The special session is almost here. How does it work?

This week, legislators will travel from all over the state to gather in the Roundhouse once again in 2024 to discuss public safety initiatives.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham specially called them in to do so.

The first special session of the 56th Legislature in the state starts Thursday.

Typically, the Legislature in New Mexico only happens once a year. In even-numbered years, it’s a 30-day session, with nearly all matters being exclusively related to the budget. In odd-numbered years, it’s a 60-day session where legislators can consider anything.

But the governor of New Mexico can also call a special session at any time. Lawmakers can only consider content related to the governor’s proclamation.

This year, it’s all about public safety. The special session comes after many of Lujan Grisham’s priority crime bills didn’t make it through the 2024 regular session.

Lawmakers can only introduce legislation related to the proclamation the governor issues, which usually happens the day the session starts because it prohibits legislators from soliciting funds — a significant rule amid an election year for the entire Legislature.

Special sessions are limited to 30 days, so the summer session can’t go beyond Aug. 18. Lujan Grisham has said it’ll only last a few days, but lawmakers have voiced disagreement with the governor’s intended efforts, which could lengthen the special session.

It costs at least $50,000 per day to run a special session with the legislators’ per diem and mileage payments as well as the additional staff that are needed.

Lawmakers could adjourn whenever they want, if enough rule in favor of it, even without passing any legislation.

This summer’s session is the fifth special session Lujan Grisham has called during her tenure. She called for special sessions twice in 2020, twice in 2021 and once in 2022.

In the most recent special session in 2022, legislators passed money-related bills, including legislation focused on tax rebates and another outlining state appropriations and expenditures.

The governor has 20 days after the special session adjourns to sign off on any bills that get to her desk.

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