Legislative Process

Select colored block groups
to view steps of the Legislative Process.

Committee Votes

The bill is considered in public hearings in relevant policy committee(s). The bill author, constituents, policy experts, and supporters and opponents of the bill are heard.

Upon discussion with committee members, amendments to the bill can be made during the committee hearings.

If the bill passes policy committee(s), it then moves to the Appropriations Committee if the bill has a fiscal impact. If no fiscal impact, the bill moves directly to the Senate or Assembly floor.

Floor Votes

The Senate or Assembly—depending on which is the first house considering the bill—reviews the merits and need for the bill in a publicly noticed floor session.

Following an initial statement introducing the bill, other Members can make statements or ask questions of the author.

If the bill passes from the house of origin following a vote of all Members, it then advances to the second house for consideration.

Bills Swap Houses

Similar to the legislative process in the first house, the bill is again considered in public hearings in relevant policy committee(s). The bill author, constituents, policy experts, and supporters and opponents of the bill are heard.

Upon discussion with committee members, amendments to the bill can be made during the committee hearings.

If the bill passes policy committee(s), it then moves to the Appropriations Committee if the bill has a fiscal impact.

2nd Round of Floor Votes

The second house takes up the bill for consideration.

If the bill passes, it then advances to the Governor’s desk.

If the bill was amended in the second house, it returns to the house of origin for a concurrence vote prior to heading to the Governor.

Senators and Assembly Members consider potential legislation proposed by California residents, Governor, state agencies, and other stakeholders. Senators and Assembly Members introduce bills in their own house – if and when a bill is approved by that house- it then advances to the second house for consideration. The bill becomes law if and when the Governor signs the measure.

Bill becomes law if and when Governor signs the measure.

Download PDF Version