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 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.
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.
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.
The California Assembly in session. Photo by APIn 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.
Image by Dragon ClawsOPINION – As a former corporate employee and now a minority business owner, I have worked tirelessly to reduce workplace bias and discrimination. With my new company, I’m successfully using artificial intelligence to help solve these vexing problems, so I was surprised and disappointed when I recently reviewed well-intended, but terribly misguided, AI bias legislation
Image by SvanblarThere 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.
View of a public park in Santa Barbara. Image by Jack N. MohrOPINION – Studies have continuously shown that spending time in nature does more than just refresh the body, it renews the spirit and mind. Parks and beaches offer a place to play and they offer a place to belong by knitting our communities together in ways that are hard to quantify, but easy to feel.