California Legislature – Page 44

A Look at Committee Bills in the California Legislature

January 25, 2024 1:35 pmJanuary 25, 2024 1:36 pm

What are committee bills? In addition to bills being authored by State Senators and State Assembly Members, the 33 Assembly Standing Committees and 22 Senate Standing Committees can also “author” bills. This is authorized by the Joint Rules and individual...

Ringside: Half of California’s Energy Comes from Crude Oil

January 25, 2024 6:15 amJanuary 26, 2024 8:13 am

Here’s a reality check that ought to keep politicians up at night in California. Despite being a sunny, solar friendly state, with ample areas blessed with high wind, California still derives 50 percent of its total energy from crude oil. Another...

The ‘Stop the Energy Shutdown’ Referendum

January 24, 2024 7:10 amJanuary 24, 2024 7:10 am

In a recent opinion piece by Jim Newton, he highlights the historical significance of government initiatives like referendums, ballot initiatives, and recalls. These processes, championed by Hiram Johnson and the California Progressives over a century ago, were designed to empower...

Frequently Asked Questions About California Legislative Procedure

January 24, 2024 2:30 amJanuary 24, 2024 2:31 am

Do constitutional office appointments require confirmation only by the Senate? For nominees to any of the constitutional offices, those individuals must be confirmed by both the Assembly and the Senate. However, only the Senate confirms specified gubernatorial appointments. Is a...

Frequently Asked Questions About California Bill Referrals

January 23, 2024 6:00 amJanuary 23, 2024 2:40 pm

When does a bill usually get referred to committee? After the introduction of a new bill in the California Legislature, or upon a bill passing one house and moving over to the other house for further consideration, that measure must...

Frequently Asked Questions About Legislative Measures on Consent

January 22, 2024 2:30 amJanuary 22, 2024 2:31 am

What are “uncontested bills”? Joint Rule 22.1 deals with “Consent Calendar: Uncontested Bills” and provides that each standing committee may report an uncontested bill out of committee with the recommendation that it be placed on the Consent Calendar. What are...

Frequently Asked Questions About California Bill Amendments

January 21, 2024 1:25 pmJanuary 21, 2024 2:26 pm

What is an amendment? It is defined by the Office of Legislative Counsel as an alteration to a bill, motion, resolution, or clause by adding, changing, substituting, or omitting language. Can amendments be made to all legislative measures? Yes, they...