California courts, image by NanoStockkMembers of the state and federal judiciary branches play a role in the California lawmaking process as a part of our government’s system of “checks and balances.” When California statutes or regulations are legally challenged, for example, then the state or federal court that makes a determination establishes a policy for the state.
Image by WallentineLawmakers have sent Gov. Gavin Newsom hundreds of bills to be acted on before the end of the month. Here are a few of those measures he must consider.
Image by MDV EdwardsOPINION – After COVID-19, many companies adopted work-from-home policies, leading to smaller office footprints. As a result, the commercial real estate industry, as a whole, has taken a major economic hit. We see it with our own eyes, and the statistics reinforce what we already know: California’s downtown commercial districts are vacant and struggling.
Probation and judge's gavel. Image by Andrii Yalanskyi.OPINION – The California State Auditor’s recent report on Los Angeles County’s Probation Department highlights a critical crisis that demands immediate state intervention.
Image by welcomeinsideOPINION – When asked what issues Californians are most worried about, you will almost always hear about the cost of housing. That’s why such a broad and diverse group of housing advocates, developers, lenders, builders, housing management experts and non-profit organizations have joined together in opposition to AB 3190.
The California Aqueduct Located in the Desert City Palmdale. Image by Brandon BoucherOPINION – Unless a new bill to grow California’s essential water supply, SB 366 (Caballero), is signed into law, our only progress on water supply this year – as this summer’s record temperatures foreshadow potential droughts to come – will be another, dubious conservation mandate, which is a multi-billion-dollar effort for a miniscule volume of water.
California State Capitol dome at dusk. Image by WallentineLawmakers are rapidly filling up Gov. Gavin Newsom’s September dance card, sending him scores of bills before they adjourn on Saturday. Here’s a list of some of the ones from yesterday that caught our eye.
Image by JJ GouinOPINION – The largest minority in California is not an ethnic group or an age range: It is renters. Renters make up 45 percent of the population of California, and are arguably the most underrepresented.
The California State Capitol building at dusk.Lawmakers are burning the midnight oil to address a huge number of bills before Saturday’s deadline. As such, they sent a handful of notable bills are on their way to Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Image by Sparky2000Under 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.