California Legislature – Page 91

Are Companion Bills Used in the California Legislature?

September 17, 2022 4:36 pmSeptember 17, 2022 4:39 pm

In the United States Congress, a common approach to take is to have two identical measures, one in the House of Representatives and one in the Senate, introduced and run at the same time. These two measures are referred to...

Why Is a Supplemental File Used in the California Legislature?

September 17, 2022 7:49 amSeptember 17, 2022 7:52 am

The agenda for the California Legislature is contained in the Assembly Daily File and the Senate Daily File. But, during the last day or two prior to the final adjournment of the legislative session, a “supplemental file” is required when...

Formal Roles of Governor and Lt. Governor in Lawmaking

September 16, 2022 6:36 pmSeptember 16, 2022 6:41 pm

Both the California Governor and the Lieutenant Governor have formal roles in the lawmaking process, despite the fact that this authority is granted to the legislative branch of state government pursuant to Article IV of the California Constitution. Article IV,...

What Is a Special Order of Business in the CA Legislature?

September 16, 2022 6:48 amSeptember 16, 2022 6:53 am

Almost always used in committee, a special order of business is used when a bill or similarly related bills are set to be heard at a specified time and specified order (for multiple bills) at the hearing. The Office of...

Why Do Legislators “Move a Call”?

September 15, 2022 6:05 pmSeptember 15, 2022 6:06 pm

In committees and on the Floors of the California Legislature, after voting has occurred, but before the final vote is announced, the committee chair or presiding officer of a floor may be heard to say, “Assembly Member __ moves a...

Why Do California Legislators Speak ‘On Condition of the File?’

September 14, 2022 3:30 pmSeptember 14, 2022 2:59 pm

On occasion, you may hear a legislator on the Floor of the State Senate or State Assembly rise and seek permission to “speak on condition of the File.” What does this mean and why is it used? The reference to...

A sea of empty desks inside the California State Assembly

What Is a Conflict in California Legislation?

September 13, 2022 3:21 pmSeptember 13, 2022 8:03 pm

On occasion, a legislator in the Assembly or Senate will receive a letter from the Office of Legislative Counsel that there is a “conflict” with their bill. What does this mean? The Office of Legislative Counsel defines this “conflict” as...