Secretary of the Senate Archives

The Return of Carryover Bills

October 13, 2022 6:29 amOctober 13, 2022 6:36 am

Commonly referred to as “2-year bills,” a “carryover bill” is one that is introduced during the first year (the odd-numbered year) of the 2-year California Legislative Session that can be carried over into the second year (the even-numbered year). Article...

Legislative Approval of an Memorandum of Understanding

September 22, 2022 6:37 amSeptember 22, 2022 6:43 am

The California Legislature is required to adopt a memorandum of understanding (MOU) through enactment of a bill, after the MOU has been negotiated and finalized between the Governor and the relevant bargaining unit of the state’s workforce. Neither the Assembly...

A sea of empty desks inside the California State Assembly

Does the Legislature Use Display Bills Anymore?

September 21, 2022 2:09 pmSeptember 25, 2022 2:16 pm

What is a “display bill” and are they used in the California Legislature? Neither the Assembly Rules nor the Joint Rules of the Senate and Assembly address the issue of display bills. However, Senate Rule 28.10 provides: “A display bill...

Vote Changes in the California Legislature

September 21, 2022 6:39 amSeptember 21, 2022 6:44 am

Are vote changes allowed in the California Legislature? The answer is yes, although there are different rules between the two houses and some explanation is appropriate. A vote change is obviously when a legislator chooses to change his or her...

Required Reports to the California Legislature

March 7, 2022 9:37 amMarch 7, 2022 6:54 am

On occasion, bills in California require a report to be provided to the Legislature or legislative committees. In those cases, there are required laws about how and where those reports are submitted. The laws are contained in the California Government...

The Daily File: The Legislature’s Go-To Resource

February 16, 2022 2:21 amFebruary 15, 2022 5:09 pm

In both the California State Assembly and State Senate, there are three major publications: Weekly History, Daily File, and Daily Journal, all of which are generally published each day the two houses are in session. While the Assembly and Senate...

State Capitol Issues Mandatory COVID 2X Weekly Testing For All Staff, Regardless of Vax Status

August 12, 2021 4:28 pm

Two memos were sent out Thursday to all California State Capitol staff and lawmakers announcing mandatory twice-weekly COVID testing, regardless of vaccination status. Mandatory masks and social distancing is also part of the daily routine. The Senate memo to all...