Senate adopts operating resolution for special session, sets recess rules

The Senate opened a special session called by the governor and adopted an operating resolution to govern the body's conduct during the session.

The clerk read a proclamation summarizing the governor's April 2026 call for a special session to complete the 02/2028 biannual budget and confirm appointments. A senator moved to suspend the rules and take up Senate Resolution 2001 for immediate consideration; the motion to suspend the rules carried on a recorded vote (36–0), and the resolution was agreed to. The operating resolution addresses per diem and modest reimbursements and includes a paragraph allowing the Senate to stand in recess and reconvene with at least 48 hours’ notice by the chair of the Senate Committee on Rules.

In addition to SR 2001, senators considered memorial and commending resolutions in block (SR 2002–SR 2011 and SR 2006–SR 2008) and agreed to them in the usual manner. Senate Resolution 2012 honoring former delegate Marian Van Landingham was also suspended into immediate consideration and agreed to by voice vote (Ayes 37, No 0).

Late in the morning hour, leadership moved that the body recess and reconvene with at least 48 hours’ notice by the rules chair; the motion was agreed to and the Senate stood in recess.

Votes at a glance:
• Motion to suspend rules and take up SR 2001 for immediate consideration — recorded vote: Aye 36, No 0; outcome: rules suspended and SR 2001 taken up.
• SR 2001 — agreed to (voice/recorded procedures followed as shown on the floor).
• SR 2006–SR 2008 and SR 2002–SR 2011 — agreed to as blocks by voice vote.
• SR 2012 (memorial for Marian Van Landingham) — agreed to after suspension; recorded Ayes 37, No 0 on the suspension.

The Senate recessed after these actions and will reconvene under the authority established by SR 2001.