Frequently Asked Questions about Sponsored Bills

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 bill is called the author, rather than the sponsor.

What is a sponsor in the California Legislature? A “sponsor” refers to the individual or the group who brought the bill idea or language to the legislator, who then authors the measure on their behalf. Per the Office of Legislative Counsel’s glossary of terms, a “sponsor is the legislator, private individual or group who developed a piece of legislation and advocates its passage.”

What is the criticism of sponsored bills? The claim is that legislators and legislative staff do not fully understand the contents of a sponsored bill and that the sponsor gets to “call all of the shots” related to the sponsored bill. However, critics of sponsored bills appear to seriously misunderstand the California legislative process.

What are examples of bill sponsors? Legislators sometimes solicit bill ideas from individuals or groups, such as “there ought to be law” contests or by other means. And, legislators are expected to be responsive to constituents, community groups, or other organizations. All of these are examples of “sponsors” who bring forth ideas for legislation to be considered by the Legislature.

Who reviews bills as to content and form before their introduction? Whether the sponsor brings forth just an idea for a bill, or drafts all of the necessary language for the bill, ultimately, the Office of Legislative Counsel drafts all bills and amendments for consideration by legislators.

What are some of the tasks that an author’s office will do, even with a sponsored bill? The author’s staff will complete the committee background materials, write talking points, solicit groups to support the measure, deal with opposition to the bill, work with committee, floor and leadership staff, and advocate for their bill with staff of other legislators in both houses. The bill author’s staff will respond to public and press inquiries, write news releases, and handle all of the necessary paperwork as the bill travels through the legislative process.

How does someone find out if a bill is sponsored? Most often, the author’s “fact sheet” lists the sponsor and contact information. And, sponsors are usually listed in policy committee analyses so that legislators and members of the public know who brought forth the bill to the particular legislator.