Frequently Asked Questions about the Parts of a California Legislative Resolution

Which Legislative Session is designated? At the top of each resolution, the following language appears: “California Legislature – 2019-2020 Regular Session.” The only two items that change would be the 2-year Legislative Session, and if there is an Extraordinary Session (also called a special session), rather than a Regular Session.

How is the Resolution Number determined? It follows the words “House Resolution,” “Senate Resolution,” “Assembly Concurrent Resolution,” “Senate Concurrent Resolution,” “Assembly Joint Resolution,” and “Senate Joint Resolution.” The Assembly Chief Clerk or the Secretary of the Senate assigns the resolutions their numbers for each resolution introduced in its respective house of origin, usually in the order in which it was received at the Assembly or Senate Desk. This number remains the same throughout the legislative process, even when the measure is considered in the second house.

How is the Author(s), as well as principal coauthors and coauthors, designated? In the California Legislature, the author is the legislator who authors the resolution. The first line always lists the main author(s) who introduced the resolution. Below the first line lists any principal coauthor and the next line lists any coauthor. One list is used for the house of origin coauthors and another line below that is used for coauthors from the other house.

What dates are used? It includes the Date Introduced, as well as Date Amended, with the house making the amendment listed (i.e., the Senate or Assembly).

What is the title of the resolution? The Resolution Title, which is a short phrase, is also called the “Relating” clause because it begins with the phrase: “Relative to ….” The title must encompass the subject matter contained in the resolution.

What is contained in the Legislative Counsel’s Digest? It merely states what the resolution would do.

Which Digest Key is included? It contains only the fiscal committee key.

What is contained in the Resolution Text? This is the actual language of the resolution, containing “Whereas” and “Resolved” clauses. These are the provisions that make up the anatomy of a resolution in the California Legislature.