California Legislature – Page 89

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...

Fiscal Emergency Special Sessions

October 12, 2022 7:30 amOctober 12, 2022 1:35 pm

In addition to extraordinary or special sessions being called by the Governor, California allows for special sessions in “fiscal emergencies.” Adopted by the voters in March 2004 as Proposition 58, Section 10 of Article IV of the California Constitution was...

Is a Rule Waived or Suspended in the CA Legislature?

October 12, 2022 6:32 amOctober 12, 2022 12:10 pm

We hear most often in the California Legislature that a rule is being “waived” or that someone is seeking a “rule waiver.” However, many rules may be “dispensed with” or “suspended,” rather than waived. So, what is the correct terminology...

A Bill Can Be ‘Held’ by a Legislative Committee in Several Ways

October 11, 2022 4:30 pmOctober 11, 2022 4:34 pm

In the California Legislature, a bill can be “held” in three distinct ways, which seems rather odd because it would appear that the end result is the same – the bill is not moving forward from the policy or fiscal...