The second half of the 109th Legislature consisted of a 60-day short session, with much of the time devoted to budget debate. Balancing the state budget, the only action the Legislature is constitutionally required to complete, remained the top priority. Extended debate on the budget during Select File limited the remaining time for other measures, leaving some legislative bills unheard.
A biennial (two-year) budget is enacted during (the long, 90-day legislative session) held in odd-numbered years. A short session occurs in the second half of the two year period, as such appropriations are already authorized for that following fiscal year. As a result, the number of issues and the dollar value of those decisions are typically smaller, though this can vary depending on current fiscal conditions. The next budget cycle will begin in 2027.
Despite these constraints, the Legislature advanced a number of key priorities. Revenue- related bills necessary to maintain a balanced budget were emphasized by Speaker John Arch, along with committee priority bills and legislative packages that allowed multiple measures to pass efficiently. A total of 107 bills were designated as priority bills this session with 88 of those (about 85%) ultimately passed into law. In total, 339 bills were approved during the 60-day session.
