2011 Alaska Statutes
Title 24. LEGISLATURE AND LOBBYING
Chapter 24.05. LEGISLATURE IN GENERAL
Sec. 24.05.100. Special sessions.

(a) The legislature may hold a special session not exceeding 30 calendar days in length. The special session shall be called in either of the following ways:

(1) The governor may call the legislature into special session by issuing a proclamation. At a special session called by the governor, legislation is limited to the subjects designated by the governor in the proclamation or to the subjects presented by the governor, and to reconsideration of legislation, if any, vetoed following a regular session of that legislature. To enable the legislators to make travel and other arrangements, a proclamation for a special session shall be issued at least 30 days in advance of the convening date stated in the proclamation unless

(A) the proclamation is issued under AS 26.23.020 (k);

(B) the special session is called to address a disaster; in this subparagraph, "disaster" has the meaning given in AS 26.23.900 ;

(C) the proclamation is issued while both houses are in regular or special session; or

(D) the proclamation is issued within one hour after the second house has adjourned from a regular or special session.

(2) The legislature may call itself into special session if two-thirds of the membership responds in the affirmative to a poll conducted by the presiding officer of each house. Each presiding officer may initiate a poll by their joint agreement, and each shall initiate a poll upon the request of 25 percent of the membership of each house, expressed in writing and signed by those members. When two-thirds of the membership to which the legislature is entitled responds in the affirmative, the president of the senate and speaker of the house shall jointly announce the result of the poll and a date for the convening of the special session. If one of the presiding officers is deceased, has resigned, or is incapacitated, the presiding officer of the other house may conduct the poll of the members of both houses.

(b) A special session may be held at any location in the state. If a special session called under (a)(1) of this section is to be convened at a location other than at the capital, the governor shall designate the location in the proclamation. If a special session called under (a)(2) of this section is to be convened at a location other than at the capital, the presiding officers shall agree to and designate the location in the poll conducted of the members of both houses.