Love That Bill Or Hate It, Here's What You Can Do About It

The California legislature went into recess on Tuesday until adjournment sine die at midnight on November 30.  Cal. Const. Art. IV, § 3, Joint Rule 51(b).  Under the Constitution no bill may be passed by either house on or after September 1 of an even-numbered year except:

  • statutes calling elections,
  • statutes providing for tax levies or appropriations for the usual current expenses of the State,
  • urgency statutes, and
  • bills passed after being vetoed by the Governor.

Cal. Const. Art. IV, § 10(c).  Consequently, midnight was the constitutional deadline for the legislature to pass most bills. 

Any bill passed by the Legislature before Tuesday and in the possession of the Governor on or after Tuesday that is not returned on or before September 30 of that year will become a statute.  Cal. Const. Art. IV, § 10(b)(2).  Therefore, everyone has one last chance to influence whether a bill passed before Tuesday will become law.  Those wishing a veto or signing of a bill can use this link to contact the Governor's office.  If the bill affects a state agency or law administered by a state agency, it may also be helpful to contact that agency.  State agencies generally prepare what is known as an "Enrolled Bill Report" that analyses the bill and recommends a signature, veto or no position.  

Tags: Legislation