SCA 25

Bill Subjects

Abstract

(1) The California Constitution requires the Legislature to convene in regular biennial session at noon on the first Monday in December of each even-numbered year to consider legislation and the Budget Bill. This measure would require, commencing in 2015, that the Legislature convene in regular biennial session, commencing at noon on the first Monday in February of each odd-numbered year and adjourning sine die at midnight of June 30 of the following even-numbered year. The measure would require that the sessions held in odd-numbered years be budget sessions, and that sessions held in even-numbered years be general sessions. The measure would require the Legislature, in each budget session, to adopt Budget Bills for each of the 2 subsequent fiscal years. The measure would prohibit the Legislature, during a budget session, from considering legislation other than the Budget Bills and related revenue bills, except bills addressing a declared state of emergency. The measure would further prohibit the Legislature from meeting in regular session after June 30 of any calendar year, except for a single period after that date of up to 5 consecutive calendar days to reconsider bills vetoed by the Governor. The measure would provide that, at general sessions, the Legislature may consider any legislation other than Budget Bills. (2) The California Constitution requires the California Citizens Compensation Commission, at or before the end of each fiscal year, to adopt a resolution to adjust the annual salary and the medical, dental, insurance, and similar benefits of elected constitutional officers, as defined, including Members of the Legislature. The annual salary and benefits specified in this resolution become effective on and after the first Monday of the next December without further action by the Legislature. This measure would require the commission to reduce the annual salary of Members of the Legislature, effective December 1, 2014, by 50% and would require the commission to apply the existing criteria for adjusting this annual salary to maintain it at 50% of the amount that would otherwise be determined. (3) The California Constitution requires that a budget annually be submitted by the Governor, and that the Legislature pass a Budget Act on or before June 15. This measure would require, in each odd-numbered calendar year, commencing in 2015, that the Governor submit to the Legislature 2 proposed budgets for the 2 subsequent fiscal years, respectively. (4) The California Constitution requires each house to choose its officers and to adopt rule for its proceedings. A majority of the membership of each house constitutes a quorum, but a smaller number may recess from day to day and compel the attendance of absent members. The California Constitution prohibits either house, without the consent of the other, from calling a recess for more than 10 days or to any other place. This measure would prohibit either house, without the consent of the other, from calling a recess for more than 3 days or to any other place. (5) Under the California Constitution, the total aggregate expenditures of the Legislature for the compensation of Members and employees of, and the operating expenses and equipment for, the Legislature may not exceed an amount equal to $950,000 per Member for that fiscal year or 80% of the amount of money expended for those purposes in the preceding fiscal year, whichever is less. For each succeeding fiscal year, the total aggregate expenditures may not exceed an amount equal to that expended for those purposes in the preceding fiscal year, adjusted and compounded by an amount equal to the percentage increase in the appropriations limit for the State. This measure would provide, for the 2015–16 fiscal year, that the total aggregate expenditures of the Legislature for the compensation of Members and employees of, and the operating expenses and equipment for, the Legislature may not exceed an amount equal to $475,000 per Member for that fiscal year. For each succeeding fiscal year, the total aggregate expenditures may not exceed an amount equal to that expended for those purposes in the preceding fiscal year, adjusted and compounded by an amount equal to the percentage increase in the appropriations limit for the state. (6) The California Constitution authorizes each house of the Legislature to provide for the selection of committees necessary for the conduct of its business, including committees to ascertain facts and make recommendations to the Legislature on a subject within the scope of legislative control. This measure would authorize each standing policy committee of each house to meet on or after July 1 of each year for purposes of factfinding and review of programs within the subject area of the committee. The measure would prohibit a standing policy committee of either house to consider a bill or proposed legislation until the house convenes for the subsequent budget session or general session. (7) The California Constitution permits revenues from taxes imposed by the state on motor vehicle fuels and funds in the Public Transportation Account in the State Transportation Fund to be loaned to the General Fund. That loan is required to be repaid in full either during the same fiscal year in which the loan was made or within 3 fiscal years from the date on which the loan was made if specified conditions apply. If the loan is to be repaid in full during the same fiscal year, the repayment may be delayed until a date not more than 30 days after the date of enactment of the Budget Bill for the subsequent fiscal year. The measure would provide that the repayment may be delayed until a date not more than 30 days after the date of enactment of the Budget Bill for the subsequent fiscal year, or July 31 of that subsequent fiscal year, whichever is later.