California Legislature – Page 38

Frequently Asked Questions about Legislative Committees Meeting Jointly

March 24, 2024 2:30 amMarch 24, 2024 2:31 am

Do committees of the California Legislature meet jointly? Yes, several times per year, Assembly and Senate committees will hold a “joint hearing.” Even though there are 32 Assembly standing committees and 22 Senate standing committees, many have the same or...

A sea of empty desks inside the California State Assembly

New Bill Would Allow Prop. 47 to Be Amended by Majority Legislative Vote

March 22, 2024 3:00 pmMarch 22, 2024 1:40 pm

Assembly Bill 1787 aims to partially address the shoplifting problem in California. As many are aware, Proposition 47, the ballot measure approved by statewide voters in 2014, increased the threshold for shoplifting to remain a misdemeanor from $450 to $950....

Frequently Asked Questions about Permissible Closed Sessions of the Legislature

March 22, 2024 2:30 amMarch 22, 2024 2:31 am

Does the state Constitution provide when the California Legislature can meet in closed session? Yes, it does so in Article IV, Section 7(c). What does the California Constitution provide regarding closed session of the Legislature? There are specified instances, despite...

Frequently Asked Questions about a Special Order of Business

March 21, 2024 2:45 amMarch 21, 2024 2:46 am

What is a special order of business? The Office of Legislative Counsel defines “special order of business” as when, occasionally, a bill is of such importance that advanced notice is given about when it will be considered in the full...

Frequently Asked Questions about Joint Rule 10.5 and California Fiscal Bills

March 20, 2024 5:45 amMarch 20, 2024 5:46 am

What does Joint Rule 10.5 of the California Legislature’s Joint Rules provide? JR 10.5 specifies guidance to the Office of Legislative Counsel (OLC) when determining whether a bill should be “keyed” as a fiscal bill. The “keying” of a bill...

Frequently Asked Questions about the Role of Legislative Counsel in Initiatives

March 19, 2024 2:45 amMarch 19, 2024 2:46 am

Does the Office of Legislative Counsel (OLC) draft initiatives? Yes, many do not realize that the highly trained attorneys in the California Office of Legislative Counsel may draft an initiative for the statewide ballot in certain circumstances. What is the...

Frequently Asked Questions about Timing of Appropriations Bills

March 17, 2024 10:12 amMarch 17, 2024 10:12 am

What are appropriations bills? Appropriations bills, as their name implies, appropriate funds from the General Fund or special funds to a designated entity for a designated purpose. Can these bills be adopted at any time during the Legislative Session? The...