Understanding the California Legislative Process

Sacramento Lobbyist, attorney and California Globe contributor Chris Micheli has written and compiled many legislative process articles over the years, and has now turned them into a textbook.

Micheli, who is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law where he teaches Lawmaking in California, is hoping this book will be used at the Sacramento law school, as well as in some colleges and universities.

“Understanding the California Legislative Process” covers the California legislative process.

While Micheli’s book is focused on California, it provides insights into the legislative process that will apply in most of the 50 states. Beginning with a discussion about the Legislature’s powers as set forth in the state constitution, the bill delves deeply into the legislative process, including information about support entities, deadlines, types of sessions, and some of the challenges and obstacles found in the legislative process.

As he does in his articles, Micheli’s book covers the nitty gritty legislative processes of bill introductions and referrals, committee procedures and hearings, Assembly and Senate floor procedures, all while offering a thorough review of bills and amendments.

The book covers legislative publications and resources available, before turning to a discussion of ethics and the conduct of legislators and their staff.

Micheli covers the myriad misconceptions of the legislative process and offers important reform suggestions.

California Globe readers have enjoyed Micheli’s in-depth tutorials about the intricacies of the legislative processes, and glimpses into the lobbying world; “Understanding the California Legislative Process” is the encyclopedia.