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Texas Legislative Dictionary

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What happens when a legislature adjourns Sine Die?

Sine Die Sine Die Meaning What does Sine Die Mean?

Definition

Sine Die (Latin: “without a day”) refers to the final adjournment of a legislative session, meaning that further meetings or sessions cease. In the Texas Legislature, the term is most commonly associated with the conclusion of a regular legislative session.

Context

The Texas Constitution mandates that the Legislature meets in regular session for 140 days every two years. On the final day of the session, known as Sine Die, the Legislature must complete any remaining legislative work. After final adjournment, the Legislature cannot reconvene unless called back for a special session by the Governor.

Example from Texas Legislature:
During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers scrambled to finalize key bills before Sine Die at midnight on May 29, 2023. Unfinished business by that deadline must start anew.

Example Usage

  1. “The House is debating the budget bill as Sine Die approaches.”
  2. “Once the Legislature adjourns Sine Die, members return to their districts.”

Process for final adjournment

On the final day of the session:

  1. Lawmakers finalize votes on pending bills.
  2. Ceremonial speeches and motions mark the end of the session.
  3. Both chambers formally adopt motions to adjourn Sine Die.
  • Adjournment: The act of ending a legislative meeting.
  • Special Session: A session called by the Governor after final adjournment to address unfinished or urgent matters.
  • Biennium: The two-year period between regular legislative sessions.

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FAQs

Q1: What happens to bills that are not passed by Sine Die?
Bills that are not passed by the end of the session effectively “die” and must be reintroduced in the next session to be considered again.

Q2: Can lawmakers return to finish work after final adjournment?
No, unless the Governor calls a special session to address specific issues.

Q3: Why is Sine Die important?
It marks the constitutional limit of the legislative session, enforcing deadlines for lawmaking and setting the stage for the next biennium.

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