California Legislature – Page 35

Does a Bill Need Statutory Construction Guidance?

April 22, 2024 3:00 pmApril 22, 2024 3:01 pm

Have you seen the following sentence in a California bill or in a statute: “This act shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.” Why is this phrase needed? Shouldn’t that be obvious guidance to a court when interpreting a...

Statutes Deferring to Executive Branch

April 21, 2024 3:00 pmApril 21, 2024 3:01 pm

There are times in statutes when the legislative branch of state government grants authority to the executive branch and, at other times, the Legislature restricts the authority of the executive branch. And, on occasion, the Legislature defers to the executive...

Frequently Asked Questions about Legislative History and Intent

April 21, 2024 2:30 amApril 21, 2024 2:31 am

What is legislative history? Legislative history relates to how a bill becomes law, and includes the documents and steps involved in passage of the successful legislation. What is statutory history? Statutory history is usually defined as changes to the language...

Frequently Asked Questions on California Legislature Conducting Its Work

April 20, 2024 2:30 amApril 20, 2024 2:31 am

Why does the Legislature convene a new session in early December, but designate the new Session as the following two years (e.g., the Session convened on December 5, 2022 and is designated as the 2023-24 Legislative Session)? California’s Constitution, in...

What Information Has to Be on the LegInfo Website?

April 19, 2024 3:00 pmApril 19, 2024 3:01 pm

California Government Code Title 2, Division 2, Part 2, Chapter 1, Article 2 imposes specified duties on the Legislative Counsel. Article 2 was added in 1945 by Chapter 111 and contains Section 10248, whose heading is “Public computer network; required...

Frequently Asked Questions about California Bills Having Certain Provisions

April 19, 2024 2:30 amApril 19, 2024 2:31 am

Why does an urgency bill include a brief statement following the urgency clause? Because California’s Constitution in Article IV, Section 8(d) provides, in part, the following: “Urgency statutes are those necessary for immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or...

Frequently Asked Questions about Legislative Review of State Agencies

April 18, 2024 2:30 amApril 18, 2024 2:31 am

Does the California Legislature review executive branch state agencies? Actually, the California Legislature is required to review state agencies and their work. Where is this requirement found? It is pursuant to Government Code Title 2 (Government of the State of...