Glossary
Emergency Clause
A clause that must be included in any bill, other than a bill that levies a tax or makes an appropriation for current expenses, if the bill is to take effect immediately upon passage by the General Assembly and approval by the Governor. The clause, as constitutionally required, sets forth the reasons a bill is an emergency measure. The clause is voted on separately by the legislature and requires an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the members of each house. If the emergency clause is approved, the bill as an emergency measure is voted on and also requires a 2/3 majority vote to pass.