and in the Governor's possession on or after Sept. 1 (Art. IV, Sec.10(b)(2).