The first session in held in odd-numbered years, and the concluding session of the biennium in even years. Legislative matters pending at the end of the first session can be carried over to the second. Any business still pending at the end of the second session dies. Legislative sessions are measured by legislative days. By law, the General Assembly can only be in regular session for 40 legislative days.
Legislative days run synonymous with calendar days.
Both the House and the Senate can adopt a joint resolution to adjourn and this suspends the count of legislative days. Such adjournments are common, meaning that annual sessions of the General Assembly always exceed 40 calendar days. The first task after the oath of office is taken is the organization of the house. Organizing officials State law provides that the task of organizing the house is to be performed by the clerk of the House of Representatives. Before taking a seat, each representative must take an oath or affirmation.