In the interpretation of a statute, is there a difference between statutory language that is vague or statutory language that is ambiguous? Is there a legal distinction between the two? Some legal commentators and judges draw a distinction between a...
In California, as in a number of other states, there is the so-called “sunrise” process, which is the opposite of a “sunset” (or repeal) process, in the law. When establishing a new regulatory scheme for an occupation or profession, the...
Many Capitol observers use the terms “legislative history,” “statutory history,” and “legislative intent” interchangeably. However, these terms generally mean two different things. What are those distinctions among these terms? Legislative history relates to how a bill becomes law, and includes...
In the California Legislature, an “intent bill” is basically used as a placeholder for a future measure to be amended into the intent bill. Quite often bills introduced in the California Legislature without substantive language in them are called “spot...
In the California Legislature, there is a “sunset review” process that is used to evaluate whether a regulatory board or a profession or occupation should continue. This review process is set forth in California law. Government Code Title 2, Division...
In their ongoing efforts to clean-up California’s 29 Codes and modernize statutory language, the Office of Legislative Counsel makes technical changes to existing laws as it comes across statutes in need of these changes. Some are due to our state’s...
In the California Legislature, a “spot bill” is basically used as a placeholder for a future measure to be amended into the spot bill. Quite often, bills introduced in the California Legislature without substantive language in them are called “spot...