In November 2008, 69% of Arkansas voters approved legislatively-referred Proposed Constitutional Amendment 2 (set forth by HJR1004) which became Amendment 86 to the Arkansas Constitution.  Amendment 86 reduces the period for which appropriation bills are valid from two fiscal years to one, requiring the General Assembly to meet in a limited fiscal session during even-numbered years to consider appropriation bills.

 Below are 5 facts to know about Fiscal Session 2014:

 1)Fiscal sessions begin the second Monday in February of even-numbered years and should not exceed 30 days.

 2)The fiscal session can be extended one time for no more than 15 days by a vote of 3/4 of each chamber.

 3)In order for non-appropriation legislation to be introduced, a resolution requesting permission must be approved by a 2/3 majority vote in both chambers.

 4)Fiscal bills must be filed no later than February 24, 2014

 5)A resolution to allow a non-fiscal bill must be filed no later than February 10, 2014.  If approved the legislation must be filed no later than February 24, 2014.