A Guide to Legislative Information: California

Understanding the Legislative Process

• A bill is a legislative proposal that becomes law if passed by both the Assembly and the Senate and approved by the Governor.
• Each bill is assigned a bill number, with “A” denoting Assembly bills and “S” denoting Senate bills.
• The California Legislature’s process involves introducing bills, committee review, floor debates, and voting during each legislative session. A legislative session refers to specific timeframes when legislative actions and bills are introduced, debated, and passed.
• Understanding the legislative process is crucial for tracking and researching legislation.

Understanding Legislative Terminology

The terminology used in the California legislative process is crucial for effective research and analysis. Familiarize yourself with key terms such as:

• Bill: A proposed law introduced in the California Legislature. Bills can originate in either the Assembly or the Senate and are designated with an “A” or “S” prefix, respectively.
• Resolution: A formal expression of opinion or intention by the Legislature. Unlike bills, resolutions do not have the force of law but can influence policy and legislative priorities.
• Statute: A law enacted by the Legislature. Once a bill is passed by both houses and signed by the Governor, it becomes a statute.
• Code: A compilation of laws arranged by subject matter, such as the Health and Safety Code, which organizes laws related to public health and safety.
• Session: A period of time during which the Legislature meets to conduct business. The California Legislature operates in two-year sessions, with regular sessions and special sessions as needed.
• Legislative Counsel: A non-partisan agency that provides legal advice and drafting services to the Legislature. The Legislative Counsel plays a vital role in shaping and interpreting legislative proposals.
• Committee: A group of legislators appointed to review and make recommendations on bills. Committees are essential in the legislative process, as they conduct hearings, gather information, and refine legislation before it reaches the floor for a vote.

By understanding these terms, you can better navigate the complexities of the California legislative process and effectively track and analyze legislation.

Finding California Laws and Legislative Bills

• California Laws are published in the Statutes of California, which is in chronological order, with no subject arrangement or indication of subsequent statutes.
• The California Code is the body of law still in force, arranged by subject, and consists of 29 codes, covering various subject areas.
• Laws enacted refer to detailed documentation concerning legislative bills that have been legally passed. Summaries and various resources, such as digests and indexes, are available to facilitate tracking and reference for users seeking information on California legislation.
• The California Legislative Information website provides access to current and past legislation, including bill texts, analyses, and histories.
• Use the California Legislative Information website to locate California legislative documents, including bills, resolutions, and constitutional amendments.

Tracking Legislation in the California Legislature

• Create an account on the California Leginfo system to track legislation and receive updates on proposed bills.
• Use the “My Subscriptions” link to select the house and bill number to subscribe to updates on proposed legislation.
• Receive notifications when the bill is enrolled with the governor, approved, or vetoed.
• Use the California Legislative Information website to track the status of bills and legislation.
• Bill history includes a chronology of actions, amendments, and committee reviews. Various resources, both online and in print, are available to help users find comprehensive details about the history and progression of specific bills.

Engaging with Public Hearings and Testimonies

Public hearings and testimonies are essential components of the legislative process. They provide opportunities for citizens to share their perspectives and expertise on proposed legislation. To engage with public hearings and testimonies:

• Attend hearings: Present in person to provide testimony or observe the hearing process. Your presence can significantly impact you, and you can gain firsthand insight into the legislative process.
• Submit written testimony: Provide written comments or testimony to the committee or Legislature. Written testimony lets you articulate your position clearly and can be submitted even if you cannot attend in person.
• Watch online: Many hearings are broadcast online, allowing you to watch from anywhere. This is a convenient way to stay informed and engaged without traveling to Sacramento.
• Contact committee members: Reach out to committee members to express your opinions or ask questions. Building relationships with legislators and their staff can help you advocate more effectively for your positions.

Engaging with public hearings and testimonies allows you to influence the legislative process and ensure your voice is heard on issues that matter to you.

Researching California Legislative History and Intent

• Legislative intent refers to the purpose or goal behind a particular law or legislation.
• Researching legislative intent involves analyzing a bill’s legislative history, including committee reports, hearings, and floor debates. For comprehensive California legislative history, it is crucial to access specific archives, libraries, and online tools in Sacramento. Utilize resources such as bill versions, committee reports, and the governor’s chaptered bill files.
• You can access legislative history materials, including committee reports, hearings, and floor debates, at the California State Archives and California State Library.
• Consult with the Legislative Counsel for guidance on researching legislative intent.

Analyzing Legislative Impact

Analyzing the potential impact of legislation is critical for informed decision-making. Consider the following factors:

• Fiscal impact: How will the legislation affect the state budget or local governments? Review fiscal analyses and reports to understand the financial implications.
• Policy impact: How will the legislation change existing laws or policies? Consider how the proposed changes align with current laws and the broader policy landscape.
• Social impact: How will the legislation affect specific communities or populations? Assess the potential benefits or drawbacks for different groups, including marginalized or vulnerable populations.
• Economic impact: How will the legislation affect businesses, industries, or the economy as a whole? Evaluate the potential financial outcomes, including job creation, market stability, and business growth.

By thoroughly analyzing these impacts, you can better understand the broader consequences of proposed legislation and make more informed decisions about your support or opposition.

Research Tools and Resources

• The California Legislative Information website provides access to various research tools and resources, including bill texts, analyses, and histories.
• Use the California Code and Statutes of California to research laws and legislation.
• California law includes various legal codes and resources. The California Law Revision Commission is crucial in examining and recommending reforms to existing laws.
• You can consult the California State Archives and California State Library for access to legislative history materials and other research resources.
• Use online resources like Lexis Advance and Hein Online to research legislation and legislative history.

Advanced Research Techniques

• Use the California Legislative Information website to search for bills and legislation by keyword, author, or subject.
• Senate and Assembly bills involve comprehensive analyses, historical documentation, and legislative resources. This includes preparing nonpartisan analyses and detailed histories for research purposes.
• Use the California Code and Statutes of California to research laws and legislation by subject or keyword.
• Consult with the Legislative Counsel for guidance on advanced research techniques, including researching legislative intent and history.
• Research legislation and legislative history using online resources, such as HathiTrust’s California Legislative Publications 1850 – 2009 collection.

Visiting Sacramento Resources

• The California State Archives and California State Library are located in Sacramento and provide access to legislative history materials and other research resources.
• California Interim Legislative Committees refer to historical collections of hearings and reports conducted by various committees within the California Legislature. These documents are available in libraries and often address broad issues rather than specific bills.
• Consult with the Legislative Counsel for guidance on visiting Sacramento resources and accessing legislative history materials.
• You can access legislative history materials, including committee reports, hearings, and floor debates, at the California State Archives and California State Library.

Online Resources

• The California Legislative Information website provides access to various online resources, including bill texts, analyses, and histories.
• Use online resources like Lexis Advance and Hein Online to research legislation and legislative history.
• Consult with the Legislative Counsel for guidance on online resources and research tools.
• Use the California Code and Statutes of California to research laws and legislation online.

Utilizing Social Media for Legislative Updates

Social media can be a powerful tool for staying up-to-date on legislative developments. Follow:

• Legislative Twitter accounts: Many legislators and legislative committees have Twitter accounts where they share updates, news, and insights. Following these accounts can provide real-time information on legislative activities.
• Facebook pages: Many legislative committees and organizations have pages that offer updates, event information, and opportunities for engagement. Liking and following these pages can keep you informed and connected.
• Legislative blogs: Some legislators and organizations maintain blogs to share updates and insights on legislative issues. Subscribing to these blogs can provide in-depth analysis and perspectives.
• Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags (e.g., #CALeg, #CApolitics) to track legislative conversations. Hashtags can help you find and follow discussions on specific bills, issues, or legislative sessions.

Social media can help you stay informed about legislative developments and engage with the broader community on important issues.

Networking with Advocacy Groups

Networking with advocacy groups can help you stay informed and engaged in the legislative process. Consider:

• Joining advocacy organizations: Many organizations focus on specific policy areas or issues. Joining these groups can provide access to resources, information, and a network of like-minded individuals.
• Attending advocacy events: Attend conferences, rallies, or other events to connect with advocates and learn about key issues. These events can offer valuable opportunities for networking and education.
• Volunteering: Volunteer with advocacy groups to gain hands-on experience and build relationships. Volunteering can provide practical insights into the legislative process and help you make a tangible impact.
• Participating in coalitions: Join coalitions of organizations working together on specific issues or policy areas. Coalitions can amplify your voice and increase the effectiveness of advocacy efforts.

Networking with advocacy groups can enhance your understanding of legislative issues, build valuable connections, and contribute to meaningful change.

Getting Help from Legislative Offices

• Contact the Legislative Counsel for guidance on researching legislation and legislative intent.
• You can consult the California State Archives and California State Library for access to legislative history materials and other research resources.
• Use the California Legislative Information website to contact legislative offices and request assistance with research.
• Contact the author and sponsors of a bill, committee(s) that considered it, and/or partisan caucuses for information on legislative intent and history.

Staying Up-to-Date with Legislative Changes

• Use the California Legislative Information website to track the status of bills and legislation.
• Receive notifications when the bill is enrolled with the governor, approved, or vetoed.
• Consult with the Legislative Counsel for guidance on staying up-to-date with legislative changes.
• Use online resources like Lexis Advance and Hein Online to stay current with legislative changes and updates.

Conclusion

• Researching legislation and legislative intent in California requires understanding the legislative process and using various research tools and resources.
• Consult with the Legislative Counsel and use online resources like the California Legislative Information website to research legislation and legislative intent.
• Visit the California State Archives and California State Library to access legislative history materials and other research resources.
• Stay up-to-date with legislative changes and updates using online resources and notifications.

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