Effective Dates and Sine Die

When all bills are passed, defeated or held, the business of the Legislature is over and the Legislative session adjourned. The term "sine die" is Latin for "without a day" or "indefinitely." Both definitions apply, for the Legislature adjourns immediately and will stay adjourned until the following January unless called into special session. When a bill is signed, it generally becomes effective 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

Resolutions - From "Arizona Legislative Manual - The Legislature in Operation" p. 36

A resolution is a declaration or expression of legislative opinion, will, intent or "resolve" in matters within the Legislature's legal purview. Three types of resolutions are used in Arizona.

Simple Resolution
A simple resolution is processed only through the house in which it is introduced and may express an opinion, appoint a committee, express regret on the death of a former legislator or other prominent person, request the return of a bill from the other house of the Legislature for a stated purpose, recognize meritorious service or commemorate a special event. A simple resolution is NOT signed by the Governor. Simple resolutions are designed "S.R. 1xxx" or "H.R. 2xxx," depending on the house of introduction.

Concurrent Resolution
A concurrent resolution is processed through both houses but is not signed by the Governor. It may provide for the submittal of referendum to the voters or legislative action to amend the United States or the Arizona Constitution. Concurrent resolution are designated "S.C.R. 1xxxx" or "H.C.R. 2xxx."

Joint Resolution
A joint resolution is processed through both houses and IS signed by the Governor. It is used to provide for temporary measures having the effect of law (e.g. ratifying a contract or some other official action not suitable for codification) but is not used for any purpose in amending either the Arizona or United States Constitutions. Joint resolutions are designated "S.J.R. 1xxx" or "H.J.R. 2xxx"

Memorials - From "Arizona Legislative Manual - The Legislature in Operation" p. 36

A memorial is a message sent to an officer or entity outside the Legislature and allows the Legislature to petition the recipient to acknowledge stated facts and act in a manner consistent with the request. It implies that the "memorialist" (the Legislature) lacks the authority to act directly on the subject. Memorials may request or propose that Congress or the President of the United States, federal agencies and officers or other states do things the Arizona Legislature has no jurisdiction to do itself. Memorials are NOT signed by the Governor.

Transmittal of Memorials or Resolutions

Sometimes the Legislature requests that the Secretary of State "transmit" a memorial or resolution to someone. Transmittal simply means the Secretary of State sends (traditionally mails) a copy of the memorial or resolution to the person or persons specified. It could be sent to the President of the United States, a member of Congress, or a person or group. The recipient or recipients are listed on the "Memorials, Resolutions and Vetoes" link under each Legislative session.