California Constitution – Page 3

California Courts and Presentation of Fiscal Bills to the Governor

December 31, 2024 2:30 amDecember 31, 2024 6:35 am

Article IV, Section 12(c)(4) of the California Constitution requires appropriations bills to be presented to the Governor for final action after the Budget Bill has been enacted. How have California courts viewed this requirement? One case explores the actual timing...

California Courts and the Legislature Amending an Initiative Statute

December 26, 2024 7:39 amDecember 26, 2024 9:41 am

California’s Constitution, in Article II, Section 10(c) sets forth the authority of the Legislature to change the language of a statutory initiative (i.e., an initiative passed by the voters that added or amended statutory language, rather than a constitutional initiative)....

California Legislative Law and Process Book Published

December 24, 2024 4:36 pmDecember 26, 2024 9:41 am

Long time California Globe contributor Chris Micheli just released his newest reference guide, “California Legislative Law and Process.” It is 69 chapters and 180 pages in length. Micheli explained the purpose of this book, “As I have studied and taught...

California Courts and the Reenactment Rule

December 24, 2024 2:30 amDecember 24, 2024 2:31 am

In County of San Diego v. Commission on State Mandates (2018), the California Supreme Court dealt with the Sexually Violent Predators Act (SVPA) which, among other provisions, imposed duties on county governments. The court decision also addressed the California Constitution’s “reenactment...

Why California Needs Multiple Budget Trailer Bills

December 16, 2024 2:30 amDecember 16, 2024 2:31 am

Questions have often been raised about why there are so many trailer bills needed as part of the budget process in California. The number has grown over the past couple of decades and this has been a recurring concern. However,...

Political Power Versus Legislative Power

November 26, 2024 2:30 amNovember 26, 2024 2:31 am

Is there a difference between “political power” and “legislative power” under the California Constitution? According to Article II, Section 1, “All political power is inherent in the people.” Article II contains the three forms of direct democracy and voting, which...

Some California Bill Drafting Suggestions

November 18, 2024 1:50 pmNovember 18, 2024 1:51 pm

After surveying legislation during the 2024 Legislative Session, I have a couple of observations and would like to suggest some bill drafting changes I have. So, here they are: Legislative drafters strive for clarity and consistency, and they try to...