Most Capitol observers know that the Legislative Counsel, and her deputies, serve as the attorneys for the California Legislature, but that role is actually much broader. In today’s podcast we’ll look at the numerous activities that are undertaken by California’s Legislative Counsel.
Under Government Code Section 10207(a)
In both the California State Assembly and the California State Senate, there are designated officers and elected leaders of these two bodies. We’ll take a quick look at some of those positions in the text and cover more of the positions in today’s podcast. We’ll start with
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
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
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
Conducting Business on the Floors (transcript)
Today’s post is on conducting business on the floors.
The California Legislature conducts its business both in policy and fiscal committees as well as on the floors of the State Assembly and the State Senate. Each house determines its own rules and specifies how business will be
The Suspense File (transcript)
Today’s post is on the suspense file and the process used to consider fiscal legislation in the California Legislature.
The two appropriations committees in the California Legislature have a unique procedure and each of them terms it the “Suspense File.” In California, as opposed to the US
Concurrence in Bill Amendments (transcript)
Today’s post is on concurrence in bill amendments.
The California Legislature is a bicameral body with two houses in the legislature. After a bill has been passed by the house of origin, it is then transmitted to the other house for further consideration. If the
Misconception Monday – Committee Hearings
Today’s Misconception Monday podcast concerns committee hearings. Before we dive in, remember that you can find all my Misconception Monday podcasts here.
Today’s first misconception has to do with the legislative calendar, which states, “No committees may meet during the last two weeks of session,” but that
As I’ve discussed before, the #MeToo and We Said Enough movements are starting to bring change to the California legislature’s persistent culture of sexual assault and harassment. That process of bringing change has been slow, perhaps too slow.
Furthering that concern are the reports about state Senator Tony Mendoza. He