As we approach the half-way mark here at the Capitol, daily floor sessions are longer. The first major deadline of this year’s session occurs on February 8. On that day, known as “Crossover,” the Senate has to finish its work on bills filed by senators and the House has to finish its work on bills filed by delegates. After that day, both the Senate begins to consider bills approved by the House and the House begins to consider bills approved by the Senate.

Deadlines like these make it possible for the General Assembly to consider the more than 2,000 pieces of legislation filed by legislators this year alone.