California Legislature – Page 51

Frequently Asked Questions about Retroactive v. Prospective Legislation

January 15, 2024 2:30 amJanuary 15, 2024 2:31 am

What is the general rule for the application of a newly added or amended statute? In most instances, legislation applies prospectively, meaning after the law has been enacted and takes effect. What does a retroactive bill or retroactive statutory language...

Frequently Asked Questions About Per Diem and Legislators’ Expenses

January 14, 2024 9:32 amJanuary 14, 2024 10:05 am

What is “per diem”? It is a Latin term meaning “for the day” and is used to describe the payment of expenses for elected and appointed officials. What is the authority for paying legislators’ expenses? Pursuant to Section 4(b) of...

Frequently Asked Questions about California Legislative Measures

January 14, 2024 2:45 amJanuary 14, 2024 2:46 am

How many different types of legislature measures are there? In total, there are eleven different types of measures used in the California Legislature. What is the most common legislative measure? The most widely used measure is a bill. What is...

Frequently Asked Questions about Legislative Revolving Door Limitations in California

January 13, 2024 2:35 amJanuary 13, 2024 2:36 am

What is the “revolving door”? When legislative or executive branch officials leave government service, it is often referred to as the “revolving door” between the public and private sectors. Are elected members of the legislative branch subject to the “revolving...

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...