California Legislature – Page 40

Legislative Intent Does Not Equate to a Mandate

April 27, 2024 2:30 amApril 27, 2024 2:31 am

I am not sure if it is because of the budget situation and a desire to reduce costs for a bill, or a misunderstanding about intent versus statutory language, but those involved in the California Legislature and its legislative process...

California’s Red Ink is Negatively Impacting Municipalities Large and Small

April 23, 2024 11:03 amApril 23, 2024 11:03 am

The State of California is hemorrhaging red ink with a massive budget shortfall. The non-partisan Legislative Analyst Office estimates the deficit at $73 billion; Governor Gavin Newsom claims to be optimistic and pegs the shortfall at $38 billion. A gap of $30...

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...