Senate – Page 18 – California Globe

The ‘Suspense File’ Process Used in Considering Fiscal Legislation

March 9, 2020 2:20 amMarch 8, 2020 5:43 pm

The two Appropriations Committees in the California Legislature have a unique procedure they each use called the “Suspense File.” Basically, any bill which has been keyed “fiscal” by the Legislative Counsel is referred to the fiscal committee in each house,...

A sea of empty desks inside the California State Assembly

The Role of the Legislative Ethics Committees

February 28, 2020 6:27 amFebruary 28, 2020 6:32 am

Ethics in the California Legislature is an important topic. As such, both houses of the Legislature have their own ethics committees. The Senate has adopted an official Code of Conduct for its members, while the Assembly has not. Nonetheless, both...

California Globe Voter Guide to the 2020 March Primary

February 26, 2020 5:32 amFebruary 26, 2020 5:37 pm

California is having its first ever early March Primary Election this March 3, 2020. California Globe is providing you a peek into the races statewide, and some hot seats and issues. Remember, registration deadline is February 18. However, California does...

Referral of Bills in the California Legislature

February 7, 2020 6:38 amFebruary 7, 2020 6:40 am

After the introduction of a new bill in the California Legislature, or upon a bill passing one house and moving over to the other house for further consideration, that measure must be referred to a committee for a hearing. So,...

Overview of California’s Budget Process

January 12, 2020 7:44 amJanuary 12, 2020 10:46 am

The state budget process on paper is similar to the legislative process; however, it can be different in practical terms. The full budget committees of the Senate and Assembly act mostly as the final arbiter of their respective houses when...

Legislative Powers and Duties by Statute

January 1, 2020 8:00 amJanuary 1, 2020 8:03 am

In California’s Government Code, there are several code sections that set forth legislative powers and duties. These statutes were added by Proposition 24 in 1984 and are found in Title 2, Division 2, Part 1, Chapter 8, Article 2. The...

Obstacles Faced in the Legislative Process

November 4, 2019 2:16 amNovember 3, 2019 9:23 pm

As one might contemplate, there are numerous obstacles to overcome during the legislative process in California. These are generally categorized as policy, fiscal and political obstacles that may have to be addressed as a bill travels through the legislative process....