What Are the Two Different Sections and Amendments Contained in Bills?

What Are the Two Different Sections and Amendments Contained in Bills? By Chris Micheli

            Are there really two different types of sections contained in a bill? And are there actually two different types of amendments contained in bills? Yes

Sections

            Bills contain two different types of “sections” – bill sections and code sections. So, it is important that, when discussing a bill, you use the proper terminology and be precise in your word choice.

            Bill sections begin with SECTION 1 and continue with SEC. 2, SEC. 3, etc. A bill section is generally the section of a bill which provides that a provision of state statutes is amended, added, or repealed as indicated. The language from this type of section does not become a part of the code. Instead, each bill section identifies the code that it affects.

            On the other hand, each section of code that is to be amended, added, or repealed, is set forth in full in the body of the bill. Code sections are, for example, provided as follows: Section 6377 of the Revenue and Taxation Code is amended to read… And then the statutory language to be changed is set forth thereafter.

Amendments

            Bills contain two different types of “amendments” – amendments to the bill and amendments to the code. So, it is important that, when discussing a bill, you use the proper terminology and be precise in your word choice.

            Bill amendments are subsequent amendments made to a bill after the introduced version.

            On the other hand, code sections are amended by adding or repealing language to an existing or proposed code section.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Another Reason to Limit Bill Introductions?

Another Reason to Limit Bill Introductions?  By Chris Micheli             As I did my final review of Governor Newsom’s actions on the 1,046 bills sent to him after the 2023 Legislative Session, I noticed that some of the Governor’s veto messages provide additional rationales for limiting bill introductions.             Out of 156 vetoes from the 2023 Session, the number one reason for the Governor’s veto was budget concerns or cost pressures. In fact, 41% of the vetoes used that basis. That by itself is not a reason to limit bill introductions, but another statistic may provide such a reason…             By my count, just over 1/3 of the bills vetoed by Governor Newsom likely should not have been sent to his Desk and, arguably, should not have made it through the process at all. In fact, perhaps they should not h...
Read more

Frequently Asked Questions about California’s Budget Process

Frequently Asked Questions about California’s Budget Process  By Chris Micheli             What are the main parts of the California state budget? They are the Budget Bill, Budget Bill Junior, Trailer Bills, and Supplemental Reports.             What is the Budget Bill? This bill contains the appropriations and “Budget Bill Language”. Note that only a Budget Bill (or BBJ) can contain multiple appropriations. It requires a majority vote for passage and the bill takes effect immediately. There is just one Budget Bill. What is the “Budget Bill Jr.”? This is the bill that amends the main Budget Bill by making changes to multiple appropriations. There are often multiple BBJs. What is a Trailer Bill? This bill makes the statutory changes needed to implement the budget. It is the same as any other bill, but it takes effect immediately with a majority vote if it contain...
Read more

Can Any Bill Call an Election?

Can Any Bill Call an Election?  By Chris Micheli             In June 2024, we saw two bills that contain a provision to call an election.             Both bills contain a “plus” section at the end of the bill, which is an uncodified statute, stating the following: “this act calls an election within the meaning of Article IV of the California Constitution and shall go into immediate effect.” Such a measure only requires a majority vote, unless some other constitutional provision requires a higher vote threshold (e.g., a tax increase). What is the basis for this statement? Section 8(c)(3) of Article IV of the state Constitution provides: “ Statutes calling elections, statutes providing for tax levies or appropriations for the usual current expenses of the State, and urgency statutes shall go into effect immediately upon their enactment.” However, there is no further gui...
Read more