How IT Works

Each year, hundreds of bills are introduced in the California Legislature. These bills must pass through several stages, including committee hearings, floor votes in both houses, and approval from the Governor. Only a fraction of bills survive this rigorous process, making it a "survival of the fittest" system.

Bills typically begin in one or more committees, where they are discussed, debated, and amended. In the case of Reparations bills, the CLBC has to ensure that each bill has the necessary components to pass through these committees, often requiring conversations and negotiations to ensure the bills would survive the scrutiny.

Some bills, particularly those with fiscal implications, must pass through the Appropriations Committee, which reviews the financial impact on the state. Several Reparations bills were held in Appropriations due to cost concerns, making it essential for the CLBC to strategize around the budget and ensure the bills remained viable.

Bills often require approval from leadership in both the Senate and Assembly. This stage involves negotiations between the Caucus, legislative leaders, and the Governor’s office to align on the final bill's language and intent. During this process, the CLBC works to refine the bills to make them as strong as possible.

Many bills don’t make it through the entire process, either stalling in committees or being held by the Appropriations Committee. The Reparations bills faced similar challenges, but none were killed outright. Instead, they were held for further review to ensure that they would pass intact—meaning with minimal amendments or without altering their intended impact—and have the intended impact on Black Californians.

Once bills pass both the Senate and Assembly, they move to the Governor's desk for signature. This is the final step in the legislative process, where the Governor decides whether to sign the bill into law or veto it.