Chris Micheli – Page 354 – California Globe

What is a ‘bill?’

December 16, 2019 6:16 amDecember 15, 2019 8:44 pm

What is a “bill”? Although the term “bill” is mentioned more than two dozen times in the California Constitution, the word is actually not defined in this document. It is also not defined in the California Government Code. A traditional...

Does the Legislature Meet in Public or in Private?

December 13, 2019 10:03 amDecember 13, 2019 10:06 am

California’s Constitution, in Article 4, Section 7, deals primarily with the proceedings of the houses and committees of the Legislature. In Section 7(c). “the proceedings of each house and the committees thereof shall be open and public.” Moreover, “the right...

Impeachment by the California Legislature

December 11, 2019 6:15 amDecember 11, 2019 6:17 am

California’s Government Code Title 1, Division 4, Chapter 7, Article 2 provides for impeachment by the California Legislature. Government Code Section 3020 provides that state officers elected on a statewide basis, members of the State Board of Equalization, and judges...

Legislative Oversight

December 9, 2019 6:07 amDecember 8, 2019 7:00 pm

A critical role for the legislative branch of government is oversight regarding executive branch activities. Fundamentally, oversight is intended to ensure government accountability and make certain that tax dollars are spent properly and efficiently by the executive branch of state...

Voting on a Referendum

December 6, 2019 6:45 amDecember 6, 2019 6:41 am

There are a few unique aspects of a referendum in California, which is one of three forms of direct democracy in this state. The referendum is set forth in the California Constitution, in Article II, Section 9, which provides: “The...

Voting on a Recall Petition

December 4, 2019 10:01 amDecember 4, 2019 10:05 am

As provided by the California Constitution in Article II, Section 13, the “recall is the power of the electors to remove an elective officer.” The process is initiated by filing of the petition alleging a reason for the recall. However,...

Single Subject Rule and the Ballot Initiative

December 2, 2019 6:05 amDecember 1, 2019 11:49 am

California Constitution Article II, Section 8(d) provides “An initiative measure embracing more than one subject may not be submitted to the electors or have any effect.” You may recall that a similar rule exists for bills considered by the California...