How Many Bills Usually Get to California’s Governor?

Now that the 2024 California Legislative Session has concluded, and final bill actions were completed by Governor Gavin Newsom by September 30, which is the constitutional deadline, we can answer the often-posed question about the number of bills that reach the Governor’s Desk and how this year’s numbers differ from those of past years.

This year, just over 1,200 bills were sent to the Governor’s Desk. This year, he vetoed 15.7% of the bills. Last year, just over 1,100 bills reached Governor Newsom’s Desk. Last year, he vetoed 14.9% of the bills.

The following is a historical look at how many bills get to the Governor’s Desk and their veto rates for half a dozen governors over the past forty years:

• During Governor Newsom’s 6 years in office, between 430 – 1,206 bills were sent to him annually, and he vetoed between 7.9% – 16.5% of them.

• During Governor Brown’s (second) 8 years in office, between 870 – 1,200 bills were sent to him annually, and he vetoed between 10.7% – 15% of them.

• During Governor Schwarzenegger’s 7 years in office, between 890 – 1,265 bills were sent to him annually, and he vetoed between 22% – 35% of them.

• During Governor Davis’ 5 years in office, between 965 – 1,455 bills were sent to him annually, and he vetoed between 6% – 25% of them.

• During Governor Wilson’s 8 years in office, between 1,075 – 1,700 bills were sent to him annually, and he vetoed between 8.6% – 24.5% of them.

• During Deukmejian’s 8 years in office, between 1,455 – 2,140 bills were sent to him annually, and he vetoed between 9.5% – 20% of them.