In California statutes, readers may come across the following or a similarly-worded phrase: “This section is declaratory of existing law.” What does that mean? Basically, it is an effort by the Legislature to provide retroactive effect to a change in...
Voter qualification rules are found in the California Elections Code in Division 2, Chapter 1. Article 1 provides General Provisions and it references Article II, Section 2 of the California Constitution. Section 2(a) specifies that “a United States citizen 18...
Elections Code Division 2, Chapter 2.5 provides online voter registration standards. Section 2196 provides that a person who is qualified to register to vote and who has a valid California driver’s license or state identification card may submit an affidavit...
A common feature of statutes is for the legislature to state its intent regarding how courts and the judicial branch should “liberally construe” the statutory provisions adopted by the legislative branch of government. By my count, there are over 250...
California has extensive conflict of interest provisions applicable to state officials. They are contained in Government Code Title 9, Chapter 7, Article 1, and include General Prohibitions that are set forth in Sections 87100 to 87105, which were added in...
On occasion, the California Legislature codifies in statute reported appellate court decisions. These codifications are helpful because they make clear how the Legislature intends for the courts to interpret the code sections that rely upon the court decision. The following...
California’s Political Reform Act contains a number of enforcement mechanisms. They are contained in Government Code Title 9, Chapter 11, in Sections 91000 – 91014. Section 91000 specifies that any person who knowingly or willfully violates any provision of this...