California Assembly. Photo by Capitol Weekly. In his continuing review of 2026 legislation in the California Legislature, intrepid legal scholar, lobbyist and law professor Chris Micheli offers some additional observations on the dos and don’ts of drafting legislation.
California law, image by Vitalii VodolazskyiCapitol observers will come across bills that delineate between general or special (also called local) statutes. So, what is a general statute versus a special or local statute? Capitol lobbyist and law professor Chris Micheli explains it all in today’s Micheli Files.
The California State Capitol building in Sacramento, CA. Image by jsolieCan the California Legislature actually negotiate measures off the statewide ballot? If so, how can that be done?
The California state Capitol at dusk. (Photo: Karin Hildebrand Lau, via Shutterstock)Today is a big day in the Legislature – suspense file hearings in the Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committees. But what exactly is the suspense file procedure? We’re glad you asked. Allow Capitol Weekly contributor, lobbyist and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli explain all for you.
California State Senate floor session. Photo by Capitol Weekly.Should state contracts or grants be exempt from oversight laws? Our intrepid Chris Micheli weighs in.
Image by Capitol WeeklyWhat is an “appropriations measure?” Unfortunately, California law does not define this term. But not to fear – Chris Micheli is here to help.
Image by Andrii Yalanskyi. Just what is a severability clause and why would any legislation need one? Capitol lobbyist and law professor Chris Micheli explains all for you.
A photo illustration of California's tax code. (Image: Vitalii Vodolazskyi, via Shutterstock)The word “tax” sparks a wide array of reactions in most people. But what exactly is a “tax levy?” Intrepid Capito lobbyist and law professor Chris Micheli explains it all for you.
Image by george tsartsianidis. We sometimes hear statements around the California State Capitol about codified versus uncodified laws. What’s the difference? In today’s Micheli Files Capitol lobbyist and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli explains it all for you.
The California Assembly in session. Photo by APOn occasion, if you listen to the proceedings on the Floor of the California State Assembly, you may hear either a legislator seeking “permission to read on the Floor,” or you might hear a legislator raise a point of order that a colleague is reading on the Floor. What is the basis for either of these two statements?