California Legislature – Page 43

Frequently Asked Questions about the Legislature in the Rulemaking Process

March 26, 2024 2:30 amMarch 26, 2024 2:31 am

How many rulemaking bodies are in California state government? There are over 200 agencies, departments, boards, and commissions that can make public policy via their authority to adopt regulations, often referred to as their rule-making authority. Can the California Legislature...

Frequently Asked Questions about Governors Allowing Bills to Become Law Without Signature

March 25, 2024 2:30 amMarch 25, 2024 2:31 am

What can California’s Governor do with bills that reach his or her Desk? The Governor has three options when a bill reaches the Governor’s Desk: sign the bill (and it becomes law), veto the bill (and the bill does not...

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...