Most of the work of making laws is done by the legislative branch of government, though governors can play a key role beyond signing or vetoing legislation. Professor Chris Micheli, who teaches in McGeorge School of Law’s Master of Science in Law (MSL) in Government Law & Policy program, delivered a webinar that takes a detailed look at the role of the California governor’s office with regard to state legislation and the legislative process.
Roles of the California Governor
There are many ways, Professor Micheli explained, that the California governor can lead and influence policy development as well as set major legislative agenda items for the California State Legislature.
The first key role of the California governor is making major policy addresses. The California Constitution requires the governor to address the State Legislature at the beginning of session and to provide a report at the end of the session. Last year, in January 2020, before the pandemic struck, Governor Newsom dedicated his entire address to homelessness, though typically in a State of the State address the governor highlights budget or policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session.
The second role of the California governor deals with special sessions. The California governor has the power to call the State Legislature into a special session to address specific issues (in the California Constitution this is referred to as an extraordinary session). Former Gov. Schwarzenegger, for example, called many special sessions, and governors can use them for many reasons. Sometimes the sessions relate to budget issues; sometimes they relate to significant policy areas, such as workers compensation.
Another set of roles involves lobbying in favor of legislation and securing votes on legislation. The governor may meet with legislative leaders, especially those of his or her own party, in attempts to reach a compromise on major legislation. The governor may also meet with and communicate with individual legislators in attempts to secure a final set of votes on contentious legislation or reach a compromise. Last year, said Professor Micheli, Gov. Newsom was very involved in the legislative process and effort to eliminate cash bail in California.
Professor Micheli provided a detailed review of several additional roles of the governor and their relationship to legislation:
- Bringing legislative leaders together with major stakeholders to discuss and fashion legislation
- Laying out the parameters of legislation: what the executive will support and oppose, issues that must be addressed, or exercising or threatening veto
- Proposing specific legislation that a member of the State Senate or Assembly then carries on behalf of the governor
- Proposing specific legislation to take to the voters via the initiative route
How A Bill Becomes Law in California
First, a new bill is introduced in either the Senate or Assembly and referred to the Senate or Assembly Rules Committee, which assigns it to a policy committee. If the bill has a fiscal impact or would cost the state money, it is then heard in either the Senate or Assembly Appropriations Committee before moving to the floor of the chamber. Throughout the process, legislators debate the bill, and amendments may be made at various stages.
Once the house of origin approves the bill, it proceeds to the other chamber, where it undergoes a similar committee and floor approval process. Bills that appropriate money or take effect immediately generally require a two-thirds vote. Most other bills require a simple majority. If both chambers approve the bill, it goes to the Governor. As a final step, if the Governor signs the bill or allows it to become law without a signature, it becomes law.
Professor Micheli concluded with a historical look at how many bills get to the desk of a California governor as well as statistics about California Governor Newsom and the 2021 California legislative session. To hear the details, watch the webinar.
McGeorge’s Online MSL & LLM Programs
McGeorge School of Law offers a fully online part-time Master of Science in Law program with optional concentrations.
- Government Law & Policy: Designed for local, state, and federal agency employees, and for lobbyists, legislative staff, and others who seek to enhance their skills in lawmaking, regulation, election law, and lobbying but who do not require a traditional law degree. Professor Micheli teaches two courses in this program: Legislature and Lawmaking, and Lobbying and Politics.
- Water & Environmental Law: Provides value to land use planners, engineers, environmental consultants, and others who seek expertise in this continually-evolving field but who do not require a JD degree.
- Business Law: Offers expert legal insight for business professionals and entrepreneurs, industry-relevant courses, and a competitive edge.
- Health: Equips professionals with essential legal reasoning and analytical skills for career advancement in the healthcare sector managing compliance, privacy regulations, healthcare finance, and policy changes.
- Human Resources: Teaches students to master the laws and regulations governing employment, workplace discrimination, conflict management, and employee relations. HR professionals gain the legal insights needed to navigate labor laws, mitigate risks, and foster fair workplace policies.
Further options are available, including a fully online part-time LLM in Water & Environmental Law program for attorneys, recent law school graduates, or foreign-educated legal professionals to develop depth of knowledge in a specialized area of environmental, water resources, regulatory compliance, and public agency law.
Additionally, the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs at McGeorge School of Law are among the first of their kind to be offered by a law school, providing students with a unique blend of policy, law, and leadership education. These programs equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in government, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, and the private sector.
Across all programs, students build marketable expertise with the guidance of expert faculty chosen for outstanding teaching as well as the depth of knowledge in government law, water resources, or environmental law. Courses emphasize real-world knowledge and the development of practical skills. The programs are convenient and are specifically designed for working professionals or students who need flexibility due to career, family, or other obligations, and who want to further their education and advance their career.
Start building your career today with McGeorge School of Law Online. For more information, contact us at graduatelaw@pacific.edu or 916.739.7019.