Senate, House meet in joint convention; resolution adopted to receive vote count for governor and executive council

The Senate met in joint convention with the House of Representatives to receive the report of the joint committee appointed to compare and count the votes for governor and the executive council and to proceed with the inauguration of Governor Kelly Ayotte and the taking of the oath by the executive council.

Senator Buertzel moved the resolution that the Senate meet in joint convention with the House for the purpose of hearing the committee—s report. The presiding officer called for a voice vote; the ayes were recorded and the resolution was adopted. The chamber then recessed for the joint convention.

Before the joint convention, the clerk distributed security PINs to members, saying 24 PINs were available. The Senate opened with prayer led by Reverend Mark Warren and the pledge of allegiance led by Senator McConkie. Several procedural motions followed after the joint convention, including motions to adjourn and a motion to recess to the call of the chair to allow introduction and referral of legislation and other routine legislative business; those motions were approved by voice vote.

Votes at a glance: - Resolution to meet in joint convention with the House to hear the report of the joint committee to compare and count the votes for governor and executive council (moved by Senator Buertzel): adopted by voice vote; counts not specified in the transcript. - Motion by Senator Birdsell that the Senate adjourn from the late session: adopted by voice vote; counts not specified. - Motion by Senator Birdsell that the Senate adjourn from the early session so that late-session business be in order: adopted by voice vote; counts not specified. - Motion by Senator Bridal that, the business of the day being completed, the Senate recess to the call of the chair for purposes including introducing legislation, referring bills to committees, scheduling hearings, processing enrolled bill reports and amendments: adopted by voice vote; counts not specified.

The actions recorded in the transcript were procedural in nature: establishing the joint convention for certification and inauguration, and the subsequent recesses and adjournments to manage chamber business. The transcript does not record a roll-call vote or numerical tallies for any motion.