legislation – California Globe

Why Might a Bill Be Referred to More than One Committee?

September 27, 2026 2:30 amSeptember 27, 2026 2:31 am

Bills in the California Legislature are referred to at least one policy committee in each house, and just over 80% of those bills also get re-referred to the respective Appropriations Committees for a hearing on the fiscal impacts. In some...

Even More Notes on California Legislative Drafting

July 8, 2026 2:30 amJuly 8, 2026 2:31 am

As I continue to review legislation pending in the 2026 California Legislative Session, I have come across more instances that warrant highlighting to those working in and around the State Capitol. The following are those examples: From one bill: (C) It...

Chart on Types of California Bills

June 25, 2026 2:00 pmJune 25, 2026 2:01 pm

The following chart sets forth the main types of bills used in the California Legislature: Type of Bill Purpose Appropriation This bill contains language that appropriates funds for expenditures by the state. Author-sponsored This bill is the idea of the...

Instructing the Courts on Interpretation

May 29, 2026 2:00 pmMay 29, 2026 2:01 pm

In reviewing some recent legislation in the 2026 California Legislative Session, I have come across several bills that contain “liberally construe” language, as well as one that used “liberally interpret” language. In other words, this language is directed at state...

What Happens When an Author is Not Presenting his or her Bill?

April 27, 2026 2:00 pmApril 27, 2026 2:01 pm

What happens when a bill author is not available to present his or her bill in a committee of the California Legislature? The general practice is for another legislator to present the bill in the missing legislator’s absence. The first...

Historical Look at Bills That Became Law Without the Governor’s Signature

November 3, 2025 2:00 pmNovember 3, 2025 2:01 pm

In California, the Governor has three options when a bill reaches his desk: sign the bill (and it becomes a statute), veto the bill (and the bill does not become law, unless the Legislature overrides the veto), or allow the...

How Many Bills Historically Get to the Governor’s Desk?

October 29, 2025 2:00 pmOctober 29, 2025 2:01 pm

Over the past four decades, thousands of bills have reached the Governor’s Desk. The vast majority of those measures get signed into law, with a small percentage being vetoed. The lowest veto rate was just over 1% by Governor Jerry...