General versus special statutes

Capitol 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?

A general statute is essentially a law that pertains uniformly to an entire community or all persons generally, and statewide in most cases. On the other hand, a special statute is essentially a law that applies to a particular person, place, or interest. California law provides for both types of statutes.

California’s Constitution in Article IV, Section 16, provides:

“(a) All laws of a general nature have uniform operation. (b) A local or special statute is invalid in any case if a general statute can be made applicable.”

As a result, general statutes are the main type enacted and these statutes apply uniformly by their language; however, special statutes can be pursued so long as a general statute would not apply in the particular circumstance.

Working with the bill author, the Office of Legislative Counsel will make a determination whether a special statute will pass constitutional muster and, if so, how the bill must be drafted. The initial determination is whether the proposed legislation can be addressed by a bill of general application. If not, then a special law would be required.

With a special statute bill, a reader may see the following language in the measure:

“The Legislature finds and declares that a special law is necessary and that a general law cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because of ___.”

Thereafter, the bill contains an explanation of the special or local nature of the bill and why a bill of general application will not work in this particular circumstance. An example of this explanatory language could be (taken from a prior bill):

“The unique island location of the City of Coronado and its proximity to large military installations requires a special law. In addition, the complexities of amending a general plan and a local coastal plan for the City of Coronado will take significantly longer than six months. As a result, a general law cannot be made applicable.”

Although special statutes are less common, being aware of the general rules can be helpful when you need such a bill.