California Constitution – Page 25

California Legislature’s Organization and Structure

November 20, 2019 7:41 amNovember 20, 2019 7:44 am

The organization and structure of the California Legislature is established by the California Constitution, specifically in Article IV. Half a dozen sections of Article 4 relate to the organization and structure of the Legislature. Section 1 provides specifically that “The...

A Bill’s ‘Keys’ – What Are They?

November 15, 2019 6:03 amNovember 15, 2019 6:21 am

Each bill in the California Legislature contains certain features such as an enacting clause, a title, the author’s name, a bill number, and the Legislative Counsel’s Digest, among other provisions. At the end of the Legislative Counsel’s Digest is a...

Effective Versus Operative Dates of Statutes

November 13, 2019 6:04 amNovember 12, 2019 7:06 am

There is often confusion regarding effective versus operative dates. Specifically, Capitol observers often inquire when a statute actually “takes effect.” When it takes effect can be different than when the statute is operative. January 1 following the year a bill...

Regular vs. Special Sessions in the California Legislature

October 23, 2019 5:03 amOctober 22, 2019 10:01 pm

The California Legislature can meet in regular, special or joint sessions. A “session” is the designated period of time in which the Legislature meets. A “joint” session, which can occur in a regular or special session, is one in which...

Amending or Revising the California Constitution

October 18, 2019 6:01 amOctober 17, 2019 7:09 am

The Constitution of the State of California, originally adopted in 1849, sets forth the powers, duties and functions of California state government. It is one of the longest constitutions in the world at over 100 pages in length, which is...

California Governor’s Line-Item Veto Authority

October 9, 2019 6:52 amOctober 8, 2019 2:54 pm

Article IV of the California Constitution concerns the legislative branch of government. However, it also describes powers of the Governor and the role that he or she plays in the legislative process. Specifically, Section 10 of Article IV deals with...

California Legislator Want to Mandate Students Apply for Federal Loans and Grants

October 2, 2019 6:15 amOctober 3, 2019 9:18 am

A California assemblymember wants to mandate that students apply for a federal student loan program as a requirement for high school graduation. Under this bill tax returns and a family’s financial information would have to be turned over to the...