Image by NeydtstockIn talking with legislative staff, there are some practical tips that were shared with me for those working with staff of legislators in the California State Capitol. While some of these recommendations may seem obvious, many of them bear repeating.
California law, image by designer491.There are a number of publications that are regularly used by the California Legislature. Of note is that several of these publications are specified in the California Government Code.
Image by Vitalii VodolazskyiCalifornia has over 200 State agencies, departments, boards, and commissions that make public policy through their authority to adopt regulations.
California State Capitol dome at dusk. Image by WallentineCalifornia has three types of open meetings laws that apply to local and state governmental entities. These laws, adopted over the years, apply to state agencies and departments, the Legislature, and local entities (including city councils and boards of supervisors).
Image by cagkansayinThere are two areas of confusion regarding properly addressing the presiding officer of a legislative committee or on the floor. The rules of the California Legislature provide some guidance, as do Mason’s Legislative Manual.
Image by Andrii YalanskyiIn recent years, Capitol observers have witnessed vacancies occur in state legislative offices and even constitutional offices in California. What is the process for filling vacancies in the California Legislature? What is the process for filling vacancies in constitutional offices?
Gov. Gavin Newsom. Photo by Associated PressCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom has called a special session of the Legislature for Dec. 2nd to “safeguard California values” against perceived threat from another Trump administration. Today’s edition of the Micheli Files has all you need to know about how such sessions work.
Image by Andrii YalanskyiThere are several ways in which the Legislature can influence the rule-making activities of state executive branch agencies, primarily through the lawmaking and budgetary processes.
Image by Bet_NoireThere are numerous rules of statutory construction used by the courts in California. Those involved in the development and implementation of state legislation should be aware of some of these principles.
Image by APCalifornia’s Elections Code provides rules for ballot titles and arguments that are used for measures submitted to the voters.