Analysis

CA120: Laphonza Butler – Will she or won’t she?

Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) is seen at the U.S. Capitol Oct. 4, 2023. (Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images)

Now that newly appointed Senator Laphonza Butler has been sworn in, the question on the lips of all political insiders is “will she, or won’t she?” But the question isn’t really that simple.

Analysis

The Micheli Files: Is there a difference between intent and policy statements in statutes?

Public policy, image by AlexLMX

ANALYSIS – Readers of bills and statutes will regularly come across statements of legislative intent, such as paragraphs that usually begin with either “It is the intent of the Legislature to …” or “The Legislature finds and declares that …” On other occasions, readers may come across statements that “it is the policy of the state.” Both are expressed opinions or state desires of the Legislature.

Analysis

The Micheli Files: committee bill volume in the 2023 session

California bill volume, image by create jobs 51

The California Legislature has a combined 55 standing committees, with 33 in the Assembly and 22 in the Senate. There were 2,661 bills introduced during the 2023 Legislative Session. Those standing committees, and their hardworking consultants (along with their minority party counterparts), reviewed and analyzed thousands of bills during the past two years.

The following

Analysis

The Micheli Files: California statutes are being modernized, including gender neutral drafting

California law, image by Yuriy K

ANALYSIS – Even though the 29 California Codes, in which there are over 155,000 sections, contain guidance on interpreting their provisions, the attorneys in California’s Office of Legislative Counsel (OLC) continue to modernize our state’s statutes. This important work includes the use of gender-neutral drafting of legislation for bills, resolutions, and constitutional amendments.

Analysis

The Micheli Files: “Chaptering out” or “double-jointing” amendments – which one is it?

Seal of the State of California, image by Aaron Kohr

ANALYSIS – At the end of a California Legislative Session, Capitol observers will hear about the need to have “chaptering out amendments” adopted. However, that is not the correct term to use. “Chaptering out” is the problem that needs to be addressed by amendments, and “double-jointing amendments” are the solution to that problem.

Analysis

The Micheli Files: Bills considered on the Assembly and Senate Floors

The California Assembly floor, image by Kit Leong

ANALYSIS – As a general matter, bills are taken up on the California Assembly or Senate Floors in file item order, unless some special reason exists to do otherwise. There are five main procedural items to keep in mind when a bill is pending on either Floor.

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