Handbook on California's Legislative Process
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2023
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2023
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My first book on the California legislative process is titled, Understanding the California Legislative Process. When I wrote that book over the course of a few years, and then had it published in early 2020, I thought I had covered most topics.
However, since that time, I have come across many other aspects of the legislative process and lawmaking in California that needed to be covered. As a result of these additional writings, this book contains over 220 chapters and hopefully will serve as a handbook for those involved or interested in the legislative process in this state.
This one-of-a-kind book begins with a discussion about the Legislature and its authority as a branch of state government. Then an in-depth review of the legislative process follows, including floor and committee procedures, legislative publications, and other topics. The textbook then turns to a review of ethics, influences on the legislative process, drafting and analyzing legislation, statutory interpretation and intent, direct democracy, the budget process, and the role of the executive branch in the legislative process.
Introduction
Part One – The Legislature’s Powers and Its Role as an Institution
Chapter 1: Overview of California’s Legislature
Chapter 2: Legislature’s Constitutional Provisions
Chapter 3: Other Constitutional Powers of the Legislature
Chapter 4: Legislative Oversight
Chapter 5: Delegation of Legislative Power
Chapter 6: Impeachment by the Legislature
Chapter 7: Who Holds Greater Lawmaking Power: The Legislature or the People?
Chapter 8: Impeachment of State Officers
Chapter 9: Filling a Vacancy
Chapter 10: Resignations in the Legislature
Chapter 11: Per Diem and Legislator Expenses
Chapter 12: The Legislative Privilege
Chapter 13: Legislative Oversight of Rulemaking
Chapter 14: When Elected Officials Take Office
Chapter 15: Formal Roles of Governor and Lt. Governor in Lawmaking Activities
Chapter 16: Between Election Day and Convening New Session
Chapter 17: Legislative Records Program at Secretary of State
Chapter 18: A Primer on Special Sessions
Chapter 19: Recalling the Legislature from Recess
Chapter 20: Practical Items for Special Sessions
Chapter 21: Fiscal Emergency Special Sessions
Chapter 22: Joint Recesses in the First Year of Session
Chapter 23: Joint Recesses in the Second Year of Session
Chapter 24: Electing the Assembly Speaker
Chapter 25: Special or Extraordinary Session?
Part Two – The Legislative Process
Chapter 26: Basics of California’s Legislative Process
Chapter 27: Following the Legislative Process
Chapter 28: Officers and Leadership of the Legislature
Chapter 29: Legislative Branch Support Agencies
Chapter 30: Role of the Legislative Counsel
Chapter 31: Legislative Lingo
Chapter 32: Legislative Calendar
Chapter 33: Legislative Deadlines
Chapter 34: Regular v. Special Sessions
Chapter 35: California Legislature’s Organizing Session
Chapter 36: Differences between the Assembly and Senate Processes
Chapter 37: Challenges in the Lawmaking Process
Chapter 38: Legislative Process Obstacles
Chapter 39: When Closed Sessions of the Legislature Are Permitted
Chapter 40: Session Reports by Leaders
Chapter 41: Overview of Assembly Rules
Chapter 42: Overview of Senate Rules
Chapter 43: Overview of Joint Rules
Chapter 44: Role of Mason’s Manual
Chapter 45: Can All Legislative Rules Be Waived?
Chapter 46: Electing Officers of the Legislature
Chapter 47: Do California’s Legislative Rules Have Constitutional Protection?
Chapter 48: Can the Public Be Excluded from Legislative Committee Hearings or Floor Sessions?
Chapter 49: Why Legislature Does Certain Activities
Chapter 50: Establishing a Quorum
Chapter 51: The Sunrise Process
Chapter 52: The Sunset Process
Chapter 53: Which Rules Apply to Special Session Bills
Part Three – Committee Procedures, Including Bill Referrals
Chapter 54: California’s Legislative Committee System
Chapter 55: Types of Legislative Committees
Chapter 56: Joint Committees of the Legislature
Chapter 57: Rules Committees
Chapter 58: Legislative Committee Rules
Chapter 59: Legislative Committee Staff
Chapter 60: Legislative Committee Hearings
Chapter 61: Referral of Bills
Chapter 62: Suspense File Process for Fiscal Bills
Chapter 63: Other Ways of Defeating Bills
Chapter 64: What Happens to Bills Authored by a Former Member?
Chapter 65: Limits on Bill Introductions
Chapter 66: The Second Bill Introduction Deadline
Chapter 67: Committees Meeting Jointly
Chapter 68: Properly Addressing Presiding Officers
Chapter 69: Legislative Rules Known by Their Numbers
Chapter 70: What are Committee Bills?
Chapter 71: The Astounding Workloads of California’s Legislative Committees
Chapter 72: Moving a Call
Chapter 73: Special Orders of Business
Chapter 74: Historical Look at Bill Introductions
Chapter 75: Exceptions to Legislative Committee Deadlines
Chapter 76: Review of Joint Committees
Chapter 77: Conference Committees Not Generally Used
Chapter 78: Bills Held in Committee Several Ways
Chapter 79: Return of Carryover Bills
Chapter 80: Committee Actions without a Quorum
Chapter 81: Differences between Senate Rules 28.8 and 28.9
Chapter 82: Are Bills with Only Findings and Declarations Substantive?
Part Four – Floor Procedures
Chapter 83: Conducting Business on the Floors
Chapter 84: Making the Houses Run Smoothly
Chapter 85: Legislative Floor Procedures
Chapter 86: Three Readings of a Bill
Chapter 87: Final Form of Bills and the 72-Hour Rule
Chapter 88: Methods of Floor Voting
Chapter 89: Vote Requirements for Bills
Chapter 90: Reconsideration of Bills
Chapter 91: Bills on Consent
Chapter 92: Concurrence in Amendments
Chapter 93: Sending and Withdrawing Bills from the Floor
Chapter 94: Role of Leadership Staff
Chapter 95: Letters to the Journal Process
Chapter 96: Adjournment Versus Adjournment Sine Die
Chapter 97: Phrases You May Hear on the Floors
Chapter 98: Differences in Legislative Floor Operations
Chapter 99: Frequent End-of-session Legislative Process Items
Chapter 100: Constitutional Voting Requirements for the Legislature
Chapter 101: Rule Waivers on the Assembly Floor
Chapter 102: Rules of Decorum in the Legislature
Chapter 103: “Batching” of Bills
Chapter 104: Motions in the Legislature
Chapter 105: Items on Concurrence in the California Legislature
Chapter 106: Addressing Some Other End-of-Session Queries
Chapter 107: Possible Locations of Measures on the Floors
Chapter 108: Speaking on Condition of the File
Chapter 109: Desk is Clear Statement
Chapter 110: Supplemental Files
Chapter 111: When Resolutions Are Not Adopted
Chapter 112: Vote Changes
Chapter 113: Presiding Over the State Senate
Chapter 114: Look at Historical Bill Actions
Chapter 115: Are Rules Waived or Suspended?
Chapter 116: Consideration of Governor’s Vetoes
Chapter 117: Why Is a Constitutional Amendment Given a Resolution Chapter
Part Five – Legislative Publications and Resources
Chapter 118: Legislative Publications
Chapter 119: Where to Find California Laws
Chapter 120: Examining Legislative Records
Chapter 121: Daily Journals in Detail
Chapter 122: Daily Files in Detail
Chapter 123: Histories in Details
Chapter 124: Look in Detail at Legislative Publications
Chapter 125: Required Reports
Chapter 126: What is the Legislative Index?
Chapter 127: What is the Table of Sections Affected?
Chapter 128: What is the Statutory Record?
Chapter 129: What is the New Laws Report?
Chapter 130: Flagging Certain Items When Searching Bills
Part Six – Ethics in the Legislative Process
Chapter 131: Laws Governing the Ethics of the Lobbying Profession
Chapter 132: Legislative Code of Ethics
Chapter 133: Open Meetings Laws
Chapter 134: Role of Legislative Ethics Committees
Chapter 135: Crimes Against the Legislative Power
Chapter 136: Deal-Making in California’s Capitol – Is It Lawful?
Chapter 137: Ethics for Legislative Staff
Chapter 138: Expulsion or Suspension of Legislators
Chapter 139: Gifts and Honoraria and State Legislators
Chapter 140: When Does the 1-year Revolving Ban Take Effect?
Part Seven – Influences on the Legislative Process
Chapter 141: Influences on Shaping Legislation
Chapter 142: State Agencies and Their Role in Policy Development
Chapter 143: Media's Role in the Lawmaking Process
Chapter 144: Role of the Judiciary in the Lawmaking Process
Part Eight – Legislative Advocacy
Chapter 145: Insights into the Lobbying Profession
Chapter 146: Types of Lobbying Clients
Chapter 147: Other Types of Lobbying
Chapter 148: Lobbying Support Services
Chapter 149: Budget Advocacy
Chapter 150: Writing Effective Advocacy Letters
Chapter 151: Providing Effective Committee Testimony
Chapter 152: Lobbying Bill Referrals
Chapter 153: Lobbying Governor’s Appointments
Chapter 154: Successful Lobbying Coalitions
Chapter 155: Negotiating Bills and Amendments
Chapter 156: Sponsored Bills
Chapter 157: Picking the Right Author
Chapter 158: Tracking and Analyzing Legislation and Regulations
Chapter 159: Grassroots Lobbying
Chapter 160: Effective Meetings with Legislators and Staff
Part Nine – Drafting and Analyzing Bills
Chapter 161: Bills, Resolutions and Constitutional Amendments
Chapter 162: Drafting Bills and Amendments
Chapter 163: Types of Bill Amendments
Chapter 164: Dissecting Bills in the Legislature
Chapter 165: California Legislation and the Single Subject Rule
Chapter 166: Germane Amendments
Chapter 167: Making Sense of Technical Amendments
Chapter 168: The Unseen Part of Passing New Laws
Chapter 169: Spot Bills
Chapter 170: Gut-and-Amend Bills
Chapter 171: General Versus Special Statutes
Chapter 172: Effective Versus Operative Dates
Chapter 173: Urgency Clause Statutes
Chapter 174: Policy Analysis in the Legislative Process
Chapter 175: A Bill’s Keys
Chapter 176: Drafting Bill Analyses
Chapter 177: Bill Drafting Guidelines and Examples
Chapter 178: Special Statute Statements in Bills
Chapter 179: What Are 2-year Bills?
Chapter 180: Spot bills Versus Intent Bills
Chapter 181: How Is a Bill ‘In Print’ When It Will Be Amended Days Later?
Chapter 182: Companion Bills
Chapter 183: Use of Display Bills
Chapter 184: What Are All the Legislative Measures?
Chapter 185: Flagging Items for Bill Searches
Chapter 186: Two Types of Author’s Amendments
Part Ten – Statutory Interpretation and Legislative Intent
Chapter 187: Researching California Legislative History and Intent
Chapter 188: Rules on Statutory Construction for Non-Lawyers
Chapter 189: Legislative Intent and California Courts
Chapter 190: Court Cases Affecting California’s Legislative Process
Chapter 191: Limits on Certain Types of Legislative Measures
Chapter 192: Distinction among Legislative History Items
Chapter 193: Legislative History Versus Intent
Chapter 194: Using Letters to the Daily Journals for Determining Legislative Intent
Chapter 195: Volume of Daily Journal Letters Submitted by Bill Authors
Part Eleven – The Executive Branch Role in the Legislative Process
Chapter 196: Governor’s Role in the Lawmaking Process
Chapter 197: Executive Branch’s Constitutional Provisions
Chapter 198: Enrolled Bill Reports and the Governor
Chapter 199: Governor’s Reorganization Plans
Chapter 200: Why Is the Governor in Article IV?
Chapter 201: Governor Has 12 or 30 Days to Act on Bills
Chapter 202: When Does the 12-day Period Begin?
Chapter 203: Bills Chaptered without Governor’s Signature
Chapter 204: Historical Look at Gubernatorial Actions
Chapter 205: Bills Signed by Lt. Governors
Chapter 206: Gubernatorial Records Program at Secretary of State
Chapter 207: Signing Messages by the Governor
Chapter 208: Governor and the Public Records Act
Part Twelve – Direct Democracy and Its Role in the Legislative Process
Chapter 209: Initiative and Referendum Processes
Chapter 210: Revising or Amending the Constitution
Part Thirteen – The Budget Process
Chapter 211: Overview of the Budget Process
Chapter 212: Changing Joint Rule 10.5
Chapter 213: The Impact of the State Budget on California Public Policy
Chapter 214: Appropriations Measures
Chapter 215: Governor’s Line-Item Veto Authority
Chapter 216: Constitutional Rules for the State Budget
Chapter 217: Timing of Appropriations Bills
Chapter 218: Budget Lingo
Chapter 219: About the May Revision
Chapter 220: Bills with Intent for Future Appropriations
Part Fourteen – Legislative Process Misconceptions and Reforms
Chapter 221: Common Misconceptions about California’s Legislative Process
Chapter 222: Possible Legislative Process Reforms
Index of Topics
Chris Micheli is a founding partner of the Sacramento governmental relations and advocacy firm of Aprea & Micheli, Inc. As a legislative advocate, Micheli frequently testifies before policy and fiscal committees of the California Legislature, as well as a number of administrative agencies, departments, boards, and commissions. He regularly drafts legislative and regulatory language and is considered a leading authority on state tax law developments, California's knife laws, and the state legislative process. The Wall Street Journal called him "one of the top three business tax lobbyists in the state" and the Los Angeles Times described him as an "elite lobbyist."
Over the last twenty years, he has published hundreds of articles and editorials in professional journals, newspapers, and trade magazines, whose diverse subjects range from tax incentives to transportation funding. He wrote a bi-monthly column on civil justice reform for five years for The Daily Recorder, Sacramento's daily legal newspaper. He has served on the editorial advisory board for CCH's State Income Tax Alert, a nationwide publication, as well as State Income Tax Monitor, another national newsletter, and Sacramento Lawyer, a monthly legal journal.
Micheli has been an attorney of record in several key cases, having argued before the Supreme Court of California (just two years out of law school), as well as the Court of Appeal several times. He has filed more than fifteen amicus curiae briefs in California courts and is admitted to practice law before all of the state and federal courts in the state. He has published six peer-reviewed law review articles and is the co-editor and co-author of the book “A Practitioner’s Guide to Lobbying and Advocacy in California,” as well as the author of “Understanding the California Legislative Process,” both published in 2020 by Kendall-Hunt Publishing Company. His most recently-published books released in 2021 are “Introduction to California Government” and “An Introduction to Legislative Drafting in California.” He is also the co-author of “Guide to Executive Branch Agency Rulemaking.” He also published two law school casebooks entitled “The California Legislature and Its Legislative Process – Cases and Materials” and “Cases and Materials on Direct Democracy in California.”
He is a graduate of the University of California, Davis with a B.A. in Political Science – Public Service and the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law with a J.D. degree. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at McGeorge where he co-teaches the course Lawmaking in California, as well as a Lecturer in Law at the University of California, Davis, King Hall School of Law where he co-teaches the course Legislative Drafting. He resides in Sacramento, California with his wife, Liza, two daughters, Morgan and Francesca, and son, Vincenzo.
"The complexities to understanding California’s many levels of government are almost insurmountable. Mr. Micheli is one of the few serious students of the process. He has devoted a Herculean amount of effort to help others understand it and deserves a great deal of credit. This work will impact so many who will never know his name. That is the measure of a true public servant. Thank you for your good work."
Robert M. Hertzberg
Former State Senate Majority Leader
Former Assembly Speaker
"Chris Micheli is an author with an impressive portfolio of 11 books, showcasing his expertise in the intricate realm of legislative processes. As a founding partner of the Sacramento governmental relations and advocacy firm Aprea & Micheli, Inc., he has established himself as a key figure in navigating California's complex regulatory landscape.
Micheli's latest contributions, "Legislative Drafting Handbook" and the "Legislative Process Handbook," stand as a testament to his commitment to demystifying the intricacies of the state's legislative machinery. These two invaluable resources serve as comprehensive guides, offering accessible insights into the nuanced world of legislative intricacies and ensuring that both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike can confidently navigate the California legislative process.
Micheli has authored numerous articles and editorials for professional journals, newspapers, and trade magazines but has also lent his expertise to various topics, ranging from tax incentives to transportation funding. Beyond being a prolific writer, Micheli is distinguished by his practical application of the principles he espouses. His hands-on involvement in addressing and resolving complex legislative issues for clients underscores his ability to translate that knowledge into tangible solutions.
Chris Micheli is not just an author but a seasoned practitioner, leveraging his wealth of experience to empower others to navigate and thrive within the dynamic landscape of California's legislative arena. His body of work and practical contributions have positioned him as a trusted resource and a driving force in shaping the understanding and execution of legislative affairs in the state."
Eric Rose | Public Affairs Professional
Los Angeles, CA
"You may think you know the legislative process in California, even after reading Chris Micheli’s first book, Understanding the California Legislative Process, but you will be humbled after you read his 222-chapter Handbook on California's Legislative Process. Chris grew up in Sacramento and has been around politics, policy, process, and politicos most of his life. I have known Chris for more than three decades, and completely trust his knowledge of California’s bicameral legislative system and all the good and bad that comes with it. You will find yourself reaching for this book time and time again, especially for any nuanced questions to which you need answers."
Gina Rodriquez, Advocacy Services Practice Principal, Ryan, LLC
Former Vice President of State Tax Policy, California Taxpayers Association
“This Legislative Process Handbook is a state treasure. It's accurate, in-depth, and full of unique and helpful knowledge. Micheli is widely acknowledged to be THE guru of the California legislature. He's savvy, respected, and you can count on him to get everything right.”
State Assemblyman Mike Gatto (ret.)
"Professor Micheli is an icon in Sacramento - looked to by both legislators and lobbyists for his vast experience in policymaking and deep knowledge of the legislative process. If you can't follow him around the halls of the Capitol Building for a legislative session, this book is the next best thing!"
Robert Moutrie, Policy Analyst and Attorney, California Chamber of Commerce
"Chris Micheli has captured the essence of California lawmaking based on his frontline experience and success as a respected lobbyist in Sacramento. I highly recommend his work to any and all who may have interest in the legislative process and the nuts and bolts of how to craft and move legislation to become state law."
Bill Monning | Attorney at Law
California State Senate (ret.) | Majority Leader Emeritus
"As a longtime practitioner of the dance of legislation, I have watched in awe Chris Micheli’s well-known skills as a lobbyist as well as his extraordinary understanding of how the California Legislature goes about its important work. Chris’ latest handbook on the Legislative Process is a must-read for anyone seeking excellent instruction about how one of the world’s largest economies goes about making law."
Drew Liebert, former chief counsel, California State Assembly Judiciary Committee
“The Capitol community regards the author, Mr. Micheli, as a foremost expert on California public policy. This comprehensive, yet concise, handbook is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the twists and turns of the legislative process. “
Sabrina Demayo Lockhart
Executive Director, California Attractions and Parks Association
“I first met Chris Micheli in 1999 while serving as senior policy analyst for Gov. Gray Davis. Though we certainly had policy disagreements, Chris was always well informed, and as a newcomer to state government, I soon realized that Chris knew the ins-and-outs of the legislative process as well as anyone. In the course of my 20-plus year career in California government and related private-sector endeavors, I often consulted with Chris on arcane policy and process details because I highly valued the depth of his knowledge and experience. I'm pleased that Chris has chosen to write and publish the Handbook on California's Legislative Process, which serves as an A to Z compendium for anyone seeking to understand Legislative minutiae and all the fundamentals of how policy is made in the capitol. “
Kurt Schuparra | Former Advisor, Governor Gray Davis
Former Legislative Staff, California Legislature
"Congratulations on this remarkable collection of writings. Chris Micheli and I became friends during my eight years representing San Francisco in the State Senate. Though we agreed on only a few political or policy positions, we recognized in one another a common respect and passion for the legislative process. Chris’ broad range of knowledge and experience from his many years in Sacramento is articulately shared in this ‘Handbook on the Legislative Process’. From the Constitutional powers granted the Legislature to the Legislative calendar and its deadlines to the workings of Legislative committees, the author, in comprehensive detail, explains how an idea becomes a law. This is invaluable information for anyone aspiring to or working in the Legislative arena whether as an elected official, staff or lobbyist. If anyone else has endeavored to assemble this information so expertly, I am unaware of it. Chris Micheli has provided us an important public service.”
Mark Leno | Former State Senator
“Micheli provides an indispensable guide to how laws are made in California. Drawing on his many years of hands-on experience working with the California Legislature, his Handbook on California’s Legislative Process is a precise, detailed guide to how public policy become laws. There are rules described in this text whose knowledge is paramount to effective legislating, and which every new member of the Legislature should attempt to master. The ones that do will run circles around the ones that don’t!”
Tom Campbell, former California State Senator, former Director of Finance of California, former US Congressman, former tenured professor of law at Stanford University, former dean of the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, current Dee and Doy Henley Distinguished Professor of Jurisprudence at Fowler School of Law, Chapman University
“Micheli approaches the challenge of moving legislation through the process by evaluating the role of the legislature, the jurisdictions of committees, the influence of leadership and how the rules work (both in your favor and against you). I’m Just A Bill is a cute cartoon, but this handbook gets into the details of who, what, when, where and why things happen in a bill becoming law.”
Michael Miiller, Director of Government Relations, California Association of Winegrape Growers
“Chris Micheli’s update of his previous book regarding the California Legislative Process provides very important and significant additional information for those involved in the legislative process. As a result, I believe that it is a must read for those involved in making laws in California. Thank you again, Chris, for all the support and clarity that you’ve brought to California’s law-making process, it is very much appreciated by those of us that work in this field of endeavor with you.”
Winston H Hickox | Partner, California Strategies
Former Secretary, California Environmental Protection Agency
“Handbook on California's Legislative Process offers a deep and comprehensive dive into the intricacies and complexities of the legislative process in California. Written by one of the most experienced and respected lobbyists in the Capitol, this book is a go-to source of information for anyone wanting to learn about the finer details of passing legislation in California.”
Katie Davey, Executive Director, Dairy Institute of California
“As an actual participant in the process and a college professor, Chris Micheli is an expert in the legislative process. This book, like his other books, is an excellent source of knowledge for people new to the process or just simple review for those of us who think we know it all.”
CA State Senator Roger Niello
"California is the 5th largest economy in the world, and the inner workings of the California Legislature reflect the incredible complexity, tensions and challenges of governing our state. Chris Micheli has written a detailed guide to the lawmaking process that only a sophisticated veteran of the process who is also an educator could provide. If you want to understand Sacramento, pick up his book."
David Chiu, former California Assemblymember
“With his several books on California election and political law, legislative process, administrative law, Chris Micheli has established himself as California’s premier expert in what it takes to impact public policy in Sacramento. His recent book, Handbook on California’s Legislative Process, is a must have resource, not only for those new to the Capitol’s political scene, but also a practical guide with in depth detail on how to maximize positive legislative outcomes for your clients, associations or businesses.”
Jon Coupal, President
Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
“I have seen Chris in action in the legislature for close to 15 years. He has longstanding relationships and the day in and day out experience to provide amongst the best perspective available on navigating the labyrinth of processes, rules and personalities associated with legislation in California. In this book, he shares his decades of experience and success with others who care about advancing public policy. A must have handbook.”
Sandy Dean
Chairman of the Board, Humboldt and Mendocino Redwood Companies
"In over twenty years as a state legislator, state board member and Cabinet Secretary – I have navigated 128 bills through the legislative process to be signed into law as well as chairing a legislative budget committee that moved four budgets to the Governor. I have learned the hard way that the procedures are difficult to understand – especially for legislators and staff members in their first years in the Capitol, much less for the members of the general public trying to exert influence on a particular issue. Chris Micheli is one of the most knowledgeable practitioners in the Capitol community. Whether it’s legislative powers; the committee, floor, and budget process; or the ethical lines that are faced at every step – Mr. Micheli’s book on legislative operations is a must-read for those who want to better understand what is happening as bills and budgets move toward the Governor’s desk. I would recommend this book to anyone who seeks to advocate successfully within the California legislative and budget process for an issue that is important to them."
State Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz)
Former State Assembly Member
Former Secretary, California Resources Agency
“As someone who has served as executive staff to two California governors and chief of staff to an Assembly Caucus Chair, I can attest that Micheli's "Handbook on the Legislative Process" is not just an enjoyable and informative read - it's a "must read" for anyone interested in deepening knowledge about the happenings and procedures within the State Capitol. This vital tool walks the reader through the full evolution of legislation, from pen-to-paper and through the journey of language drafting, committee review and deliberation, floor votes and decisions at the Governor's desk. But just as necessary and enthralling is Micheli's usual, succinct grasp of the issue of legislative ethics - the legal standards, morals and rules surrounding legislation along its important pathway, and how that plays into the ultimate final result of any approved law we witness "on the books" in California. Myriad audiences - students of government, practitioners of law, aspiring or seasoned Capitol staff members, and elected officials - would be wise to read Micheli's legislative "bible" cover to cover if they are to be learned and effective in their day-to-day professional routines. Best of all, it's written in that classic Micheli style - high level of detail and depth, but easy to read, connect and be understood by the reader. It's a must - and a heck of a fun ride beginning to end."
John Kabateck
President, Kabateck Strategies & CA State Director, National Federation of Independent Business
"The "Handbook on California's Legislative Process" by Chris Micheli and published by Kendall Hunt Publishing Company is a masterful resource on lawmaking of the California Legislature.
In 1966, the voters of California established their full-time legislature by a margin of 75 to 25%. Since that time, the California Legislature responded to the people by taking the lead on worldwide, national, state and local issues to solve complex problems. Navigating the legislative process can be daunting at best for both the newcomer to public policy as well as seasoned veterans whether they are elected officials, legislative advocates, public interest groups, public agencies, or students of the democratic process.
Chris Micheli brings over 35 years of legal, educational, and advocacy experience by simplifying California's legislative process in this well written, easy to read, and timely handbook. The result is an accurate narrative of how government works in the largest state of almost 40 million people.
Micheli's welcome presence in the halls of the California capitol is bolstered by his excellent reputation, impeccable integrity, and outworking all others to achieve a positive public policy result.
This timely handbook is a must-read for anyone seeking to achieve a successful outcome while involved in the California Legislative Process."
Assemblymember Johan Klehs (Ret.)
"This is the definitive handbook on California’s legislative process. As a former State Assemblymember and Senator, I know the process often appears complex and opaque, even to insiders. Chris Micheli knows the Capitol from many decades working under the dome and he describes its practices clearly and knowledgeably."
Noreen Evans, former State Senator and Assemblymember
“Legislatures are the cornerstone of democracy and, at a time when democracy is seemingly under fire on all fronts, it’s essential now more than ever to understand legislatures and their processes. Chris Micheli offers a valuable resource for understanding legislatures and how they function. In doing so, the contribution of this handbook goes far beyond just what’s explained among its pages.”
California Assembly Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon
"In my lengthy career in the California Legislature - as an elected member of both houses and a staff consultant - Chris is among the smartest, best prepared, and trustworthy lobbyist. However, no one exceed his acumen or and clarity explaining the history and laws of this state. 50-years later I still value on his research and skills!"
Don Perata | California Senate President pro Tem, Emeritus
My first book on the California legislative process is titled, Understanding the California Legislative Process. When I wrote that book over the course of a few years, and then had it published in early 2020, I thought I had covered most topics.
However, since that time, I have come across many other aspects of the legislative process and lawmaking in California that needed to be covered. As a result of these additional writings, this book contains over 220 chapters and hopefully will serve as a handbook for those involved or interested in the legislative process in this state.
This one-of-a-kind book begins with a discussion about the Legislature and its authority as a branch of state government. Then an in-depth review of the legislative process follows, including floor and committee procedures, legislative publications, and other topics. The textbook then turns to a review of ethics, influences on the legislative process, drafting and analyzing legislation, statutory interpretation and intent, direct democracy, the budget process, and the role of the executive branch in the legislative process.
Introduction
Part One – The Legislature’s Powers and Its Role as an Institution
Chapter 1: Overview of California’s Legislature
Chapter 2: Legislature’s Constitutional Provisions
Chapter 3: Other Constitutional Powers of the Legislature
Chapter 4: Legislative Oversight
Chapter 5: Delegation of Legislative Power
Chapter 6: Impeachment by the Legislature
Chapter 7: Who Holds Greater Lawmaking Power: The Legislature or the People?
Chapter 8: Impeachment of State Officers
Chapter 9: Filling a Vacancy
Chapter 10: Resignations in the Legislature
Chapter 11: Per Diem and Legislator Expenses
Chapter 12: The Legislative Privilege
Chapter 13: Legislative Oversight of Rulemaking
Chapter 14: When Elected Officials Take Office
Chapter 15: Formal Roles of Governor and Lt. Governor in Lawmaking Activities
Chapter 16: Between Election Day and Convening New Session
Chapter 17: Legislative Records Program at Secretary of State
Chapter 18: A Primer on Special Sessions
Chapter 19: Recalling the Legislature from Recess
Chapter 20: Practical Items for Special Sessions
Chapter 21: Fiscal Emergency Special Sessions
Chapter 22: Joint Recesses in the First Year of Session
Chapter 23: Joint Recesses in the Second Year of Session
Chapter 24: Electing the Assembly Speaker
Chapter 25: Special or Extraordinary Session?
Part Two – The Legislative Process
Chapter 26: Basics of California’s Legislative Process
Chapter 27: Following the Legislative Process
Chapter 28: Officers and Leadership of the Legislature
Chapter 29: Legislative Branch Support Agencies
Chapter 30: Role of the Legislative Counsel
Chapter 31: Legislative Lingo
Chapter 32: Legislative Calendar
Chapter 33: Legislative Deadlines
Chapter 34: Regular v. Special Sessions
Chapter 35: California Legislature’s Organizing Session
Chapter 36: Differences between the Assembly and Senate Processes
Chapter 37: Challenges in the Lawmaking Process
Chapter 38: Legislative Process Obstacles
Chapter 39: When Closed Sessions of the Legislature Are Permitted
Chapter 40: Session Reports by Leaders
Chapter 41: Overview of Assembly Rules
Chapter 42: Overview of Senate Rules
Chapter 43: Overview of Joint Rules
Chapter 44: Role of Mason’s Manual
Chapter 45: Can All Legislative Rules Be Waived?
Chapter 46: Electing Officers of the Legislature
Chapter 47: Do California’s Legislative Rules Have Constitutional Protection?
Chapter 48: Can the Public Be Excluded from Legislative Committee Hearings or Floor Sessions?
Chapter 49: Why Legislature Does Certain Activities
Chapter 50: Establishing a Quorum
Chapter 51: The Sunrise Process
Chapter 52: The Sunset Process
Chapter 53: Which Rules Apply to Special Session Bills
Part Three – Committee Procedures, Including Bill Referrals
Chapter 54: California’s Legislative Committee System
Chapter 55: Types of Legislative Committees
Chapter 56: Joint Committees of the Legislature
Chapter 57: Rules Committees
Chapter 58: Legislative Committee Rules
Chapter 59: Legislative Committee Staff
Chapter 60: Legislative Committee Hearings
Chapter 61: Referral of Bills
Chapter 62: Suspense File Process for Fiscal Bills
Chapter 63: Other Ways of Defeating Bills
Chapter 64: What Happens to Bills Authored by a Former Member?
Chapter 65: Limits on Bill Introductions
Chapter 66: The Second Bill Introduction Deadline
Chapter 67: Committees Meeting Jointly
Chapter 68: Properly Addressing Presiding Officers
Chapter 69: Legislative Rules Known by Their Numbers
Chapter 70: What are Committee Bills?
Chapter 71: The Astounding Workloads of California’s Legislative Committees
Chapter 72: Moving a Call
Chapter 73: Special Orders of Business
Chapter 74: Historical Look at Bill Introductions
Chapter 75: Exceptions to Legislative Committee Deadlines
Chapter 76: Review of Joint Committees
Chapter 77: Conference Committees Not Generally Used
Chapter 78: Bills Held in Committee Several Ways
Chapter 79: Return of Carryover Bills
Chapter 80: Committee Actions without a Quorum
Chapter 81: Differences between Senate Rules 28.8 and 28.9
Chapter 82: Are Bills with Only Findings and Declarations Substantive?
Part Four – Floor Procedures
Chapter 83: Conducting Business on the Floors
Chapter 84: Making the Houses Run Smoothly
Chapter 85: Legislative Floor Procedures
Chapter 86: Three Readings of a Bill
Chapter 87: Final Form of Bills and the 72-Hour Rule
Chapter 88: Methods of Floor Voting
Chapter 89: Vote Requirements for Bills
Chapter 90: Reconsideration of Bills
Chapter 91: Bills on Consent
Chapter 92: Concurrence in Amendments
Chapter 93: Sending and Withdrawing Bills from the Floor
Chapter 94: Role of Leadership Staff
Chapter 95: Letters to the Journal Process
Chapter 96: Adjournment Versus Adjournment Sine Die
Chapter 97: Phrases You May Hear on the Floors
Chapter 98: Differences in Legislative Floor Operations
Chapter 99: Frequent End-of-session Legislative Process Items
Chapter 100: Constitutional Voting Requirements for the Legislature
Chapter 101: Rule Waivers on the Assembly Floor
Chapter 102: Rules of Decorum in the Legislature
Chapter 103: “Batching” of Bills
Chapter 104: Motions in the Legislature
Chapter 105: Items on Concurrence in the California Legislature
Chapter 106: Addressing Some Other End-of-Session Queries
Chapter 107: Possible Locations of Measures on the Floors
Chapter 108: Speaking on Condition of the File
Chapter 109: Desk is Clear Statement
Chapter 110: Supplemental Files
Chapter 111: When Resolutions Are Not Adopted
Chapter 112: Vote Changes
Chapter 113: Presiding Over the State Senate
Chapter 114: Look at Historical Bill Actions
Chapter 115: Are Rules Waived or Suspended?
Chapter 116: Consideration of Governor’s Vetoes
Chapter 117: Why Is a Constitutional Amendment Given a Resolution Chapter
Part Five – Legislative Publications and Resources
Chapter 118: Legislative Publications
Chapter 119: Where to Find California Laws
Chapter 120: Examining Legislative Records
Chapter 121: Daily Journals in Detail
Chapter 122: Daily Files in Detail
Chapter 123: Histories in Details
Chapter 124: Look in Detail at Legislative Publications
Chapter 125: Required Reports
Chapter 126: What is the Legislative Index?
Chapter 127: What is the Table of Sections Affected?
Chapter 128: What is the Statutory Record?
Chapter 129: What is the New Laws Report?
Chapter 130: Flagging Certain Items When Searching Bills
Part Six – Ethics in the Legislative Process
Chapter 131: Laws Governing the Ethics of the Lobbying Profession
Chapter 132: Legislative Code of Ethics
Chapter 133: Open Meetings Laws
Chapter 134: Role of Legislative Ethics Committees
Chapter 135: Crimes Against the Legislative Power
Chapter 136: Deal-Making in California’s Capitol – Is It Lawful?
Chapter 137: Ethics for Legislative Staff
Chapter 138: Expulsion or Suspension of Legislators
Chapter 139: Gifts and Honoraria and State Legislators
Chapter 140: When Does the 1-year Revolving Ban Take Effect?
Part Seven – Influences on the Legislative Process
Chapter 141: Influences on Shaping Legislation
Chapter 142: State Agencies and Their Role in Policy Development
Chapter 143: Media's Role in the Lawmaking Process
Chapter 144: Role of the Judiciary in the Lawmaking Process
Part Eight – Legislative Advocacy
Chapter 145: Insights into the Lobbying Profession
Chapter 146: Types of Lobbying Clients
Chapter 147: Other Types of Lobbying
Chapter 148: Lobbying Support Services
Chapter 149: Budget Advocacy
Chapter 150: Writing Effective Advocacy Letters
Chapter 151: Providing Effective Committee Testimony
Chapter 152: Lobbying Bill Referrals
Chapter 153: Lobbying Governor’s Appointments
Chapter 154: Successful Lobbying Coalitions
Chapter 155: Negotiating Bills and Amendments
Chapter 156: Sponsored Bills
Chapter 157: Picking the Right Author
Chapter 158: Tracking and Analyzing Legislation and Regulations
Chapter 159: Grassroots Lobbying
Chapter 160: Effective Meetings with Legislators and Staff
Part Nine – Drafting and Analyzing Bills
Chapter 161: Bills, Resolutions and Constitutional Amendments
Chapter 162: Drafting Bills and Amendments
Chapter 163: Types of Bill Amendments
Chapter 164: Dissecting Bills in the Legislature
Chapter 165: California Legislation and the Single Subject Rule
Chapter 166: Germane Amendments
Chapter 167: Making Sense of Technical Amendments
Chapter 168: The Unseen Part of Passing New Laws
Chapter 169: Spot Bills
Chapter 170: Gut-and-Amend Bills
Chapter 171: General Versus Special Statutes
Chapter 172: Effective Versus Operative Dates
Chapter 173: Urgency Clause Statutes
Chapter 174: Policy Analysis in the Legislative Process
Chapter 175: A Bill’s Keys
Chapter 176: Drafting Bill Analyses
Chapter 177: Bill Drafting Guidelines and Examples
Chapter 178: Special Statute Statements in Bills
Chapter 179: What Are 2-year Bills?
Chapter 180: Spot bills Versus Intent Bills
Chapter 181: How Is a Bill ‘In Print’ When It Will Be Amended Days Later?
Chapter 182: Companion Bills
Chapter 183: Use of Display Bills
Chapter 184: What Are All the Legislative Measures?
Chapter 185: Flagging Items for Bill Searches
Chapter 186: Two Types of Author’s Amendments
Part Ten – Statutory Interpretation and Legislative Intent
Chapter 187: Researching California Legislative History and Intent
Chapter 188: Rules on Statutory Construction for Non-Lawyers
Chapter 189: Legislative Intent and California Courts
Chapter 190: Court Cases Affecting California’s Legislative Process
Chapter 191: Limits on Certain Types of Legislative Measures
Chapter 192: Distinction among Legislative History Items
Chapter 193: Legislative History Versus Intent
Chapter 194: Using Letters to the Daily Journals for Determining Legislative Intent
Chapter 195: Volume of Daily Journal Letters Submitted by Bill Authors
Part Eleven – The Executive Branch Role in the Legislative Process
Chapter 196: Governor’s Role in the Lawmaking Process
Chapter 197: Executive Branch’s Constitutional Provisions
Chapter 198: Enrolled Bill Reports and the Governor
Chapter 199: Governor’s Reorganization Plans
Chapter 200: Why Is the Governor in Article IV?
Chapter 201: Governor Has 12 or 30 Days to Act on Bills
Chapter 202: When Does the 12-day Period Begin?
Chapter 203: Bills Chaptered without Governor’s Signature
Chapter 204: Historical Look at Gubernatorial Actions
Chapter 205: Bills Signed by Lt. Governors
Chapter 206: Gubernatorial Records Program at Secretary of State
Chapter 207: Signing Messages by the Governor
Chapter 208: Governor and the Public Records Act
Part Twelve – Direct Democracy and Its Role in the Legislative Process
Chapter 209: Initiative and Referendum Processes
Chapter 210: Revising or Amending the Constitution
Part Thirteen – The Budget Process
Chapter 211: Overview of the Budget Process
Chapter 212: Changing Joint Rule 10.5
Chapter 213: The Impact of the State Budget on California Public Policy
Chapter 214: Appropriations Measures
Chapter 215: Governor’s Line-Item Veto Authority
Chapter 216: Constitutional Rules for the State Budget
Chapter 217: Timing of Appropriations Bills
Chapter 218: Budget Lingo
Chapter 219: About the May Revision
Chapter 220: Bills with Intent for Future Appropriations
Part Fourteen – Legislative Process Misconceptions and Reforms
Chapter 221: Common Misconceptions about California’s Legislative Process
Chapter 222: Possible Legislative Process Reforms
Index of Topics
Chris Micheli is a founding partner of the Sacramento governmental relations and advocacy firm of Aprea & Micheli, Inc. As a legislative advocate, Micheli frequently testifies before policy and fiscal committees of the California Legislature, as well as a number of administrative agencies, departments, boards, and commissions. He regularly drafts legislative and regulatory language and is considered a leading authority on state tax law developments, California's knife laws, and the state legislative process. The Wall Street Journal called him "one of the top three business tax lobbyists in the state" and the Los Angeles Times described him as an "elite lobbyist."
Over the last twenty years, he has published hundreds of articles and editorials in professional journals, newspapers, and trade magazines, whose diverse subjects range from tax incentives to transportation funding. He wrote a bi-monthly column on civil justice reform for five years for The Daily Recorder, Sacramento's daily legal newspaper. He has served on the editorial advisory board for CCH's State Income Tax Alert, a nationwide publication, as well as State Income Tax Monitor, another national newsletter, and Sacramento Lawyer, a monthly legal journal.
Micheli has been an attorney of record in several key cases, having argued before the Supreme Court of California (just two years out of law school), as well as the Court of Appeal several times. He has filed more than fifteen amicus curiae briefs in California courts and is admitted to practice law before all of the state and federal courts in the state. He has published six peer-reviewed law review articles and is the co-editor and co-author of the book “A Practitioner’s Guide to Lobbying and Advocacy in California,” as well as the author of “Understanding the California Legislative Process,” both published in 2020 by Kendall-Hunt Publishing Company. His most recently-published books released in 2021 are “Introduction to California Government” and “An Introduction to Legislative Drafting in California.” He is also the co-author of “Guide to Executive Branch Agency Rulemaking.” He also published two law school casebooks entitled “The California Legislature and Its Legislative Process – Cases and Materials” and “Cases and Materials on Direct Democracy in California.”
He is a graduate of the University of California, Davis with a B.A. in Political Science – Public Service and the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law with a J.D. degree. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at McGeorge where he co-teaches the course Lawmaking in California, as well as a Lecturer in Law at the University of California, Davis, King Hall School of Law where he co-teaches the course Legislative Drafting. He resides in Sacramento, California with his wife, Liza, two daughters, Morgan and Francesca, and son, Vincenzo.
"The complexities to understanding California’s many levels of government are almost insurmountable. Mr. Micheli is one of the few serious students of the process. He has devoted a Herculean amount of effort to help others understand it and deserves a great deal of credit. This work will impact so many who will never know his name. That is the measure of a true public servant. Thank you for your good work."
Robert M. Hertzberg
Former State Senate Majority Leader
Former Assembly Speaker
"Chris Micheli is an author with an impressive portfolio of 11 books, showcasing his expertise in the intricate realm of legislative processes. As a founding partner of the Sacramento governmental relations and advocacy firm Aprea & Micheli, Inc., he has established himself as a key figure in navigating California's complex regulatory landscape.
Micheli's latest contributions, "Legislative Drafting Handbook" and the "Legislative Process Handbook," stand as a testament to his commitment to demystifying the intricacies of the state's legislative machinery. These two invaluable resources serve as comprehensive guides, offering accessible insights into the nuanced world of legislative intricacies and ensuring that both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike can confidently navigate the California legislative process.
Micheli has authored numerous articles and editorials for professional journals, newspapers, and trade magazines but has also lent his expertise to various topics, ranging from tax incentives to transportation funding. Beyond being a prolific writer, Micheli is distinguished by his practical application of the principles he espouses. His hands-on involvement in addressing and resolving complex legislative issues for clients underscores his ability to translate that knowledge into tangible solutions.
Chris Micheli is not just an author but a seasoned practitioner, leveraging his wealth of experience to empower others to navigate and thrive within the dynamic landscape of California's legislative arena. His body of work and practical contributions have positioned him as a trusted resource and a driving force in shaping the understanding and execution of legislative affairs in the state."
Eric Rose | Public Affairs Professional
Los Angeles, CA
"You may think you know the legislative process in California, even after reading Chris Micheli’s first book, Understanding the California Legislative Process, but you will be humbled after you read his 222-chapter Handbook on California's Legislative Process. Chris grew up in Sacramento and has been around politics, policy, process, and politicos most of his life. I have known Chris for more than three decades, and completely trust his knowledge of California’s bicameral legislative system and all the good and bad that comes with it. You will find yourself reaching for this book time and time again, especially for any nuanced questions to which you need answers."
Gina Rodriquez, Advocacy Services Practice Principal, Ryan, LLC
Former Vice President of State Tax Policy, California Taxpayers Association
“This Legislative Process Handbook is a state treasure. It's accurate, in-depth, and full of unique and helpful knowledge. Micheli is widely acknowledged to be THE guru of the California legislature. He's savvy, respected, and you can count on him to get everything right.”
State Assemblyman Mike Gatto (ret.)
"Professor Micheli is an icon in Sacramento - looked to by both legislators and lobbyists for his vast experience in policymaking and deep knowledge of the legislative process. If you can't follow him around the halls of the Capitol Building for a legislative session, this book is the next best thing!"
Robert Moutrie, Policy Analyst and Attorney, California Chamber of Commerce
"Chris Micheli has captured the essence of California lawmaking based on his frontline experience and success as a respected lobbyist in Sacramento. I highly recommend his work to any and all who may have interest in the legislative process and the nuts and bolts of how to craft and move legislation to become state law."
Bill Monning | Attorney at Law
California State Senate (ret.) | Majority Leader Emeritus
"As a longtime practitioner of the dance of legislation, I have watched in awe Chris Micheli’s well-known skills as a lobbyist as well as his extraordinary understanding of how the California Legislature goes about its important work. Chris’ latest handbook on the Legislative Process is a must-read for anyone seeking excellent instruction about how one of the world’s largest economies goes about making law."
Drew Liebert, former chief counsel, California State Assembly Judiciary Committee
“The Capitol community regards the author, Mr. Micheli, as a foremost expert on California public policy. This comprehensive, yet concise, handbook is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the twists and turns of the legislative process. “
Sabrina Demayo Lockhart
Executive Director, California Attractions and Parks Association
“I first met Chris Micheli in 1999 while serving as senior policy analyst for Gov. Gray Davis. Though we certainly had policy disagreements, Chris was always well informed, and as a newcomer to state government, I soon realized that Chris knew the ins-and-outs of the legislative process as well as anyone. In the course of my 20-plus year career in California government and related private-sector endeavors, I often consulted with Chris on arcane policy and process details because I highly valued the depth of his knowledge and experience. I'm pleased that Chris has chosen to write and publish the Handbook on California's Legislative Process, which serves as an A to Z compendium for anyone seeking to understand Legislative minutiae and all the fundamentals of how policy is made in the capitol. “
Kurt Schuparra | Former Advisor, Governor Gray Davis
Former Legislative Staff, California Legislature
"Congratulations on this remarkable collection of writings. Chris Micheli and I became friends during my eight years representing San Francisco in the State Senate. Though we agreed on only a few political or policy positions, we recognized in one another a common respect and passion for the legislative process. Chris’ broad range of knowledge and experience from his many years in Sacramento is articulately shared in this ‘Handbook on the Legislative Process’. From the Constitutional powers granted the Legislature to the Legislative calendar and its deadlines to the workings of Legislative committees, the author, in comprehensive detail, explains how an idea becomes a law. This is invaluable information for anyone aspiring to or working in the Legislative arena whether as an elected official, staff or lobbyist. If anyone else has endeavored to assemble this information so expertly, I am unaware of it. Chris Micheli has provided us an important public service.”
Mark Leno | Former State Senator
“Micheli provides an indispensable guide to how laws are made in California. Drawing on his many years of hands-on experience working with the California Legislature, his Handbook on California’s Legislative Process is a precise, detailed guide to how public policy become laws. There are rules described in this text whose knowledge is paramount to effective legislating, and which every new member of the Legislature should attempt to master. The ones that do will run circles around the ones that don’t!”
Tom Campbell, former California State Senator, former Director of Finance of California, former US Congressman, former tenured professor of law at Stanford University, former dean of the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, current Dee and Doy Henley Distinguished Professor of Jurisprudence at Fowler School of Law, Chapman University
“Micheli approaches the challenge of moving legislation through the process by evaluating the role of the legislature, the jurisdictions of committees, the influence of leadership and how the rules work (both in your favor and against you). I’m Just A Bill is a cute cartoon, but this handbook gets into the details of who, what, when, where and why things happen in a bill becoming law.”
Michael Miiller, Director of Government Relations, California Association of Winegrape Growers
“Chris Micheli’s update of his previous book regarding the California Legislative Process provides very important and significant additional information for those involved in the legislative process. As a result, I believe that it is a must read for those involved in making laws in California. Thank you again, Chris, for all the support and clarity that you’ve brought to California’s law-making process, it is very much appreciated by those of us that work in this field of endeavor with you.”
Winston H Hickox | Partner, California Strategies
Former Secretary, California Environmental Protection Agency
“Handbook on California's Legislative Process offers a deep and comprehensive dive into the intricacies and complexities of the legislative process in California. Written by one of the most experienced and respected lobbyists in the Capitol, this book is a go-to source of information for anyone wanting to learn about the finer details of passing legislation in California.”
Katie Davey, Executive Director, Dairy Institute of California
“As an actual participant in the process and a college professor, Chris Micheli is an expert in the legislative process. This book, like his other books, is an excellent source of knowledge for people new to the process or just simple review for those of us who think we know it all.”
CA State Senator Roger Niello
"California is the 5th largest economy in the world, and the inner workings of the California Legislature reflect the incredible complexity, tensions and challenges of governing our state. Chris Micheli has written a detailed guide to the lawmaking process that only a sophisticated veteran of the process who is also an educator could provide. If you want to understand Sacramento, pick up his book."
David Chiu, former California Assemblymember
“With his several books on California election and political law, legislative process, administrative law, Chris Micheli has established himself as California’s premier expert in what it takes to impact public policy in Sacramento. His recent book, Handbook on California’s Legislative Process, is a must have resource, not only for those new to the Capitol’s political scene, but also a practical guide with in depth detail on how to maximize positive legislative outcomes for your clients, associations or businesses.”
Jon Coupal, President
Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
“I have seen Chris in action in the legislature for close to 15 years. He has longstanding relationships and the day in and day out experience to provide amongst the best perspective available on navigating the labyrinth of processes, rules and personalities associated with legislation in California. In this book, he shares his decades of experience and success with others who care about advancing public policy. A must have handbook.”
Sandy Dean
Chairman of the Board, Humboldt and Mendocino Redwood Companies
"In over twenty years as a state legislator, state board member and Cabinet Secretary – I have navigated 128 bills through the legislative process to be signed into law as well as chairing a legislative budget committee that moved four budgets to the Governor. I have learned the hard way that the procedures are difficult to understand – especially for legislators and staff members in their first years in the Capitol, much less for the members of the general public trying to exert influence on a particular issue. Chris Micheli is one of the most knowledgeable practitioners in the Capitol community. Whether it’s legislative powers; the committee, floor, and budget process; or the ethical lines that are faced at every step – Mr. Micheli’s book on legislative operations is a must-read for those who want to better understand what is happening as bills and budgets move toward the Governor’s desk. I would recommend this book to anyone who seeks to advocate successfully within the California legislative and budget process for an issue that is important to them."
State Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz)
Former State Assembly Member
Former Secretary, California Resources Agency
“As someone who has served as executive staff to two California governors and chief of staff to an Assembly Caucus Chair, I can attest that Micheli's "Handbook on the Legislative Process" is not just an enjoyable and informative read - it's a "must read" for anyone interested in deepening knowledge about the happenings and procedures within the State Capitol. This vital tool walks the reader through the full evolution of legislation, from pen-to-paper and through the journey of language drafting, committee review and deliberation, floor votes and decisions at the Governor's desk. But just as necessary and enthralling is Micheli's usual, succinct grasp of the issue of legislative ethics - the legal standards, morals and rules surrounding legislation along its important pathway, and how that plays into the ultimate final result of any approved law we witness "on the books" in California. Myriad audiences - students of government, practitioners of law, aspiring or seasoned Capitol staff members, and elected officials - would be wise to read Micheli's legislative "bible" cover to cover if they are to be learned and effective in their day-to-day professional routines. Best of all, it's written in that classic Micheli style - high level of detail and depth, but easy to read, connect and be understood by the reader. It's a must - and a heck of a fun ride beginning to end."
John Kabateck
President, Kabateck Strategies & CA State Director, National Federation of Independent Business
"The "Handbook on California's Legislative Process" by Chris Micheli and published by Kendall Hunt Publishing Company is a masterful resource on lawmaking of the California Legislature.
In 1966, the voters of California established their full-time legislature by a margin of 75 to 25%. Since that time, the California Legislature responded to the people by taking the lead on worldwide, national, state and local issues to solve complex problems. Navigating the legislative process can be daunting at best for both the newcomer to public policy as well as seasoned veterans whether they are elected officials, legislative advocates, public interest groups, public agencies, or students of the democratic process.
Chris Micheli brings over 35 years of legal, educational, and advocacy experience by simplifying California's legislative process in this well written, easy to read, and timely handbook. The result is an accurate narrative of how government works in the largest state of almost 40 million people.
Micheli's welcome presence in the halls of the California capitol is bolstered by his excellent reputation, impeccable integrity, and outworking all others to achieve a positive public policy result.
This timely handbook is a must-read for anyone seeking to achieve a successful outcome while involved in the California Legislative Process."
Assemblymember Johan Klehs (Ret.)
"This is the definitive handbook on California’s legislative process. As a former State Assemblymember and Senator, I know the process often appears complex and opaque, even to insiders. Chris Micheli knows the Capitol from many decades working under the dome and he describes its practices clearly and knowledgeably."
Noreen Evans, former State Senator and Assemblymember
“Legislatures are the cornerstone of democracy and, at a time when democracy is seemingly under fire on all fronts, it’s essential now more than ever to understand legislatures and their processes. Chris Micheli offers a valuable resource for understanding legislatures and how they function. In doing so, the contribution of this handbook goes far beyond just what’s explained among its pages.”
California Assembly Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon
"In my lengthy career in the California Legislature - as an elected member of both houses and a staff consultant - Chris is among the smartest, best prepared, and trustworthy lobbyist. However, no one exceed his acumen or and clarity explaining the history and laws of this state. 50-years later I still value on his research and skills!"
Don Perata | California Senate President pro Tem, Emeritus