Summary: Use this guide to plan when (and where) you can file bills before 2026 sessions convene. It includes a quick table of session dates and known pre-filing start dates, then a short, state-by-state cheat sheet with practical notes (carryover considerations, biennial quirks, and short sessions). Dates below come from Quorum’s 2026 State Sessions Calendar and spot-checks against official legislature sites. Always verify locally—rules change fast and chambers publish detailed calendars as session approaches.
2026 pre-filing at a glance
The table below lists the regular session window and the earliest published pre-filing/open filing date we could confirm. “—” means no pre-filing date was listed on our reference calendar; some of these states don’t allow pre-filing, while others simply haven’t posted a date yet. Sources are noted beneath the table.
Notes:
Biennial “no-regular-session” states in 2026: Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Texas. Use 2026 for interim studies, relationship-building, and bill drafting ahead of 2027.
Carryover reminder: Bill carryover rules vary widely by state (and sometimes by chamber). Use carryover to your advantage where allowed; in stricter states, assume you’ll need to re-file in 2026. NCSL’s long-standing guidance and many vendor maps summarize which states carry over, but always check the current chamber rules and docket deadlines. (StateScape)
How to Operationalize Pre-Filing
- Create a rolling pre-file dashboard. Track each target bill concept with an owner, sponsor, drafter, and “file-by” date tied to the state’s earliest opening. Use saved alerts to catch when chambers post updated calendars or rule memos.
- Sequence your outreach. For short or 30-day sessions (e.g., NM, OR, UT), schedule lawmaker briefings and coalition letters before the pre-file window opens; log meetings and commitments so you can move quickly on day one.
- Prove momentum. Use pre-file numbers and early co-sponsorships in your reports to leadership; Quorum’s dashboards and alerts help show progress across states in real time.
Pre-filing is your best lever for a clean launch in 2026 — especially in short sessions and states with strict bill limits. Use the windows above to time your drafting, briefings, and stakeholder asks. Then keep one eye on carryover rules and biennial quirks (MT, NV, ND, TX) so you aren’t surprised by what can or can’t advance this year. When in doubt, confirm with the chamber clerk or LSO; they publish the authoritative deadlines.