Frequently Asked Questions about Supplemental Files

What publication contains the measures on the Floors of the Legislature? The agenda for the California Legislature is contained in the Assembly Daily File and the Senate Daily File.

Are there additional publications for busy Floor sessions? Yes, during the last day or two prior to the final adjournment of the legislative session, a “supplemental file” is required when additional bills are added to the respective Daily File.

Why is a supplemental file required? The Daily File is only printed once per day. As a result, a supplemental file is required to “supplement” that day’s Daily File without going to the Office of State Printing.

How is a supplemental file defined? According to the Office of Legislative Counsel, the Supplemental Daily File serves as the agenda for floor sessions. Specifically, “during legislative deadlines, supplemental files may be published in addition to the Daily File, in order to expedite the business of the house. These supplemental files usually consist of concurrence items and/or measures from committee reported out the same day.”

What is the purpose of the supplemental file? The purpose of these supplemental files is to allow the Assembly and Senate to consider measures the same day while the house(s) are in session, rather than needing to wait for the overnight printing of a new agenda for the next day’s session, which is the Daily File.

Are there any differences between a supplemental file and the Daily File? Yes, the OLC further explains that “supplemental files differ slightly in appearance from Daily Files, as they are usually printed on standard copier paper instead of bound newsprint. Several supplemental files may be produced for a single floor session during periods of heavy workloads.” They also only contain the bills on file, and do not include the roster of Member, committee memberships, and other standard items contained in the Daily File.

How many supplemental files are used each year? As an example, in the 2022 Legislative Session, there were 3 Assembly Supplemental Daily Files as well as 5 Senate Supplemental Daily Files.