State Sessions Toolkit: The Ultimate Guide to 2025 State Legislative Sessions
by Lydia Stowe, FiscalNote
This toolkit is your compass through the 2025 state legislative sessions, equipping you with the knowledge and resources you need to engage, advocate, and influence the decisions that will shape your state's (and your organization’s) future.
In the dynamic world of state politics, staying informed and engaged is paramount, especially during an election year. This toolkit is your all-in-one guide to successfully navigating the intricate landscape of state policymaking, elections, and legislative processes.
The 2025 State Legislative Sessions Calendar
Tracking legislation across all 50 states and D.C. is no easy task but we help you make it more manageable. We compiled the convene and adjourn dates for all state legislative sessions in this free and handy download.
Download the 2025 state legislative sessions calendar to help you achieve your goals during this exciting and busy time of year. And keep coming back to this page as we continue to update the calendar throughout the fall. Download now
Everything You Need to Know About Pre-Filing Before the 2025 State Sessions
Most state legislatures are adjourned for the year, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit on your hands while you wait for the 2025 legislative sessions to start. In many states, you can use this time to pre-file bills — that is, to file a bill early so it’s ready to be introduced from the first day of session.
Pre-filing helps you keep up the momentum of your advocacy efforts by completing your paperwork early. It’s an excellent tool for government affairs and advocacy professionals to get ahead and give their issues a greater chance of being heard next session.
Every state’s approach to pre-filing is different; some enforce strict pre-filing deadlines while others allow a broader pre-filing window. Here’s an overview of the basic pre-filing timelines in every state. Learn more
Navigating State Legislative Timelines: Deadlines and Effectivity Dates You Need to Know
Grab your copy of the gubernatorial action deadlines and bill effectivity dates for all 50 U.S. states, along with Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.
Stay ahead of legislative timelines and effectively plan your lobbying and advocacy efforts. Gain a thorough understanding of the key dates that shape the legislative landscape, enabling you to strategically navigate the complex realm of state politics and policymaking. Read more
How to Effectively Track State Legislation and Regulations
Talk to people who have been asked to track bills at the state level and the stories that emerge are similar. There’s usually some mild panic, as images of grade-school civics class and School House Rock bubble up. Then, the search for resources begins with the realization that there’s a heavy learning process ahead. Read on to learn about the legislative process and best practices for tracking state legislation. Learn more
How to Create a Successful State Government Affairs Strategy
We spoke to pros and experts to bring you their reasons why you can and should have a state advocacy strategy to get action going beyond D.C. They share why you should pursue a state advocacy strategy, how federal and state advocacy are different, and tips for advocating at the state level. Get their tips
Track, Find, and Report on Your Policy Issues in 60 Seconds
FiscalNote State allows organizations to effectively discover and monitor state legislative and regulatory developments, prioritize outreach, and manage relationships with policymakers.