Micheli Files

Are certain special statute statements sufficient?

Image by Ritu Manoj Jethani

In the California Legislature, there are “special statute” bills that are used when legislators believe a bill’s provisions are unique and should apply in only a specified circumstance or to a specified entity or jurisdiction. Not any bill can be given a special statute designation.

Micheli Files

Kaufman case and cognizable legislative history documents

Image by Dmitry Demidovich

In the key case to discuss the use of legislative intent materials, we find clear guidance provided by the decision. The appellate court issued its written decision on August 30, 2005 and, since then, it has been cited affirmatively more than 80 times.

Micheli Files

Standard features of initiative measures

Image by Ray Buse

When drafting initiative measures, there are several instances of standard language contained in those initiative measures. This article takes a brief look at several examples of that standardized language.

Micheli Files

A look at legislative committee rules

The rules of consent, image by anabaraulia

Each standing committee of the California State Senate (there are 22 of them) and State Assembly (there are 33 of them) operate under the Joint Rules of the Legislature, as well as the Standing Rules of the Senate and Assembly, respectively. Each standing committee may adopt rules governing the operation of their committees. These committee rules set forth the procedures and guidelines that are used to conduct the business of the particular legislative committee.

Micheli Files

Judicial branch glossary of terms

The judicial branch of government has its own unique language. The purpose of this glossary is to provide a listing of terms and phrases related to the judicial branch of California state government for those who work in and around the State Capitol.

Micheli Files

Constitutional rules for the state budget

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Like all things with government, there are a plethora of rules related to the California budget process. The provisions of law related to the State Budget are primarily contained in Section 12 of Article IV of the state Constitution. What are these provisions?

Micheli Files

Glossary of common California government terms, part II

It probably does not come as a surprise, but those working in and around California’s Capitol use a number of terms or “lingo” to describe aspects of the legislative and executive branch processes. The following is the second of a two-part compilation of some of the more common terms used in California state government.

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