single subject rule – California Globe

Frequently Asked Questions about the Single Subject Rule and Initiatives

May 2, 2024 2:30 amMay 2, 2024 2:31 am

Is there a single subject rule for initiatives? Yes, Section 8(d) of Article II provides, “An initiative measure embracing more than one subject may not be submitted to the electors or have any effect.” Is there a single subject rule...

Frequently Asked Questions about the Single Subject Rule in California

February 21, 2024 2:30 amFebruary 21, 2024 2:31 am

What is the purpose of the single subject rule for legislation? The general idea is to ensure that measures are not overly complex or that they may possibly confuse or “hide” provisions in a multi-faceted measure. Others have argued the...

The Globe Quiz on California Direct Democracy

April 15, 2023 7:16 amApril 15, 2023 7:21 am

This quiz is to test your knowledge about California’s forms of direct democracy. True or False? The three forms of direct democracy are initiative, referendum, and recall. An initiative in California can enact changes to statutes or the state Constitution. A...

Legal Analysis: California Court of Appeal Primarily Upholds Prop. 22

March 16, 2023 6:57 amMarch 16, 2023 7:12 am

On March 13, 2023, the California First District Court of Appeal, in Castellanos v. State of California, primarily upheld Proposition 22 on two main grounds. As readers may recall, Prop. 22 was approved by 58% of the voters on the...

Does the Legislature Enact Invalid Statutes?

March 6, 2023 6:30 amMarch 6, 2023 6:38 am

I would hope that your answer, unfortunately, would be “yes.” Whether good or bad, depending on your perspective, the California Legislature does indeed enact statutes that the judicial branch of government (state or federal) later determines to be invalid or...

A Few Unique Aspects of California Legislation

November 8, 2022 12:48 pmNovember 8, 2022 1:39 pm

For those involved in the California legislative process, they may be familiar with several unique provisions of California legislation. Some of the main ones to be familiar with include the following: Urgency Clause Statements – When an urgency clause is...

What Bill Drafting Guidance Do We Have from the California Constitution?

September 24, 2022 7:43 amSeptember 24, 2022 7:47 am

When drafting legislation in California, there are several sources of guidance in drafting bills and other forms of legislation (resolutions and constitutional amendments). The first source is the California Constitution. What legislation drafting guidance is contained in the state Constitution?...