state Constitution – California Globe

What Are the Key Dates in Law for the State Budget?

February 5, 2025 2:30 amFebruary 5, 2025 2:31 am

Many Capitol observers believe all of the relevant dates applicable to the state’s budget are contained in the California Constitution. However, there are only two dates found in the state Constitution. And, they are both found in Article IV dealing...

Frequently Asked Questions about Gifts and Honoraria and California Legislators

July 2, 2024 2:30 amJuly 2, 2024 2:31 am

What does the state Constitution say about gifts and honoraria for legislators? The California Constitution, in Article IV, Section 5, prohibits any honorarium being paid and limits gifts being made to state legislators. Government Code Title 9 (Political Reform), Chapter...

Frequently Asked Questions about Bills with Public’s Right of Access Disclaimers

June 18, 2024 2:30 amJune 17, 2024 7:24 pm

Have you ever read a bill and found a section at the end of the bill discussing the public’s right of access being limited by the bill? The following is an example from a bill in the California Legislature: SEC....

Frequently Asked Questions about Actions by Appropriations Committees

June 17, 2024 2:30 amJune 17, 2024 2:31 am

What can the Assembly and Senate Appropriations Committee do with bills re-referred to them? The following actions are the most common: Do Pass; Do Pass as Amended; Placed on the Suspense File; Consent; or “28.8 to the Floor” (only in...

California Supreme Court Hears Arguments On Proposed Tax Initiative

May 13, 2024 11:46 am

In December of 2023 I reported on an effort by Governor Gavin Newsom and state Democrats to prevent a ballot initiative from ever seeing the light of day. That initiative officially known as the “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Initiative,”...

Frequently Asked Questions about When Elected Officials Take Office

April 25, 2024 2:30 amApril 25, 2024 2:31 am

When do statewide constitutional officials take office? Pursuant to Article V, Section 2 of the state Constitution, “the Governor shall … hold office from the Monday after January 1 following the election until a successor qualifies.” The eight other constitutional...

Frequently Asked Questions about Timing of Appropriations Bills

March 17, 2024 10:12 amMarch 17, 2024 10:12 am

What are appropriations bills? Appropriations bills, as their name implies, appropriate funds from the General Fund or special funds to a designated entity for a designated purpose. Can these bills be adopted at any time during the Legislative Session? The...