legislation – Page 4 – California Globe

Frequently Asked Questions about Constitutional Rules for California’s Budget

May 19, 2024 8:20 amMay 19, 2024 8:29 am

What is the formal name of a budget bill junior or a budget trailer bill? The budget bill junior and budget trailer bills are formally called “other bills providing for appropriations related to the budget bill.” Where are the rules...

Frequently Asked Questions on California Legislature Conducting Its Work

April 20, 2024 2:30 amApril 20, 2024 2:31 am

Why does the Legislature convene a new session in early December, but designate the new Session as the following two years (e.g., the Session convened on December 5, 2022 and is designated as the 2023-24 Legislative Session)? California’s Constitution, in...

Frequently Asked Questions About California End-of-Session Items

February 8, 2024 3:30 amFebruary 8, 2024 3:31 am

How many times can a bill be reconsidered? Regarding the reconsideration of bills, the same rule applies whether a bill is in committee or on the Floors of the Assembly or Senate. Only one reconsideration is in order. The first...

Are Legislative Findings in Prop. 11 Bills Sufficient?

January 17, 2024 12:23 pmJanuary 17, 2024 12:23 pm

In reviewing recent legislation that proposes amendments to California’s Emergency Ambulance Employee Safety and Preparedness Act, as enacted by the voters by Proposition 11 in November 2018, the same legislative finding and declaration is made in a bill. It is...

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 Drafting Rules for Specific Types of Bills

January 2, 2024 2:30 amJanuary 2, 2024 1:47 pm

How many main requirements are there for an appropriations bill? There are three major requirements for drafting bills that make an appropriation of funds. What is the first requirement for drafting an appropriation bill? In the Relating Clause, the following...

Frequently Asked Questions about Legislative Branch Support Agencies

December 31, 2023 2:30 amDecember 31, 2023 2:31 am

What is the Office of Legislative Counsel (OLC)? Founded in 1913, the Office of Legislative Counsel is a nonpartisan public agency that drafts legislative proposals, prepares legal opinions, and provides other confidential legal services to the Legislature and Governor. What...