Hermina Nedelescu. Image via Instagram. Over a dozen states have criminal statutes involving clergy sexual abuse. Pending legislation could add California to the fold, but the measure is…complicated.
Image by Jacob Wackerhausen.OPINION – As California and the nation debate the future of health care coverage, Medi-Cal funding, and access to preventive services, these individual stories are often lost in policy language and budget spreadsheets. But the reality is simple: when preventive care is weakened, costs don’t disappear. They shift onto emergency rooms, local governments, employers, taxpayers, and patients.
Image by Wachirapong Sukkasemsakorn. OPINION – For California’s 1.1 million multilingual learners (MLLs), equity does not happen automatically but requires intentional action. While the Governor’s proposed budget appropriately elevates education as a statewide priority through broad investments and initiatives, those efforts alone cannot guarantee equitable outcomes.
Image by tumsasedgars. Just what is the “standardized regulatory impact analysis,” or SRIA. In this week’s Micheli Files intrepid lobbyist and law professor Chris Micheli explains all for you.
Image by Creative BirdOPINION- California is already working to encourage heat pump adoption through its 2025 Energy Code, but our policymakers should be doing more. Homeowners need to be able to install equipment in a timely, predictable, and affordable way, especially during critical emergency replacements in Sacramento’s sweltering summers.
The California state Capitol in Sacramento. (Photo: Adonis Villanueva, via Shutterstock)Where do we find the rules governing the legislative process? First in the Constitution, followed by the Government Code, and then a number of them in the Legislature’s internal rules. The legislative process is also dependent on the calendar and specified deadlines.
Single staircase apartment building. Image by Cebas. Numerous fire departments expressed opposition to relaxing building codes in a California Fire Marshal report, published Monday, that examines the safety of multifamily-unit buildings three or more stories tall.
Compostables. Image by BPI.OPINION – California is a global leader in forward-thinking climate and environmental solutions. Derailing the state’s ambitious goals by failing to allow compostable products to be clearly labeled is not an option.
Lobbyists crowd around video screen to watch the floor votes on the last night of the Legislature's session. (Photo: Rich Pedroncelli, AP)What should your lobby day participants know about California government before they embark on their lobby day at the State Capitol in Sacramento? This article sets forth those key items for them to get acquainted with regarding the Legislature and the legislative process.
California's lady justice, image by BreizhAtaoWhen the California Legislature includes certain statements in legislation that is ultimately enacted, I believe these enacted statements should guide California courts. What am I talking about? These statements include legislative findings and declarations, intent statements, and related statutory language.