When sessions end

Most state legislatures that meet annually (44 of the 50 states) are beginning to conclude their sessions, and Stateline.org looks at many of the traditions that take place once the gavel falls for the final time. The traditions include a custom in the Missouri House to launch papers into the air (see photo, courtesy of Tim Bommel in the Missouri House Communications Office).

Unlike the Arkansas Legislature, which can extend a session by a two-thirds vote of both chambers, several states are constitutionally required to adjourn at a time and date certain. Lawmakers in Alabama, California, Illinois and South Carolina have literally stopped the clock at midnight to buy time for unresolved issues. Interesting article.