California Constitution – Page 11

Under the Radar: How Gov. Newsom Uses Clemency to Engineer Parole for Recidivist Felons and Murderers

August 26, 2023 2:45 amAugust 26, 2023 2:50 pm

Gov. Gavin Newsom is big on demanding transparency and accountability from others, such as school officials and social media companies. But from himself, not so much—and especially not when it comes to using his clemency powers to engineer the future...

Binding a Future Legislature

August 10, 2023 2:55 amAugust 10, 2023 2:56 am

You may have heard around the California State Capitol the following phrase: “You cannot bind a future Legislature.” What does that mean? And does it apply to the electorate, or just the Legislature? The California Supreme Court, in the case...

Should Legislative Grants of Rulemaking Authority Always Include Specific Guidance from the Legislature?

August 1, 2023 6:54 amAugust 1, 2023 7:01 am

Under constitutional separation-of-powers provisions, generally the laws are enacted by the legislative branch of government, the laws are administered by the executive branch, and the laws are interpreted by the judicial branch. California’s Constitution, in fact, provides specifically for this...

San Francisco’s ‘Poverty Towing:’ Hurts Poorer Residents the Most

July 26, 2023 11:39 amJuly 26, 2023 11:39 am

The battle over towing cars in San Francisco, specifically those that have accrued several tickets, reached unchartered waters this week in the city following a ruling late last week that found the practice to be illegal due to violating the...

Why Is Senator Atkins the Acting Governor?

July 6, 2023 2:04 pmJuly 6, 2023 2:18 pm

On July 6, 2023, State Senator Toni Atkins, who serves as the President pro Tempore of the Senate, signed legislation. How is that allowed? And why is she the Acting Governor? Article V, Section 10 of the California Constitution provides...

Second-ever California Bills Signed by a Senate Leader

July 6, 2023 1:52 pmJuly 6, 2023 2:11 pm

Earlier today, July 6, California State Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), who is serving as Acting Governor as Governor Newsom and Lt. Governor Kounalakis are out of the state, held a bill signing ceremony this morning....

Should Tax Levy Statements Be Explained?

June 9, 2023 5:30 amJune 9, 2023 6:47 am

Some California bills are deemed a “tax levy” by the Office of Legislative Counsel. Readers of California legislation will see a section at the end of a bill that reads as follows: This act provides for a tax levy within...