Micheli Files

What is a tax levy in California legislation?

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.

Micheli Files

Codified v. uncodified laws

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.

Micheli Files

Reading on the Assembly floor

The California Assembly in session. Photo by AP

On 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?

Micheli Files

‘Gut-and-Amend’ bills in the California Legislature

Interior of the California State Capitol dome in Sacramento, CA. Image by GDMatt66.

One of the controversial occurrences during the annual California Legislative Session is so-called “gut-and-amend bills.” But just how does this process work? In this week’s Micheli Files our intrepid Chris Micheli tells us all about it.

Micheli Files

What is the SRIA?

Image by tumsasedgars.

Just what is the “standardized regulatory impact analysis,” or SRIA. In this week’s Micheli Files intrepid lobbyist and law professor Chris Micheli explains all for you.

Micheli Files

How to participate in the California legislative process

The California state Capitol in Sacramento. (Photo: Adonis Villanueva, via Shutterstock)

Where do we find the rules governing the legislative process? First in the Constitution, followed by the Government Code, and then a number of them in the Legislature’s internal rules. The legislative process is also dependent on the calendar and specified deadlines.

Micheli Files

How to participate in the California budget process

Image by Worawith Ounpeng.

Participating in the state budget process is similar to participation in the legislative process. While the budget process has its own terminology, and a concurrent process in the Legislature, it is still important to understand the procedural rules, the players in the process, and the policy areas within the budget process.

Micheli Files

An orientation for lobby day

Lobbyists crowd around video screen to watch the floor votes on the last night of the Legislature's session. (Photo: Rich Pedroncelli, AP)

What should your lobby day participants know about California government before they embark on their lobby day at the State Capitol in Sacramento? This article sets forth those key items for them to get acquainted with regarding the Legislature and the legislative process.

Micheli Files

Statutory statements by the Legislature should guide courts

California's lady justice, image by BreizhAtao

When the California Legislature includes certain statements in legislation that is ultimately enacted, I believe these enacted statements should guide California courts. What am I talking about? These statements include legislative findings and declarations, intent statements, and related statutory language.

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