California Legislature – Page 43

Frequently Asked Questions About California Special Sessions

February 6, 2024 2:45 amFebruary 6, 2024 2:46 am

Can the Governor call a special session for any reason? Under Article IV, Section 3(b) of the state constitution, it is “on extraordinary occasions” that the Governor by proclamation can force the Legislature to assemble in special session. This is...

Frequently Asked Questions on California’s Suspense Files

February 5, 2024 2:55 amFebruary 5, 2024 2:56 am

Which committee(s) uses a “Suspense File”? The two Appropriations Committees in the California Legislature have a process they call the “Suspense File.” How does a bill get referred to the Appropriations Committee? First, any bill which has been keyed “fiscal”...

Frequently Asked Questions About Items on Concurrence

February 4, 2024 8:16 amFebruary 4, 2024 8:16 am

What does concurrence mean? Concurrence is the method by which the house of origin agrees to the amendments that were made to a bill by the other house. In the Assembly, when can a concurrence in Senate amendments vote occur?...

Frequently Asked Questions About Urgency Clause Bills

February 3, 2024 2:35 amFebruary 3, 2024 2:36 am

What is an urgency clause? It is a section added to the end of a bill that makes the bill immediately take effect when signed into law by the Governor. What is the main difference between a regular bill and...

Frequently Asked Questions About California Legislative Committee Hearings

February 2, 2024 3:05 amFebruary 3, 2024 5:26 pm

Do super majority vote bills have to pass out of committee by a super majority vote? All bills require only a majority vote in committee for passage, regardless of whether there is a higher vote threshold specified by the Legislative...

Frequently Asked Questions About California Bill Deadlines

February 1, 2024 2:28 amFebruary 1, 2024 2:29 am

Can bills be voted upon after midnight on August 31 so long as the “clock is stopped”? “Stopping the clock” is the term used to describe the process of continuing legislative business after the passage of a deadline imposed by...

Frequently Asked Questions about Vote Changes in the California Legislature

January 31, 2024 7:10 amJanuary 31, 2024 7:10 am

Are vote changes allowed in the California Legislature? As a general matter, yes, although there are different rules between the two houses. What is a vote change? It is obviously when a legislator chooses to change his or her vote...