Act:

A bill passed by the Senate and House,

Adjournment:

The end of a legislative day. Regular adjournments set the date for the next meeting. Adjournment sine die (without a day) marks the end of the session, since it does not set a time for reconvening.

Amend:

To formally modify by adding to or deleting from a measure.

Appropriation:

Authorization for the expenditure of public funds for a stated purpose.

Bill:

A draft of a law presented for enactment.

Calendar:

List of bills awaiting action, entered in order reported.

Caucus:

Meeting of legislators of the same political party to decide policy and course of action.

Debate:

Formal discussion and decision on matter before the body.

Enabling act:

A law that permits a State official or a subordinate governmental unit to take specific action.

Floor:

The main level of the House and Senate chambers.

Hearing:

A formal meeting of a committee or commission at which testimony is presented.

Introduction:

The presentation of a bill.

Journal:

Record of daily proceedings in the Senate and House.

Lobbyist:

A person hired by others to influence the legislative process.

Point of order:

A question raised by a legislator concerning the rules of procedure.

Quorum:

The number of members required for the conduct of business.

Recommittal:

Sending a bill back to the committee that reported it out for consideration.

Resolution:

Expresses the will of the legislature or on either branch but does not, generally, have the scope or authority of law.

Session:

The period during which the legislature meets and carries on its business.