Frequently Asked Questions about Reconsideration of Bills

When a bill in the California Legislature fails passage either in committee or on the floor of the Assembly or Senate, it can be granted “reconsideration.”

What is “reconsideration”? According to the Legislative Counsel, reconsideration means a motion giving the opportunity to take another vote on a matter previously decided in a committee hearing or floor session.

How often can reconsideration be granted? After a committee has voted on a bill, reconsideration may be granted only one time.

What public notice must be given for reconsideration? A vote on reconsideration may not be taken without the same notice required to set a bill for hearing, unless that reconsideration vote is taken at the same meeting at which the vote to be reconsidered was taken and the author is present.

What is the vote requirement for reconsideration? An action taken by a committee may not be reconsidered except by a majority vote of the members of the committee. However, reconsideration is usually granted by unanimous consent as a courtesy to a bill author.

In the Assembly, when must the motion to reconsider be made? A motion to reconsider must be made on the same day that the vote to be reconsidered was taken.

On the Assembly Floor, what happens to the reconsidered bill? It is placed upon the unfinished business file in the Assembly Daily File, and no further action can be taken prior to the next legislative day.

On the Assembly Floor, when may an author take up the measure? When reconsideration is granted, the matter to be reconsidered resumes its exact position and the author may take it up immediately after reconsideration is granted.

In the Senate, when must the motion to reconsider be made? A motion to reconsider any question may be made by any Senator on the day on which the vote was taken, and the motion may be considered on the day it is made, or on the succeeding legislative day.

On the Senate Floor, what is the vote required for reconsideration? Bills may be reconsidered by a majority vote (21) even though the bill required a two-thirds majority vote (27) for passage. Constitutional amendments that have been defeated require a two-thirds vote (27) for reconsideration.