The Governor, by proclamation, may convene the Legislature in special session for a specific purpose. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, acting jointly, may also convene the Legislature in special session. A special session may not exceed twenty consecutive days, unless extended beyond such limit by a three-fifths vote of both houses.

The proclamation (known as the “call”) limits the Legislature to specific items of business. The scope of the items specified in a call is known as its “purview.” A bill must be within the purview of the call or receive an extraordinary vote to be considered in a special session.

The Governor may expand the call during the session. This can be done either by an amended proclamation or by a communication in the form of a letter.

Member's listens to a representative on the chamber floor.

Representative Coley speaks on a bill on the Chamber Floor.