California Legislature – Page 47

Frequently Asked Questions about the Governor’s Pardon and Commutation Powers

January 12, 2024 2:35 amJanuary 12, 2024 2:36 am

Do the federal and state chief executives have pardon power? Yes, both the United States President and California’s Governor have the power to pardon. Where is the President’s pardon power found? The President’s pardon power is contained in Article II,...

Should Legislative Statements Accompany Retroactive Law Changes?

January 10, 2024 6:25 amJanuary 10, 2024 6:25 am

A few times per year in the California Legislature, readers may see language that states “this act does not constitute a change in, but is declaratory of, existing law.” What is the purpose of this language and should these types...

Frequently Asked Questions about Regular Versus Emergency Rulemaking in California

January 9, 2024 2:45 amJanuary 9, 2024 2:46 am

What are the types of rulemaking in California? According to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL), the two types of rulemaking procedures that a state agency can pursue are regular or emergency. What is basically required for regular rulemaking? The...

Frequently Asked Questions about California Election Law

January 7, 2024 2:30 amJanuary 7, 2024 2:31 am

What constitutional provisions apply to California’s elections? They are governed by Article II of the state Constitution, as well as the extensive Elections Code. What does the state Constitution provide regarding elections? Article II, which deals with voting, initiatives, referendums,...

Frequently Asked Questions about Placeholder Bills

January 6, 2024 7:43 amJanuary 6, 2024 7:43 am

What is a “placeholder bill” in the California Legislature? It is an introduced bill that does not contain substantive law changes. It is intended to save a place for future amendments. What are the types of placeholder bills? Spot bills,...

Frequently Asked Questions about Informational and Oversight Hearings in the California Legislature

January 6, 2024 2:30 amJanuary 6, 2024 2:31 am

Committees of the California Legislature can conduct several types of hearings, including bill hearings, investigative or oversight hearings, and informational hearings. What are bill hearings? They are those that are conducted to hear specific pieces of legislation, including bills, resolutions,...

2-Year Bills in the Appropriations Committee

January 5, 2024 9:56 amJanuary 5, 2024 9:56 am

The approach to dealing with bills in the California Legislature has been to distinguish bills held in the respective Appropriations Committees as a permanent hold, or a 2-year bill. Article IV, Section 10(c) provides, in part: “(c) Any bill introduced during...