Senate adopts operating rules for 2026 first extra session

The Senate uses the permanent 2025 regular-session rules with the changes listed in this resolution. These rules govern the Senate during the 2026 First Extra Session. The resolution and its rules took effect upon adoption on October 7, 2026.

The Senate restricts what senators may introduce or consider and requires amendments to relate to the measure. Resolutions must set the rules for this extra session or end it. Bills, bill sections, and amendments must be necessary to give North Carolinians state tax relief on gas and diesel fuel. Every floor amendment must relate to the subject of the measure. An amendment to a bill allowed under the fuel-tax rule must also be necessary to provide that tax relief. Such an amendment cannot change total spending or tax breaks, or affect money moved to or set aside within the bill’s programs and funds. The chair of the committee where an amendment or replacement version is offered decides whether it relates closely enough to the measure.

The Principal Clerk handles bill filings and first readings, while senators add themselves as cosponsors through an approved electronic process. The filing cutoff applies on Senate session days during the extra session. The cosponsor rule covers filed bills and resolutions. Each bill’s electronic record must list its title and the senators presenting it. Cosponsorship must use electronic procedures approved by the Principal Clerk. Bills are accepted for introduction until 1:30 p.m. on a Senate session day and presented for first reading on the filing day. Cosponsorship closes at the end of the legislative day when the measure is first read and referred.

The rules set committee membership, quorum, and leadership authority. Standing committees must have at least five senators, including chairs, vice-chairs, and lead minority-party members. The President Pro Tempore sets each committee’s size and party balance. A senator may sit on no more than 12 standing committees unless the Rules Committee allows more. A quorum is the smaller of a majority or the chair and five other members. The President Pro Tempore and deputy may vote on every committee and subcommittee. The Rules Committee vice-chair or deputy may act for the Rules Committee chair when the chair is absent or directs them.

Senate staff gives received bills a first reading and records committee assignments; bills and resolutions normally advance to third-reading consideration after passing second reading. The first-reading and committee steps cover bills introduced in the Senate and House bills received by message. The third-reading rule covers both bills and resolutions. The Rules Committee chair, that committee’s vice-chair when the chair is absent, or the President Pro Tempore may send bills to one or more committees in sequence. Senate staff announces and records each committee assignment. A bill receives its first reading on the day the Senate receives it. After a bill or resolution passes second reading, it goes on the calendar for immediate third-reading consideration unless Article II, Section 23 of the North Carolina Constitution prohibits that timing.