Are there rules related to electing officers in the California Legislature? Yes, these rules related to officer elections are found in the state Constitution, Government Code, and rules of the respective houses. What does the state Constitution provide? Article IV,...
Most of the provisions of the California Constitution concerning the Legislature are found in Article IV, Sections 1 thru 28. Nonetheless, there are a number of provisions found in other articles of the state Constitution affecting the duties and powers...
When does the Legislature convene a new session? The Legislature convenes in regular session at noon on the first Monday in December of each even-numbered year. Where must the Legislature convene in regular session? The Legislature is required to convene...
Quite often bills introduced in the California Legislature without substantive language in them are called “spot bills.” However, that is not always the case even though both spot and intent bills act as placeholders with substantive amendments to be added...
How many times can a bill be reconsidered? Regarding the reconsideration of bills, the same rule applies whether a bill is in committee or on the Floors of the Assembly or Senate. Only one reconsideration is in order. The first...
What is the “May Revision”? The Governor’s Department of Finance explains that the May Revision reflects “changes to the Governor’s Proposed Budget based upon the latest economic forecasts.” The Office of Legislative Counsel, in its Glossary of terms, explains the...
Can the Governor call a special session for any reason? Under Article IV, Section 3(b) of the state constitution, it is “on extraordinary occasions” that the Governor by proclamation can force the Legislature to assemble in special session. This is...