Chris Micheli – Page 173 – California Globe

Frequently Asked Questions about the Role of the Judiciary in California Lawmaking

April 7, 2024 2:30 amApril 7, 2024 2:31 am

Does the judicial branch play a role in lawmaking in this state? Yes, members of the state and federal judicial branches play a role in the California lawmaking process as a part of our state government’s system of “checks and...

Frequently Asked Questions about ‘Spot Bills’ in the California Legislature

April 6, 2024 2:30 amApril 6, 2024 2:31 am

What is a spot bill used in the California Legislature? As described by the Office of Legislative Counsel, a “spot bill” is one that does not make any substantive change to existing law, “and would not otherwise affect the ongoing...

Frequently Asked Questions about Effective and Operative Dates of California Statutes

April 5, 2024 2:30 amApril 5, 2024 2:31 am

What is an effective date of a statute? A common definition of “effective date” is when the new law is “on the books.” What is an operative date of a statute? A common definition of “operative date” is when the...

Frequently Asked Questions about Sponsored Bills

April 4, 2024 2:44 amApril 4, 2024 2:45 am

What is the difference between an author and a sponsor? In Congress, the term “sponsor” means the federal legislator whose name is on the bill. On the other hand, in the California Legislature, the legislator whose name is on the...

Frequently Asked Questions about Choosing Judges in California

April 3, 2024 2:30 amApril 3, 2024 2:31 am

How are trial court judges chosen in California? Members of the California judiciary are selected in one of two ways. The first is for trial judges, those who sit on the Superior Courts, and the second is for appellate court...

Frequently Asked Questions about Political Activities of Public Employees

April 2, 2024 2:30 amApril 2, 2024 2:31 am

Are there limitations in state law on public employees’ political activities? Yes, in California’s Government Code, Title 1, Division 4, Chapter 9.5, there are sections of state law prohibiting specified political activities of public employees. To whom does this state...

California State Capitol dome shines against blue sky

Frequently Asked Questions about Special Districts in California

April 1, 2024 2:45 amApril 1, 2024 2:46 am

What are “special districts”? As part of California’s local government structure, special districts are agencies that provide specialized services across the state. They are defined as “any agency of the state for the local performance of governmental or proprietary functions...