statements of legislative intent

Certain Bill Statements Are Not Opinions

May 9, 2026 2:38 amMay 9, 2026 7:17 am

What is the point of legislative intent statements and findings and declarations in California bills? To me, these are separate, distinct words included in a statute. Findings and declarations provide the foundation or basis for the bill. What is the...

Some Recent Trends in California Legislative Drafting

September 26, 2025 12:47 pmSeptember 26, 2025 12:47 pm

In reviewing thousands of bills making their way through the legislative process each year, and co-teaching a course on Legislative Drafting at UC Davis King Hall School of Law for the past five years, I have noted a number of...

What Is the Purpose of California’s Public Contract Code?

January 16, 2023 8:29 amJanuary 16, 2023 8:34 am

Division 1 of California’s Public Contract Code sets forth its purpose and several preliminary matters. Division 1 was added in 1984 by Chapter 42. Section 100 provides a legislative finding and declaration that placing all public contract law in one...