Office of Legislative Counsel

An Introduction to Bill Drafting in California

November 2, 2024 1:02 pmNovember 2, 2024 1:03 pm

Pursuant to Article IV, Section 1 of the California Constitution, the Legislature and the People share the lawmaking power. In drafting legislation (including proposed initiatives by the people), California’s Office of Legislative Counsel follows a number of drafting principles. First,...

SB 867 – Proposed Climate Bond for November Ballot

June 30, 2024 10:27 amJune 30, 2024 10:27 am

Late night on June 29, final amendments were made to Senate Bill 867 to place a climate bond on the November 5, 2024 General Election Ballot. SB 867 is jointly authored by 5 Senators and 2 Assembly Members, and co-authored...

Frequently Asked Questions about Joint Rule 10.5 and California Fiscal Bills

April 14, 2024 2:30 amApril 14, 2024 2:31 am

What does Joint Rule 10.5 of the California Legislature’s Joint Rules provide? JR 10.5 specifies guidance to the Office of Legislative Counsel (OLC) when determining whether a bill should be “keyed” as a fiscal bill. The “keying” of a bill...

Frequently Asked Questions about Enrolled Bill Reports and Gubernatorial Action

March 29, 2024 2:56 amMarch 29, 2024 2:57 am

What is an Enrolled Bill Report? The Enrolled Bill Report (most often referred to as an “EBR”) is the analysis of a bill with information and a recommendation for final action by the Governor. Is an EBR confidential? While agency...

Frequently Asked Questions about a Special Order of Business

March 21, 2024 2:45 amMarch 21, 2024 2:46 am

What is a special order of business? The Office of Legislative Counsel defines “special order of business” as when, occasionally, a bill is of such importance that advanced notice is given about when it will be considered in the full...

Frequently Asked Questions about Joint Rule 10.5 and California Fiscal Bills

March 20, 2024 5:45 amMarch 20, 2024 5:46 am

What does Joint Rule 10.5 of the California Legislature’s Joint Rules provide? JR 10.5 specifies guidance to the Office of Legislative Counsel (OLC) when determining whether a bill should be “keyed” as a fiscal bill. The “keying” of a bill...

Frequently Asked Questions about the Role of Legislative Counsel in Initiatives

March 19, 2024 2:45 amMarch 19, 2024 2:46 am

Does the Office of Legislative Counsel (OLC) draft initiatives? Yes, many do not realize that the highly trained attorneys in the California Office of Legislative Counsel may draft an initiative for the statewide ballot in certain circumstances. What is the...