General Assembly Kicks Off 2020 Legislative Session

November 19 marked the ceremonial start of the 2020 legislative session, commonly referred to as Organization Day.

Organization Day is made up of the swearing in of new and returning General Assembly members, as well as the annual first roll-call of all state lawmakers. It also allows caucuses from the Senate and the House of Representatives to organize in preparation for the upcoming session.

Of note, House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) announced he will step down at the conclusion of the session. He is the state's longest-serving House Speaker, holding the reins of the chamber since the 2011 session, after previously leading from 2004-06. He will vacate his seat some time in 2020, at which point a caucus of Republicans from his district will select his replacement.

New legislators participating for the first time include appointed members Dollyne Sherman (R-Indianapolis) and Ann Vermillion (R-Marion) in the House, and Stacey Donato (R-Logansport) in the Senate.

The General Assembly alternates between “short” and “long” sessions. Even-numbered years are “short” sessions, while odd-numbered years are “long” sessions.

The 2020 session is a short session, wrapping up by mid-March. The Indiana General Assembly is set up as a part-time, citizen legislature, which means lawmakers meet for only a portion of the year so everyday citizens can serve as representatives or senators and still live and work in the communities they serve.