California Constitution – Page 4

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...

California Bills That Take Immediate Effect

October 20, 2024 8:57 amOctober 20, 2024 8:57 am

In California, statutes generally take effect on January 1 following the year in which they were signed into law (e.g., a bill signed by Governor Newsom in September 2024 usually takes effect on January 1, 2025). However, there are statutes...

Joint Rule Suspensions in the Daily Files

September 2, 2024 7:00 amSeptember 2, 2024 7:01 am

Did you know that the Assembly and Senate Daily Files actually list some rule suspensions (often referred to as “rule waivers”)? While the respective Daily Files contain calendars, tables of information, committee hearings, and legislative measures on the two Floors,...

Book Provides Overview of California’s Constitution and Statutes

July 20, 2024 2:00 pmJuly 20, 2024 10:37 pm

“A Practical Guide to California’s Constitution and Statutes” is the newest practical guide written by California Globe contributor Chris Micheli. “My goal with this practical guide is to provide an overview of most of the Articles in our state Constitution,”...