Chris Micheli

Why Do Some Tax Increase Bills Only Contain an Urgency Clause? B y Chris Micheli Some have raised the question why a bill that is clearly a tax increase contains an urgency clause and does not mention that it is a tax increase. A bill that would raise taxes and does not contain an urgency clause will have these statements in the Legislative Counsel’s Digest: This bill would include a change in state statute that would result in a taxpayer paying a higher tax within the meaning of Section 3 of Article XIII A of the California Constitution, and thus would require for passage the approval of  2 / 3  of the membership of each house of the Legislature. This bill would take effect immediately as a tax levy. A bill that contains just an urgency clause will have these statements in the Legislative Counsel’s Digest: This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute. Back to the initial question -- Basically, the Office of Legislat...

An Example of Clear and Concise Drafting in California Bill by Chris Micheli   49042.  The department may, in its discretion, award a grant described in Section 49041 to a small-scale grocery store. 49043.  The department may use up to 10 percent of total program funding for technical assistance. 49044.  On or before January 1, 2028, the department shall report the number of grants awarded under the program and the location of grant recipients to the relevant policy committees of the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code. 49045.  The department may adopt guidelines to implement this article. 49046.  The implementation of this article is contingent upon an appropriation for its purposes by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act or another act. 49047.  This chapter shall remain in effect only until December 31, 2030, and as of that date is repealed.