California Legislature – Page 84

Are Legislative Findings in ‘No Place Like Home’ Bills Sufficient?

October 15, 2022 7:16 amOctober 15, 2022 7:32 am

In reviewing recently-passed legislation that proposes amendments to the “No Place Like Home Program,” as enacted by the voters by Prop. 2 in 2018, the same legislative finding and declaration is made in each bill. It is a simplistic statement...

Proposition 1: California’s Abortion Measure is Illogical and Intentionally Vague

October 14, 2022 4:43 pmOctober 14, 2022 8:58 pm

Even though the United States Supreme Court just overturned Roe v. Wade and made it a state’s decision, abortion is safe in California. However, Proposition 1, California’s Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom. Legislative Constitutional Amendment is so vague and hard to understand...

Legislature’s Instructions on Bill Intent and Interpretation

October 14, 2022 6:40 amOctober 14, 2022 6:46 am

On occasion, in California legislation, the reader will find either a statement of legislative intent (e.g., “It is the intent of the Legislature to …) or legislative findings and declarations (e.g., “The legislature finds and declares that …). In other...

Active v. Passive Voice in Legislation

October 13, 2022 3:26 pmOctober 13, 2022 3:33 pm

In California, bill drafters are instructed to use the active voice, rather than the passive voice. This is a change in the historical manner of drafting that previously included lots of passive voice language in state statutes. As a result,...

The Return of Carryover Bills

October 13, 2022 6:29 amOctober 13, 2022 6:36 am

Commonly referred to as “2-year bills,” a “carryover bill” is one that is introduced during the first year (the odd-numbered year) of the 2-year California Legislative Session that can be carried over into the second year (the even-numbered year). Article...

What Committee Actions Can Occur Without a Quorum?

October 12, 2022 3:22 pmOctober 12, 2022 3:26 pm

Before any official legislative business can be conducted in a policy or fiscal committee, or on either Floor of the Assembly or Senate, a quorum must be established, which means over half of the legislators are present and answer to...

Some Practical Notes About Special Sessions of the California Legislature

October 12, 2022 12:01 pmOctober 12, 2022 1:35 pm

With a likely special session beginning in early December when the Legislature convenes its 2023-24 Session, there are several practical items to keep in mind during special sessions of the California Legislature. For example: What are some of the subject...