Where and when does the Senate meet?
The Senate meets in the Senate Chamber at the General Assembly in downtown Raleigh. When Senate is in session, the Senators meet Monday evening – Thursday afternoon. North Carolina employs a part-time Senate. During odd years, Senators meet in what is called the “long session.” Usually beginning in late January, this session normally lasts until September or October. In even-numbered years, the Senate meets in the “short session,” beginning in May and ending in August or September. The Governor has the power to call the Legislative branch into Extra Sessions in case of special needs after the General Assembly has adjourned for the year. The last such session was the 2004 Extra Session on Economic Development Issues. According to Article 2 of the North Carolina State Constitution, “Neither house shall proceed upon public business unless a majority of all of its members are actually present.” Also, three-fifths of its members are required for extra sessions to proceed.
