Tag: California Constitution
The Value of Explanations in Bill Plus Sections
In reviewing the more than 2,600 bills introduced in the 2023 Legislative Session, I have come across a number of bill sections that could benefit from additional explanation. What I mean by that is that some sections at the end...
Civil Rights Corps Damaging Criminal Justice System with Meritless Lawsuits
Like many jurisdictions across the nation, Los Angeles County has a big problem with its bail system. Scores of defendants are being forced to wait far too long to make their case that they should have their bails lowered or...
When Some California Citizens Lack a State Senator
According to Article IV, Section 2(a)(1) of the California Constitution, “the Senate has a membership of 40 Senators elected for 4-year terms, 20 to begin every 2 years.” As a result, half of the State Senate stands for election every...
Electing California’s Assembly Speaker
With the convening of a new 2-year California Legislative Session, the Senate and Assembly will organize their respective houses and elect their leaders on December 5 when the 2023-24 Legislative Session officially begins. This article briefly reviews the applicable constitutional,...
Special Session or Extraordinary Session – Which Is It?
With an impending special session being called by Governor Gavin Newsom when the California Legislature convenes its 2023-24 Regular Session on December 5, some observers have asked, “Is it called a special session or an extraordinary session?” California Constitution The...
What Is the ‘Order of Enumeration?’
Pursuant to Article IV, Section 9 of the California Constitution, there is a requirement for each bill to have a title. The constitutional provision states: “A statute shall embrace but one subject, which shall be expressed in its title. If...