What’s Next for the General Assembly?

What’s Next for the General Assembly?

Monday, March 24, 2014

Although the 2014 legislative session has come to a close, the Indiana General Assembly’s work isn’t done. Throughout the summer and fall, legislators continue studying various issues and topics in preparation for the 2015 legislative session.

The interim – which lasts from the day after session ends to Organization Day in November – provides the Indiana State Senate and House of Representatives a chance to regroup. Since the General Assembly is a part-time legislature, lawmakers often return to their full-time jobs back home and take this opportunity to spend time with their families.

Legislators also come back to the Indiana Statehouse throughout the interim to review subjects that weren’t finalized during the previous legislative session. This is typically done through summer study committees.

Sometimes, a lawmaker introduces a bill, but the General Assembly decides it needs more time to make an informed decision on its topic. To do that, the legislation or topic is reviewed in a study committee.

These committees cover a wide range of subject areas, including education, insurance, criminal law and veteran affairs. Lawmakers are assigned to the committees, which can also include experts from the community or other state agencies. Committee hearings open discussion for further research and public testimony, allowing other legislators, civic leaders and interested citizens to have a say on the issue.

At the end of the interim, study committee members prepare a report of their findings and recommendations, setting up a structure for future legislation. Lawmakers often introduce bills based on these reports in the following legislative session.

Study committees assignments haven’t been announced yet, but once they are, you can follow their progress throughout the summer and fall. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated.