The “30 Days in Print” Rule

The “30 Days in Print” Rule By Chris Micheli

            What is the so-called “30 days in print” rule in the California Legislature? The state Constitution, in Article IV, Section 8(a) provides: “(a) At regular sessions no bill other than the budget bill may be heard or acted on by committee or either house until the 31st day after the bill is introduced unless the house dispenses with this requirement by rollcall vote entered in the journal, three fourths of the membership concurring.”

            Both houses of the Legislature carefully track compliance with this constitutional rule. In fact, both Daily Files contain an entire section throughout the year (well past the bill introduction deadline and the expiration of the 30 days).

            The Senate Daily File has the following section, followed by the listing of every bill with its introduction date and its 31st day in print:

DATES ON WHICH SENATE MEASURES MAY BE HEARD

JOINT RULE 55: No bill other than the Budget Bill may be heard or acted upon by committee or either house until the bill has been in print for 30 days.

            The Assembly Daily File has the following section, followed by the listing of every bill with its introduction date and its 31st day in print:

DATES ON WHICH ASSEMBLY MEASURES MAY BE CONSIDERED & PRINT RULE TABLE

Article IV, Section 8 (a), California Constitution: At regular sessions no bill other than the Budget Bill may be heard or acted on by committee or either house until the 31st day after the bill is introduced unless the house dispenses with this requirement by roll call vote entered in the Journal, three-fourths of the membership concurring.

Joint Rule 55: No bill other than the Budget Bill may be heard or acted upon by committee or either house until the bill has been in print for 30 days. These bills may be considered on the date indicated below, provided the bill has been in print for 30 days as of that date. Unless specified, the in print date is the same as the introduction date. See footnotes for specifics.

The Legislature adopted Joint Rule 55 which applies to both the Assembly and Senate and essentially reiterates the constitutional provision. These charts ensure compliance with the law unless a ¾ vote is used to suspend this constitutional requirement.

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