December 22, 2003Nation's State Legislatures Set to Meet in Key Election Year 36 state legislatures set to convene in January DENVER -- A collision of political and legislative schedules make for an interesting mix in 2004, as 78 percent of state legislative seats up for grabs in a presidential election year. With 44 of America's state legislatures holding regular sessions -- and the likelihood of several special sessions -- this means many state legislators will be working on public policy while keeping a close eye on their political future. The National Conference of State Legislatures today released its 2004 state legislative calendar, noting that only six states are not scheduled to hold regular legislative sessions. Beginning the fifth of the year through January 21, 36 state legislatures will begin their regular legislative sessions. Seven states will start their sessions in February or March, and one state will convene in May.Elections will be held for every state legislative chamber in 2004, with the exception of Alabama, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey and Virginia. Elections also will not be held for the Michigan and Minnesota Senate seats. The 2004 legislative calendar, compiled by NCSL, shows that, by the numbers:44 -- The number of state legislatures that will meet in 2004, compared with 50 in 2003.36 -- The number of state legislatures that begin their 2004 sessions in January.33-- The number of state legislatures that begin their 2004 sessions by January 14.15 -- The number of state legislatures that start their 2004 sessions on a Tuesday.15 -- The number of state legislatures that start their 2004 sessions on a Monday.14 -- The number of state legislatures that start their 2004 sessions on a Wednesday.8 -- The most legislatures that will convene on a single day. It happens this year on January 12.6 -- The number of states that do not have regular sessions scheduled this year.NCSL's state legislative calendar provides the following start dates for regularly scheduled legislative sessions in 2004:Jan. 5, 2004: CaliforniaJan. 6, 2004: Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, VermontJan. 7, 2004: Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New YorkJan. 12, 2004: Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, WashingtonJan. 13, 2004: Delaware, New Jersey, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, WisconsinJan. 14, 2004: Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Virginia, West VirginiaJan. 19, 2004: UtahJan. 20, 2004: New MexicoJan. 21, 2004: HawaiiFeb. 2, 2004: Minnesota, OklahomaFeb. 3, 2004: AlabamaFeb. 4, 2004: ConnecticutFeb. 9, 2004: WyomingMar. 2, 2004: FloridaMar. 29, 2004: LouisianaMay 10, 2004: North CarolinaThe following states do not have regular sessions scheduled: Arkansas, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon and Texas.Schedule of sessions for other NCSL members is as follows:January 2: District of ColumbiaJanuary 12: American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin IslandsNCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.### | Gene Rose
NCSL Public Affairs Director
303-856-1518 |
