Micheli Files

The law protecting legislative proceedings

Image via AP

On both January 3 and July 3 of the 2024 California Legislative Session, the State Assembly Floor Sessions were disrupted and temporarily recessed by protesters in the Gallery. This has raised the question whether there are any laws available to preclude this disruptive behavior.

Analysis

Is Biden’s slump dooming Democratic chances in 2024?

US presidential election illustration 2024, image by Rafmaster

ANALYSIS – During this week’s back and forth about the future of the Biden nomination, California Congressman Mark Takano cited low Biden polling in his Inland Empire district as a reason for Democrats to find an alternative presidential nominee for November. While using the Takano poll as a benchmark could be causing California members of congress, and Democratic nominees, some considerable headaches, this poll may not be a perfect benchmark. 

Micheli Files

Using conference committees may improve the legislative process

Image by Rawpixel

In the past, the California Legislature used conference committees as a part of the legislative process. However, despite extensive rules and procedures for their use that still exist today in the Joint Rules and the respective house rules, the conference committee in the California Legislature is largely nonexistent today.

Capitol Briefs

Capitol Briefs: Roofies, taxes and a touch of oddness

California State Capitol building in the warm light of the setting sun. Image by rschlie

Capitol Briefs: Roofies, taxes and a touch of oddness. It’s going to be a really busy few days before everyone heads off to summer recess, so here’s a few things to ponder before you go.

Podcast

We ask Christy Smith: When does the California Legislature hit Gender Parity?

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: We welcome Christy Smith, the former Democratic Assemblymember for California’s 38th Assembly District. Smith also ran three times for Congress. Today she is the Executive Director for Emerge California, the state’s arm of the national organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office. She spoke with us about the likelihood that the California Legislature will achieve gender parity in the near future, and about the unique challenges that face women candidates.

Experts Expound

Experts Expound: Who won the debate?

Photo by Associated Press

The first – and hopefully only – presidential debate was held last night. With so much at stake in the November election, it seemed right to ask our panel of experts who they thought won the contest. Per usual, they didn’t hold back.

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