California Legislature – California Globe

PLF Lawsuit: California Legislature Tries to Cover Up Communications with Coastal Commission

November 11, 2026 7:00 amNovember 11, 2026 7:07 am

Pacific Legal Foundation filed a lawsuit Tuesday November 10, 2026, in Sacramento County Superior Court, challenging the State Assembly Rules Committee’s refusal to disclose communications with the California Coastal Commission. They are seeking to enforce California’s public records laws. The...

Legislative Open Records Act Refresher

November 10, 2026 9:56 amNovember 10, 2026 9:56 am

Whether you work in the State Capitol, or you are a member of the Third House or the Fourth Estate, you should be familiar with LORA – the Legislative Open Records Act. The following is a refresher highlighting the key...

Ex Post Facto Clause in California

November 1, 2026 8:02 amNovember 1, 2026 8:02 am

Under the both the federal and California Constitutions, there are prohibitions on ex post facto laws. As a result, the Legislature cannot pass an ex post facto law, which means they cannot retroactively make an action a crime that was...

Courts Evaluating Legislature Amending Ballot Initiatives

October 22, 2026 7:12 amOctober 22, 2026 7:12 am

On occasion, the California courts are required to evaluate the Legislature’s authority to amend voter-approved initiatives. The default rule, of course, is found in the California Constitution, in Article II, Section 10(c). The Legislature cannot amend a voter-approved initiative unless...

John Moorlach: November Statewide General Election Ballot Measures

October 19, 2026 6:00 amOctober 19, 2026 6:35 am

As California ballots have been mailed to voters, The Globe is republishing Sen. John Moorlach’s voter guide: Now that you have received your 176-page “Official Voter Information Guide” from the California Secretary of State, let me provide you with a...

A Unique Aspect of California Lobbying: Local Governments

October 16, 2026 2:00 pmOctober 16, 2026 2:01 pm

A unique aspect of California lobbying is the heavy presence and massive spending by local government entities—such as cities, counties, school districts, and special districts—hiring private lobbyists or forming coalitions to lobby the state Legislature. Among the key features of...

Some Suggestions for Those New to California Legislative Drafting

October 16, 2026 7:13 amOctober 16, 2026 7:13 am

The following are some suggestions for those new to legislative drafting in California, where I emphasize that legislative drafting must be clear, concise, and highly precise so that any third party can understand the intent without having been privy to...