CA Legislative Explainer: Legislative Publications

CA Legislative Explainer: Legislative Publications By Chris Micheli 

There are a number of publications that are regularly used by the California Legislature. Of note is that several of these publications are specified in the California Government Code. Article I, Sections 9700-9708, deals generally with legislative publications. As an overarching provision, all printing for the Legislature and the individual houses is governed by the individual rules of the State Senate and the State Assembly, as well as their Joint Rules.

 

The Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the Assembly are charged with printing all of the legislative bills, resolutions and constitutional amendments proposed by their respective members. All of the legislative printing 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.

 

Daily Files

 

The Senate Daily File is the agenda for all Senate business for each legislative day. Agendas for policy committee meetings along with what measures are eligible for floor actions are listed. Also included are policy committee memberships, the number of measures introduced, deadlines, and a session schedule.

 

The Assembly Daily File contains the Officers of the Assembly, the Order of Business, the tentative schedule for the entire legislative session, as well as the bills that are scheduled to be heard on the floor and during committee hearings. There are also Daily File publications for Extraordinary Sessions once convened.

 

Daily Journals

 

The Senate Daily Journal is the official record of business for the Senate and is published on a daily basis. The Journal lists bill introductions, parliamentary motions, and roll call votes in policy committees and on the Senate Floor. Any official action taken by the body is recorded in the Senate Daily Journal.

 

The Assembly Daily Journal is the official record of business that has been transacted in the Assembly 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.

 

Weekly Histories

 

The Senate History shows all actions taken on measures from the start of the legislative session. It contains detailed actions taken on Governor’s appointments requiring Senate confirmation. Also, the History is a source for several useful charts such as tracking member bill limits, chapters and vetoes.

 

The Assembly History is a publication that gives a comprehensive list of all actions taken on every bill. It is published in weekly volumes by the Assembly. Legislation dating back to 1850 can be viewed using the Assembly Chief Clerk’s archive publication feature.

 

Other Publications

 

The Legislative Index and Table of Sections Affected, Prior Sessions 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.

 

The Statutory Record 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. The Statutory Record 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.

 

The New Laws Report 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.

 

The Legislative Handbook 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.

 

California’s Legislature 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.

 

Agency Reports provides 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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