On occasion, readers can find bills in the California Legislature that make “continuous appropriations.” What are these types of appropriations? Why are they used? How are they drafted by the attorneys at the Office of Legislative Counsel?
Image Karin Hildebrand Lau
What is a mandated local program? Both the California Constitution and the California Government Code describe in detail a state-mandated local program. As a result of these laws, a California bill is identified as mandating or not mandating a local program that requires reimbursement of costs by the state.
The California state Capitol in Sacramento. (Photo: Karin Hildebrand Lau, via Shutterstock)Each bill in the California Legislature contains certain, required features such as an enacting clause, a title, the author’s name, a bill number, and the Legislative Counsel’s Digest, among other provisions.
Image by Adao via ShutterstockANALYSIS: In the California Legislature, there are six possible vote thresholds required for passage of bills in order to enact a statute. We look at each.
Via ShutterstockI was recently reminded by a legal colleague about a state appellate court decision a few years ago and the limits on the Legislature’s power to amend a voter initiative. I think the court’s decision is important guidance to keep in mind as the 2023 Legislative Session gets underway.