Micheli Files

Legislative privilege in California

Image by Sparky2000

Under a longstanding doctrine known as legislative immunity, legislators are generally immune from civil liability for their official acts. On the other hand, a derivative doctrine, called the legislative privilege, creates a privilege against giving evidence on official legislative acts.

Capitol Briefs

Capitol Briefs: Bills, bills, bills

Image by AP.

With just days to go before the end of session, lawmakers addressed hundreds of bills on Tuesday. They have over 600 more to go before midnight on Saturday.

Capitol Briefs

Capitol Briefs: Bills on the move and some legislative stats

The California Assembly in session. Photo by AP

In the latest edition of Capitol Briefs, we showcase movement on a handful of measures flying under the radar and share some interesting legislative stats compiled by lobbyist and regular Capitol Weekly contributor Chris Micheli.  

Podcast

The Townsend Plan: The forgotten movement that shaped Social Security

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: In September 1933, in the depths of the Depression, Dr. Francis Townsend wrote a letter to the Long Beach Press-Telegram with an idea that would end the Depression and alleviate the endemic poverty for the nation’s elderly. Two years later his idea was a bill in congress. Our guest today, Dr. Edwin Amenta is the author of When Movements Matter: The Townsend Plan and the Rise of Social Security. He tells the story of the Townsend Plan, how it became a movement and how it changed the conversation about old age pensions in America and ultimately shaped the Social Security we know today.

Experts Expound

Experts Expound: Ballot measures

Image by Svanblar

There are 10 ballot measures set to go before voters in November. Which of them, if passed, will have the most long-term impact on Californians? Our experts weigh in.

Analysis

CA120: Harris surges – and softens – in latest polls

(AP Photo)

As Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage on Thursday as the official presidential nominee of the Democratic Party, she will face a short 74-day campaign, with California voters getting their ballots in just over 6 weeks.

The Capitol Weekly poll has continued to survey California voters as the campaigns have navigated the twists and

Micheli Files

Second year end-of-session rule reminders

Image by Fokusiert

As the 2023-24 Legislative Session comes to a close on Saturday, August 31, there are a number of reminders of key rules to keep in mind during the final four weeks of the Session.

Podcast

A look at jobs, wages and workforce training with Lisa Countryman-Quiroz

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: Our guest today, Lisa Countryman-Quiroz is the CEO of Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) – a San Francisco nonprofit that helps jobseekers gain the skills and confidence to secure high quality jobs at a living wage. Since 1973, JVS has helped more than 100,000 Californians find quality jobs and gain economic mobility. While the organization is rooted in Jewish tradition, JVS serves individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, and faiths.

News

Capitol Briefs: Suspense actions, Big Prop 36 news

The California State Capitol building in Sacramento, CA. Image by jsolie

The suspense files have been cleared and one major bill package has been too. But there are still two weeks of high intensity action to come in this year’s legislative session.

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