Micheli Files

Considering fiscal measures and the suspense file process

Cut down day. Image by :Pla2na.

The two Appropriations Committees in the California Legislature have a unique procedure they each use called the “Suspense File.” Basically, any bill which has been keyed “fiscal” by the Legislative Counsel is referred to the fiscal committee in each house, called the Appropriations Committee. The vast majority of those bills are placed on the Suspense

Micheli Files

Bill Volume of California legislative committees – 2025 Session

The California state Capitol at dusk. (Photo: Karin Hildebrand Lau, via Shutterstock)

The California Legislature has a combined 55 standing committees, with 32 in the Assembly and 23 in the Senate. In today’s Micheli Files lobbyist and law professor Chris Micheli breaks down the original bill referrals to policy committees during the 2025 Session (meaning the first committee that received a bill from the Rules Committee).

Micheli Files

California Legislature end-of-session reminders

View of the Senate in the California State Capitol building. Image by Sundry Photography.

With the final weeks of Session upon us, several procedural items that regularly occur on the Floors of the California Legislature may be in order.

Micheli Files

A review of state mandates in California legislation

Image by Cameris

State mandates refer to state-imposed requirements on local governments and school districts that often involve new programs or higher levels of service. In this week’s Micheli Files McGeorge law professor and Capitol lobbyist Chris Micheli shares insights into some  types of state mandates. 

Micheli Files

How to conduct an effective lobby day

Image by yhelfman.

With more and more lobby days taking place in the California State Capitol (and its Swing Space), law professor and lobbyist Chris Micheli is joined today in a special edition of the Micheli Files by Capitol schedulers Megan Garrison and Tisha Simpson to present a series of suggestions for conducting a successful lobby day.

Micheli Files

Additional California drafting notes

Image by hapabapa

As I make my way through bills in the second house policy committee, I continue to run across interesting provisions contained in these bills. Here is a short explanation of some recent examples from 2025 bills that the “legislative geek” in me finds interesting.

Micheli Files

Why do bills have reimbursement disclaimers that can be ignored?

Image by Minwan.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. But while the Legislature may state the costs associated with a bill do not need to be reimbursed, it is actually the State Mandates Commission that decides the question.

Micheli Files

Why California needs multiple budget trailer bills

Image by Arseniy45

Questions have often been raised about why there are so many trailer bills needed as part of the budget process in California. The number has grown over the past couple of decades and this has been a recurring concern. However, there is a legal reason for this.

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