Frequently Asked Questions about California Legislative Publications

Frequently Asked Questions about California Legislative Publications By Chris Micheli 

What governs the printing of publications for the Legislature and the individual houses? Printing is governed by the individual rules of the State Senate and the State Assembly, as well as their Joint Rules.

 

Who is charged with printing legislative measures? The Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the Assembly are charged with printing all of the legislative measures proposed by their respective members.

 

Who does the legislative printing? It is done by the State Printing Office (SPO), which is required by statute to print the laws, including initiative measures, as well as any other printing that is ordered by either the Senate or the Assembly.

 

What is required to be included on the front of legislative publications? By statute, the officers of the Assembly (their names and titles) must appear on the front of all Assembly publications. There is no such statutory requirement for the officers of the Senate; however, the same procedure is used in that house.

 

What are the Daily Files? They set forth the agendas of the Senate and Assembly and they contain information such as committee hearing notices and measures eligible for floor action. They also include policy committee memberships, the number of measures introduced, deadlines, and a session schedule.

 

What is contained in the Assembly Daily Journal and Senate Daily Journal? It is the official record of business that has been transacted in the Assembly or Senate on a daily basis. This publication shows all roll call votes, notes parliamentary motions, lists bill introductions, and records any other official actions taken by the Assembly or Senate in committee and on the Floor.

 

What are the Weekly Histories? They are a publication of the Assembly and Senate that give a comprehensive list of all actions taken on every bill and is published weekly by each house.

 

What is the Legislative Index and Table of Sections Affected, Prior Sessions? They are final editions of the Legislative Index (it provides a subject matter index of all legislative measures for the current legislative session) and Table of Code Sections Affected (it provides an index of each section of the California Constitution, codes and uncodified laws affected by measures introduced) from the 1999-2000 to 2015-2016 Legislative Sessions.

 

What is the Statutory Record? It provides an index of each section of the California Constitution, the Codes and the uncodified laws affected by measures enacted by the Legislature or passed by the voters.

 

How frequently and where is the Statutory Record published? It indicates the year and chapter or proposition number of the affecting measure and is cumulative for a 10-year period. The Statutory Record is published in the Summary Digest by the Legislative Counsel.

 

What is the New Laws Report? It is a list of all bills enacted in a calendar year during the Regular Session of the Legislature. The list identifies the bill and chapter number, lead author, and the subject of the measure.

 

What is the Legislative Handbook? It contains the biographies of all current legislators and legislative officers; committee names and memberships; the Assembly Rules, Senate Rules and Joint Rules; and lists of State Officers, accredited press representatives, legislative sessions, and Governors of California. It is published at least once every two-year session pursuant to the Government Code.

 

What is the book, California’s Legislature? It is an in-depth introduction to the legislative process and state government. This heavily illustrated book is an excellent resource for students, lobbyists, state employees, and the general public. Topics include state history, constitutional and election law, term limits, state emblems, legislative procedure, the executive and judicial branches, and a legislative glossary.

 

What are Agency Reports? They provide a list of reports by various state and local agencies that are required or requested to be submitted to the Legislature, the Governor or both. These are maintained pursuant to the Government Code.

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