Named Acts, but No Tombstones in California Legislation

In the past, usually for important pieces of legislation, the main legislator or group of key legislators who authored the bill would occasionally place their name in the act’s title, which became part of the statute. In some instances, the important legislative act has been simply known by the legislator’s name.

Examples of Tombstone Acts

The following examples are of acts that were named after their key legislative authors:

This chapter shall be known as the Ralph M. Brown Act.

This article shall be known and may be cited as the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act.

Examples of Formal Acts

The following examples are of formal acts know by their subject matter:

This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the California Offshore Wind Advancement Act.

This act shall be known, and may be cited, as the Safe and Supportive Schools Act.

Examples of Named Acts

The following examples are of acts that are named for a constituent or other individual because the act was done in honor or memory of that individual:

This article shall be known, and may be cited, as Adilene’s Law.

This section shall be known and may be cited as the Louis Friend Memorial Act.