Franklin Porter. Image by Joha Harrison. Tattoos are becoming far more common around the Capitol than in years past. It is anybody’s guess as to exactly how many staff or even elected members in the Capitol have tattoos, but it is a safe bet there are many more now than even a decade ago. Even so, most body art around the building is confined to smaller pieces that are easily covered during the workday.
Image by ChinnapongMen, like many patients, come to Planned Parenthood for vital health services such as vasectomy care, STI testing, cancer screening and sexual health counseling. However, policy shifts resulting from H.R. 1, including recent reimbursement freezes, have placed some of these essential services at risk.
California law with court gavel and stack of documents.The more I delve into statutory interpretation, the more I am confronted from a legislative drafting perspective whether interpretive guidance should be provided to the courts in this state by placing additional directives in statute. The California courts already use a number of judicial principles when interpreting ambiguous statutes.
CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: We’re joined today by former California Supreme Court Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye who is part of a new organization comprised of over 40 retired state Supreme Court Chief Justices committed to educating the public about the role of the judiciary and protecting the constitutional balance put in place by the Founders.
Lobbyist, author and McGeorge law professor Chris Micheli offers a quick look at what’s coming up this week under the Capitol Dome.
Secretary of State Shirley Weber with former Senate pro Tem Toni Atkins. When former Senate pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) launched her campaign for governor in early 2024, she had her friend of 20 years introduce her. That friend was Secretary of State Shirley Weber.
The state Capitol in Sacramento. (Photo: PPIC)In this edition of Capitol Briefs: a new bill proposal, an initiative is cleared for signature gathering, people on the move and our new trio of Capitol Weekly interns.
Legislation. Image by tumsasedgarsWhy do I think our state should publish its bill drafting manual? I believe it would enhance the ability of the state’s judiciary to better interpret statutes.
Congressman Eric Swalwell outside of the Capitol Weekly office. Photo by Tim Foster, Capitol WeeklyCAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Congressman Eric Swalwell announced last month that he was joining the crowded race to replace California governor Gavin Newsom. The Dublin lawmaker enters a fluid contest with no overwhelming favorite. Swalwell joined us for a conversation about his candidacy, how he plans to address the state’s affordability crisis, his experiences as a local official, navigating familial political divides, the temperature in congress, the Democratic Party brand, and much more.
Legislation. Image by tumsasedgarsAs we head into the second year of the 2-year California Legislative Session, some legislators may want to re-introduce a bill that did not make it to the Governor’s Desk during this first year. Are there any applicable rules governing this question?