Micheli Files
Ballot titles and arguments
Image by APCalifornia’s Elections Code provides rules for ballot titles and arguments that are used for measures submitted to the voters.
Image by APMicheli Files
Negotiating measures to be withdrawn from the ballot
Image by Wasan TitaSome of the most challenging negotiations lawmakers face come when trying to remove an initiative from the upcoming ballot. There’s a reason for that. Actually, a lot of reasons.
Micheli Files
Some drafting observations on 2024 California bills
Image by hapabapaIn looking over the 1,200 bills that reached Governor Newsom’s Desk during the 2024 Session, I found several with interesting provisions. They are in random order as I came across them in my review of the bill language.
Micheli Files
Bond measures submitted to voters
Image by SvanblarOn occasion, bond measures are submitted to voters in the State of California, such as this November 5 when the statewide electorate will consider two different $10 billion bond measures, one on climate change and one on school facilities.
Micheli Files
Delegation of authority by the legislature
Delegation of work, image by Andrii YalanskyiIn delegating authority to the executive branch of government, a question that is often raised is whether legislatures can be expected to adopt statutes that address every detail of public policy? In some instances, they can, but in others they cannot.
Micheli Files
Some statistics from the 2023-24 legislative session
Longtime Capitol lobbyist and regular Capitol Weekly contributor Chris Micheli is a “self-professed legislative geek.” To that end, he has collected and is now sharing with us the following statistics from the recently-concluded 2023-24 California Legislative Session:
Micheli Files
Formal roles of Governor and Lt. Governor in lawmaking
Gov. Gavin Newsom & Lt. Gov. Eleni KounalakisBoth the California Governor and the Lieutenant Governor have formal roles in the lawmaking process, despite the fact that this authority is granted to the legislative branch of state government pursuant to Article IV of the California Constitution.
Micheli Files
Can the public be excluded from legislative committee hearings or floor sessions?
No access. Image by Mary HerronSome in the Capitol community believe there are unnecessary limitations on the public’s ability to access some of the committee hearings and floor sessions of the California Legislature. Are these limits on public participation permissible under state laws?
Micheli Files
Role of the judiciary in the lawmaking process
California courts, image by NanoStockkMembers of the state and federal judiciary branches play a role in the California lawmaking process as a part of our government’s system of “checks and balances.” When California statutes or regulations are legally challenged, for example, then the state or federal court that makes a determination establishes a policy for the state.
Micheli Files
Legislative privilege in California
Image by Sparky2000Under a longstanding doctrine known as legislative immunity, legislators are generally immune from civil liability for their official acts. On the other hand, a derivative doctrine, called the legislative privilege, creates a privilege against giving evidence on official legislative acts.