BACK TO SESSION 2019
By Assemblymember Marie Waldron
On January 7, 120 California legislators will assemble in the State Capitol to begin the 2019-2020 session. Almost 3,000 bills will probably be introduced over the next few weeks. Some will be controversial, though I’m hoping that many important issues that face us, regardless of party, including disaster preparedness, water infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, education and many more, will generate bi-partisan solutions.
Proposals for new legislation must be submitted to the Legislative Counsel’s office by January 25 so that bill language can be drafted by February 22, this year’s final introduction deadline. The first stop will be the Rules Committee, which assigns bills to policy committees based on subject matter and committee jurisdiction. Bills are normally assigned to more than one committee, and must pass each committee and be approved by their full house of origin by May 31. If approved, bills are then referred to the alternate house where the process begins once again. September 13 will be the last day that any bill can be considered this year. The committee system often means the final floor vote is the only time members not assigned to a bill’s specific committees actually see the bill. Once approved by both houses, bills are forwarded to the Governor, who will have until October 13 to sign or veto legislation. We also have to pass a new state budget by June 15 and, as always, we’re going to be busy.
As Assembly Republican Leader, I will be working closely with Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon as we tackle critical issues facing our state and region. I’m looking forward to a productive New Year in Sacramento.
Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron, R-Escondido, represents the 75th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the communities of Bonsall, Escondido, Fallbrook, Hidden Meadows, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Rainbow, San Marcos, Temecula, Valley Center and Vista.
