There are a number of publications that are regularly used by the California Legislature and those who work in and around California’s state capitol. Of note is that several of these publications are specified in the California Government Code. I’ll provide a brief overview of some of
While some aspects of drafting bills and amendments in California are certainly generic in nature to all types of legislative bill drafting, there are several unique aspects that are a part of bill drafting in the state of California. In general, those individuals drafting bills and amendments should keep in mind
Today’s post is on obstacles faced in the legislative process.
As one might contemplate, there are numerous obstacles to overcome during the legislative process here in California. These are generally characterized as policy, fiscal, and political obstacles that may have to be addressed as a bill travels through the legislative process.
Challenges to Lawmaking in California’s Legislative Process (transcript)
Today’s post is on the challenges to lawmaking in California’s legislative process.
Individuals and groups engaging in California’s lawmaking process may find several challenges in their legislative endeavors. There are certainly institutional challenges as well as political challenges that complicate the legislative process. These challenges
Publishing Letters to the Journal (transcript)
Today’s post is on publishing letters to the Journal for determining legislative intent.
Sometimes in order to explain the intent behind a specific piece of legislation, one or both houses of the Legislature will utilize a process by which a legislator publishes a letter stating his or
Rules of Statutory Construction (transcript)
Today’s post is on rules of statutory construction primarily for the non-lawyer.
For those working in and around the California State Capitol, it’s important to understand general rules of statutory construction whether you’re a lawyer or a non-lawyer.
The general rule of statutory construction is to effectuate the
Court Cases Related to California’s Legislative Process (transcript)
Today’s post is an overview of specified court cases related to California’s legislative process.
As you can imagine, there are a number California Appellate Court decisions that related to the legislative process. These cases deal with a number of separate and distinct issues. While I
The California Legislature’s Organizing Session (transcript)
With this year being an even numbered year, the California Legislature’s organizing session will take place next Monday, December 3. Today’s post and podcast is an overview of California’s legislative organizing session.
As you may be aware, the California Legislature operates during two-year legislative sessions. At the commencement
Methods of Floor Voting (transcript)
Today’s post is on the methods of voting on the floors of the California State Assembly and State Senate.
In the two houses of the California Legislature, there are differences in how voting by legislators is conducted on the floors of the State Assembly and State Senate. The
The deadliest fire in California history is still raging, and there still hundreds of people unaccounted for in this ongoing tragedy. In addition to earning that moniker, the Camp Fire is also “the most destructive in California history … 8,817 structures have been destroyed, including 7,600 homes.”
Like the fires in 2017, Pacific Gas &