Senate Rules Committee Archives

Some Practical Notes About Special Sessions of the California Legislature

October 12, 2022 12:01 pmOctober 12, 2022 1:35 pm

With a likely special session beginning in early December when the Legislature convenes its 2023-24 Session, there are several practical items to keep in mind during special sessions of the California Legislature. For example: What are some of the subject...

California State Assembly nearly empty except for a few folks in the balcony.

What Bill Drafting Guidance Do We Have from the Legislature’s House Rules?

September 27, 2022 6:21 amSeptember 27, 2022 10:37 am

When drafting legislation in California, there are several sources of guidance in drafting bills and other forms of legislation (resolutions and constitutional amendments). The fourth source is the Legislature’s individual house rules. What legislation drafting guidance is contained in the...

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...

The Second Bill Introduction Deadline in the California Legislature

March 18, 2022 2:44 pmMarch 18, 2022 2:51 pm

How can there be a second bill introduction deadline in the California Legislature? There really is not one, but there is a deadline for getting intent and spot bills amended with substantive language. As a result, this is effectively a...

Yolo County Non-Jail Drug Treatment Pilot Program Bill Faces Big Senate Hurdle This Month

June 7, 2021 2:54 pm

This week, a bill that would give Yolo County a pilot program to allow some criminals with drug-motivated felony crimes to be given a residential treatment sentence rather than a jail or prison sentence. Assembly Bill 1542, authored by Assemblyman...

California’s Three Fish and Wildlife Entities: What’s the Difference?

September 4, 2020 6:37 amSeptember 4, 2020 6:43 am

California has three fish and wildlife-related entities: Fish and Game Commission, and Department of Fish and Wildfire, and Wildlife Conservation Board. What’s the difference? Fish and Game Commission First, we need to consult the California Constitution. Article IV, Section 20...

Sen. Melendez Bill May End State Of Emergency, Gov’s Emergency Powers

August 10, 2020 5:09 pmAugust 11, 2020 8:02 am

A bill that would end California’s state of emergency and remove Governor Gavin Newsom’s emergency powers to close schools, businesses, and other gathering areas faces another week of challenges in the Senate Rules Committee. A bill to end pandemic emergency...