- within Intellectual Property, International Law, Government and Public Sector topic(s)
- with readers working within the Technology industries
In 2026, there are 46 states in legislative session. It can be difficult for your business to track legislative protocols in every state.
For example:
- Do bills carry over from the previous year of a legislative session?
Yes. A slim majority of states with biennial sessions carry over legislation from the first year to the second.
- When does a bill go into effect after it is signed into law?
States predominantly indicate that a new law becomes effective 60 or 90 days after enactment or after sine die. However, some states set a specific effective date in the legislation, which can vary widely.
This information is critical for government affairs teams seeking to engage in state houses. The authors have developed a state-by-state chart addressing these key questions. To request a copy or discuss the implications for your organization, please contact the authors listed above.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
