Your Guide to the California Legislature

A Guide to the California Legislature. Exercise your power! We the People
How the Legislature Works. California elects from two houses. 120 legislative districts. 40 senators, serves 4 terms. 80 assemblymembers, serves 2 terms. Legislators are responsible for: drafting and introducing bills, debating the merits of the bills, vo
How a Bill Becomes Law. California legislator introduces a bill. If senator, moves through the senate. Bill assigned to committee(s). Committee vote pass or fail. If pass, Senate floor vote pass or fail. If pass, bill moves to Assembly. Same process in As
The State Budget Process. Governor releases proposed budget for the next fiscal year by Jan. 10. Senate and assembly budget committees and subcommittees review the gov's budget, craft their own versions. Governor releases revised budget proposal by May 14
Legislative Advocacy. Legislators' job is to represent the interests of their constituents. That means they work for you. Research your legislator: findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov. Call and Write Them. Know the name of your legislator, Plan out what you will say. Remember to mention the bill number and why you're contacting your legislator. Tell a personal story if you have one. Frame the problem, solution, and action.

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