Chris Micheli – Page 224 – California Globe

Why Do California Legislators Speak ‘On Condition of the File?’

September 14, 2022 3:30 pmSeptember 14, 2022 2:59 pm

On occasion, you may hear a legislator on the Floor of the State Senate or State Assembly rise and seek permission to “speak on condition of the File.” What does this mean and why is it used? The reference to...

Why Is the Phrase ‘The Desk Is Clear’ Used in the California State Senate?

September 14, 2022 6:52 amSeptember 14, 2022 6:53 am

Observers of the California State Senate will hear at the end of the day’s Session the following statement from the Presiding Officer: “Senator Atkins, the Desk is clear.” What does that mean and why is it used? According to the...

A sea of empty desks inside the California State Assembly

What Is a Conflict in California Legislation?

September 13, 2022 3:21 pmSeptember 13, 2022 8:03 pm

On occasion, a legislator in the Assembly or Senate will receive a letter from the Office of Legislative Counsel that there is a “conflict” with their bill. What does this mean? The Office of Legislative Counsel defines this “conflict” as...

Why Does the California Legislature Conduct Its Work in Certain Ways?

September 13, 2022 6:22 amSeptember 13, 2022 8:04 pm

Why do the State Assembly and State Senate in the California Legislature conduct their activities in certain ways? I am sure some readers have asked that question at least once! Or so I tell myself. Here are some examples of...

Examples of Common Provisions Found in California Bills

September 12, 2022 3:17 pmSeptember 12, 2022 2:54 pm

There are a number of common provisions to California legislation that can be found, and these provisions should be familiar to those reading, analyzing, or drafting bills in the Legislature. The following features examples of some of the common provisions...

Are Certain Special Statute Statements Sufficient?

September 12, 2022 6:17 amSeptember 12, 2022 6:23 am

In the California Legislature, there are “special statute” bills that are used when legislators believe a bill’s provisions are unique and should apply in only a specified circumstance or to a specified entity or jurisdiction. Not any bill can be...

Why Do California Bills Have Certain Provisions?

September 11, 2022 3:09 pmSeptember 11, 2022 3:11 pm

Why do bills in the California Legislature contain certain provisions? I am sure some readers have asked that question at least once! Or so I tell myself. Here are some examples of what I mean with an explanation: Why does...