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Enacting Clauses in Legislation

‘The People of the State of California Do Enact as Follows’

By Chris Micheli, February 1, 2023 12:24 pm

In the states that publish their legislative drafting manuals, each bill requires an “enacting clause.” In those states, the enacting clause more often includes the Legislature, such as the following examples:

The enacting clause of each law in Hawaii is: “Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Hawaii:”

The enacting clause in Iowa is: “Be it Enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Iowa:”

The enacting clause in North Dakota is: “Be It Enacted by the Legislative Assembly of North Dakota:”

The enacting clause in Colorado is: ‘Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado’.”

The enacting clause in Louisiana is: “Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:”

The enacting clause in Texas is: “Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas:”

The enacting clause in South Dakota is: “Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:”

The enacting clause in Kentucky is: ““Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

The enacting clause in Minnesota is: “Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota.”

The enacting clause in Illinois is: “Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:”

On the other hand, in California, the enacting clause reads as follows: “The People of the State of California Do Enact as Follows:” Only a few other states follow this approach. For example, Oregon’s enacting clause is similar: “Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:”

In most states, the requirement of including the enacting clause in a bill is contained in their state constitution. In California, on the other hand, the requirement is imposed by statute, found in the California Government Code.

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2 thoughts on “Enacting Clauses in Legislation

  1. The corrupt Democrat cabal that controls California enact their oppressive dictates and ignore the majority of California voters.

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