Posts Tagged: Chris Micheli

Analysis

The Micheli Files: Is there a difference between intent and policy statements in statutes?

Public policy, image by AlexLMX

ANALYSIS – Readers of bills and statutes will regularly come across statements of legislative intent, such as paragraphs that usually begin with either “It is the intent of the Legislature to …” or “The Legislature finds and declares that …” On other occasions, readers may come across statements that “it is the policy of the state.” Both are expressed opinions or state desires of the Legislature.

Podcast

Two new books on the legislative process from Chris Micheli

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: This episode we welcome friend of the podcast Chris Micheli to talk about his two new books about the legislative process. Micheli has become a go-to informal adviser to legislative staff, lobbyists and journalists. He explains the purpose of the new books, gives real-world examples of the types of info contained, and talks about who ‘gets’ the process (and who doesn’t).

Analysis

The Micheli Files: Bills considered on the Assembly and Senate Floors

The California Assembly floor, image by Kit Leong

ANALYSIS – As a general matter, bills are taken up on the California Assembly or Senate Floors in file item order, unless some special reason exists to do otherwise. There are five main procedural items to keep in mind when a bill is pending on either Floor.

Analysis

The Micheli Files: Consent, special consent, and batching in the California Legislature

The rules of consent, image by anabaraulia

ANALYSIS – For those tuning into the Senate and Assembly Floor Sessions during deadline weeks, you are likely to hear the terms “consent,” (both floors), “special consent” (Senate Floor), and “batching” (Assembly Floor). What do those terms mean? How does batching differ from the consent calendar? What is the difference between consent and special consent? Chris Micheli explains it all for you.

Analysis

The reenactment rule in California

California's lady justice, image by BreizhAtao

ANALYSIS – According to the courts, the purpose of the constitutional reenactment rule, which prohibits amending a section of statute unless the section is reenacted as amended, is “to avoid enactment of statutes in terms so blind that legislators themselves are deceived in regard to their effect.”

Analysis

Effective versus operative dates of statutes

Image by Adao via Shutterstock

ANALYSIS – There is often confusion regarding effective versus operative dates. Specifically, Capitol observers often inquire when a statute actually “takes effect.” When it takes effect can be different than when the statute is operative.

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