California Legislature – Page 47

Frequently Asked Questions about Convening a New Legislative Session

February 9, 2024 2:45 amFebruary 9, 2024 2:46 am

When does the Legislature convene a new session? The Legislature convenes in regular session at noon on the first Monday in December of each even-numbered year. Where must the Legislature convene in regular session? The Legislature is required to convene...

Can We Call Them Placeholder Bills Instead?

February 8, 2024 8:20 amFebruary 8, 2024 8:20 am

Quite often bills introduced in the California Legislature without substantive language in them are called “spot bills.” However, that is not always the case even though both spot and intent bills act as placeholders with substantive amendments to be added...

Frequently Asked Questions About California End-of-Session Items

February 8, 2024 3:30 amFebruary 8, 2024 3:31 am

How many times can a bill be reconsidered? Regarding the reconsideration of bills, the same rule applies whether a bill is in committee or on the Floors of the Assembly or Senate. Only one reconsideration is in order. The first...

Frequently Asked Questions about the May Budget Revision

February 7, 2024 6:51 amFebruary 7, 2024 6:51 am

What is the “May Revision”? The Governor’s Department of Finance explains that the May Revision reflects “changes to the Governor’s Proposed Budget based upon the latest economic forecasts.” The Office of Legislative Counsel, in its Glossary of terms, explains the...

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?...