What is crossover week?

The final week before the deadline for a bill to pass either the state House or Senate.

In order to be considered by both chambers of the General Assembly, a bill must pass in one by crossover deadline, which is generally supposed to be about midway through the long session.

Since North Carolina only holds a long session on odd-numbered years, most important bills that aren't passed by the deadline won't be considered for another two years.

That means a flurry of bills are considered by lawmakers in the week leading up to the deadline.

There are some ways around crossover.

For example, bills that relate to the state budget can be considered after the deadline. Legislators also sometimes amend a bill that has already passed to include the new provisions.

And in some cases, legislators create a study commission which can then recommend new legislation during the short session the following year.

In 2009, crossover week will begin on Monday, May 11. The deadline is Thursday, May 14.