How a Bill Becomes a Law in California

Summary

"How a Bill Becomes a Law in California" takes viewers through the legislative process, illustrating the journey of an idea transforming into a legal statute. The video, led by Assembly Member Rudy Bermudez in front of the California State Capitol, details the steps involved from proposing an idea to having it signed into law by the governor. The educational piece emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and guides potential bill authors on how they can participate in legislative processes to effect change within their communities. By documenting the process of Assembly Bill 96, the video highlights the roles of various committees, assembly members, and senators, ultimately portraying the system's accessibility and the potential for citizen involvement.

Highlights

• Assembly Member Rudy Bermudez explains the legislative process at the California State Capitol. 🎤
• A bill can originate from any citizen's idea, needing support from a legislative member. 💡
• The journey of a bill includes navigating through committee evaluations and assembly debates. ⚖️
• Assembly Bill 96, aimed at reclassifying school performance labels, is used as an example. 🏫
• Engagement in the law-making process is encouraged as Assembly Member Bermudez invites audience participation. 📣

Key Takeaways

• Anyone in California can propose an idea that may become a law. 🎉
• Assembly and Senate members play pivotal roles in the legislative process. 🏛️
• Committees evaluate the pros and cons of proposed bills. 📋
• Bills are subjected to multiple voting stages across the Assembly and Senate. 🗳️
• The governor has the final say, with options to sign, veto, or let the bill become law without a signature. 👨‍⚖️

Overview

In California, transforming an idea into law is a collaborative and structured process that encourages citizen engagement. Assembly Member Rudy Bermudez offers insight into this process in front of Sacramento's iconic state capitol. Viewers are taken on an informative journey alongside 'Bill,' showcasing how personal ideas can evolve into legislative proposals with potential statewide implications.

Central to this process are the state legislature's two chambers: the Assembly and the Senate. Here, lawmakers evaluate proposals through various committee stages, debating merits and potential impacts passionately. For instance, Assembly Bill 96, aimed at rephrasing educational terminologies, highlights the rigorous debates and considerations typical of this journey.

The final decision rests with the governor, who has the power to enact or reject proposed bills. This video underscores the notion that anyone can influence public policy and advocates for direct public involvement, urging California's residents to submit ideas they believe could improve their communities.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 00:30: Introduction to Bill Making The chapter titled "Introduction to Bill Making" provides an engaging overview of the process of turning an idea into a law. It starts with encouraging those who have ideas for change and explains that the opportunity to make a difference is accessible. The chapter introduces Bill, who will guide the readers through the steps of bill creation. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration with senators and assembly members, encouraging youth participation in the legislative process. The narrative is both informative and motivational, aimed at demystifying the legislative process and showing that anyone can get involved in making significant changes through the power of lawmaking.
• 00:30 - 01:00: Assembly Member Introduction This chapter introduces Assembly Member Rud Bermudas, who is situated in Sacramento, in front of the state capital building. He explains that this is the place where ideas transform into laws in California and encourages readers to consider any ideas they have that could improve the state.
• 01:00 - 01:30: Initial Bill Suggestion The chapter 'Initial Bill Suggestion' introduces the process of how anyone in California can propose an idea for a law. It highlights the concept with a narrative approach, inviting readers to join the journey of transforming an idea into legislation. The process is likened to a long trip, with a character named Bill guiding through the steps of law-making, hinting at a playful and educational tone.
• 01:30 - 02:00: Legislature and District Explanation The chapter titled 'Legislature and District Explanation' describes the structure of California's state government, focusing on the state capital. It highlights the roles of the assembly, the state senate, and the governor. The chapter explains that the assembly and the state senate together form the state legislature, comprising 80 assembly members and 40 state senators. California is divided into 80 Assembly districts and 40 Senate districts, with each district being represented by one assembly member or state senator. Citizens are encouraged to approach their respective state senator or assembly member with any ideas for new laws.
• 02:00 - 02:30: Bill Authoring and Legislative Counsel The chapter titled 'Bill Authoring and Legislative Counsel' explains the process of transforming an idea into a legislative bill. It begins with an assembly member liking an idea and choosing to author it, officially making it a bill. The bill is then sent to the legislative counsel, a team of lawyers who draft the bill in formal legal language. The process continues with the bill being sent to the Chief Clerk's desk in the assembly chambers, where it is assigned an official number, a process often referred to as 'putting a bill across the desk.'
• 02:30 - 03:00: Bill Numbering and Assembly Bill 96 Assembly Bill 96 proposes to reclassify "low performing schools" as "high priority schools". The motivation behind this change comes from teachers who believe that the current label negatively impacts students, regardless of their efforts and improvements. The bill, championed by Assembly Member Bermudez, will progress to the Assembly Education Committee for further discussion.
• 03:00 - 03:30: Education Committee Hearing The chapter titled 'Education Committee Hearing' discusses the process in which a smaller group of assembly members, who have thoroughly studied a bill, hold a meeting known as a 'hearing'. This takes place in numerous committee rooms at the state capital, where various individuals have the opportunity to express their opinions, both positive and negative, regarding the bill to the assembly members. The narrative provides insight into the environment of an education committee hearing, highlighting the process of introducing a bill.
• 03:30 - 04:00: Public Opinions on AB 96 The chapter explores different viewpoints on AB 96, particularly from public and educational representatives. The bill proposes changing the terminology used for 'low-performing schools,' specifically those ranking at a score of five. The focus of the discussion is on adjusting the language around these institutions. Supporters of AB 96, like Mike Wymer of the California Federation of Teachers, argue that the change will shift attention to providing aid, signifying more than a cosmetic upgrade.
• 04:00 - 04:30: Committee Voting and Result The chapter discusses a session of the Education Committee where a vote is being held on a specific motion related to school terminology. Erica Hoffman, representing the Los Angeles Unified School District, speaks in favor of using the term 'high priority' for certain schools, emphasizing its importance. Following her remarks, the committee proceeds to vote without further comments or questions. The outcome of the vote will determine the fate of the bill, as a rejection in committee would lead to its failure.
• 04:30 - 05:00: Assembly Floor Debate The chapter titled 'Assembly Floor Debate' discusses the legislative process surrounding a bill referred to as AB 96. The bill navigates successfully through the committee votes. The next challenge is the Appropriations Committee, which assesses whether the bill will require state funding. AB 96 avoids this hurdle since it doesn't necessitate state expenditure. Subsequently, the bill proceeds to the assembly floor. Here, the focus shifts to persuading all 80 assembly members to support and pass the bill.
• 05:00 - 05:30: Assembly Members' Opinions The chapter titled 'Assembly Members' Opinions' revolves around a significant legislative discussion. The main focus is on AB 96, a bill introduced by Assemblyman Bermudez, which aims to enhance school performance through the academic performance index (API), a statewide ranking system. In the assembly floor, Assemblyman Bermudez initiates the discussion by detailing the merits of AB 96, suggesting that it would become a monumental law for improving academic standards.
• 05:30 - 06:00: Voting Process in Assembly The chapter titled 'Voting Process in Assembly' includes a transcript where Ray Haynes expresses dissatisfaction, particularly about the use of public humiliation as a motivational tool. The speaker, M Goldberg, seeks support for an 'I vote,' stressing that public humiliation is not an effective strategy as it demoralizes people, complicates recruiting efforts, and negatively impacts young individuals. The arguments presented in the chapter focus on the negative consequences of employing disgrace as a tool within the process discussed.
• 06:00 - 06:30: State Senate Approval The chapter titled 'State Senate Approval' discusses the belief in the potential for change, even if it's minimal, emphasizing that any positive change is valuable. It highlights Mr. Haynes' appeal for proactive voting (referred to as 'IE vote'), underscoring the notion that failing to hold adults accountable, who are responsible for children's education, ultimately results in failing the children themselves. The chapter critiques the protection and excuses made for adults not fulfilling their educational responsibilities.
• 06:30 - 07:00: Governor's Decision The chapter titled 'Governor's Decision' discusses the challenges faced by underprivileged kids and criticizes the perception that adults working with them do not need to work as hard because of their disadvantaged backgrounds. It argues that this mindset contributes to the failure of these children and emphasizes the importance of changing the language and attitudes towards them to ensure they are not failed by the system.
• 07:00 - 07:30: Summary of Bill Process The chapter discusses the legislative process of voting on a bill aimed at funding education. There is a debate about accountability and the responsibility of adults in the decision-making process. The speaker emphasizes the importance of holding adults accountable rather than trying to make them feel better about their actions. The chapter concludes with Mr. Bermudas encouraging a vote in favor of the bill to support educational funding and inspire children to excel.
• 07:30 - 08:00: Closing Remarks and Call to Action The closing chapter emphasizes the importance of credentialed teachers in making a significant impact on children's lives statewide. It discusses the legislative process, including a call to vote and the requirement of a two-thirds majority (54 votes) for a particular bill to pass in the assembly.

How a Bill Becomes a Law in California Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 have you ever in life wanted to make a change maybe some new ideas bubbling in your brain opportunity is knocking in within your range so let's chill with Bill and let the homie explain some things like how a bill is made and what steps I take to turn an idea to a law to serve us all Senators assembly members are waiting for your call enus and amused on the youth that get invol boy be in our house here to get the ball rolling authoring bills that are accepted the efforts show don't waste
• 00:30 - 01:00 time put your mind in motion and play the govern's pinning broken yeahum one it's Ill Bill Volume One [Music] babye hi there I'm assembly M rud Bermudas in Sacramento in front of the state capital building this is where ideas become law in California do you have an idea that could make our state a better place in
• 01:00 - 01:30 California anyone can suggest an idea for a law in fact I'd like to hear about your ideas and show you how an idea can become a [Music] law the process is like a long trip so come with me and my friend bill for a few minutes hey yo I'm Bill and we'll take you on a ride and show you how an idea becomes a law first let's check out where we're going laws are made in the big house I'm I'm talking about the
• 01:30 - 02:00 California state capital the players in the big house are the assembly the state senate and the governor the assembly and the state senate make up the state legislature there are 80 assembly members and 40 state senators in California our state is divided into 80 Assembly districts and 40 Senate districts each assembly member or state senator represents one District that means you have one assembly member and one state senator if you have an idea for a law tell your state senator or
• 02:00 - 02:30 assembly member if one of them likes your idea they will Author it and your idea becomes a bill then the bill must be sent to legislative councel legislative council is a group of lawyers who work for the legislature these attorneys can take your bill and write it in legal language come on follow me to make things official the bill has to be sent to the chief Clerk's desk in the assembly Chambers this is where the bill is assigned a number this is what we call putting a bill across the
• 02:30 - 03:00 [Music] desk my bill assembly Bill 96 would change the way we classify schools with low test scores schools titled low performing schools would instead be called high priority schools the idea for this bill came from teachers who felt the negative label hurt all students no matter how hard they tried or how much they improved because ably member bermuda's bill is about education the next stop is the assembly education committee the the education committee is made up of a
• 03:00 - 03:30 smaller group of assembly members who study the pros and cons of the bill after doing their homework on the bill yeah assembly members have homework too the committee holds a meeting called a hearing right now I'm in one of many committee rooms where hearings are held at the state capital at a Committee hearing anyone can tell an assembly member what they think about a bill sometimes it's good sometimes it's bad here I am at the education committee introducing my bill let's listen
• 03:30 - 04:00 up this bill would change the terminology of a Lal performing school which is a school that ranks low uh a score of five now it's time for the public to speak up let's listen to some AB 96 supporters as I respectfully request an I vote Madam chair and members Mike wymer California Federation of teachers in support we believe that this change in reference is more than just cosmetic because focuses attention on Aid as
• 04:00 - 04:30 opposed to punishment I would ask for your I vote Erica Hoffman on behalf of the Los Angeles Unified School District changing the terminology to high priority for these schools literally focuses on what these schools are they are our highest priority and we believe this to be important thank you we have a motion we have a second are there other comments or questions on this issue hearing none M education committee votes if the bill gets voted down in committee it crashes and burns
• 04:30 - 05:00 but AB 96 gets enough committee votes and my bill passes if a bill requires the state to spend some money it must also pass a roadblock called the Appropriations Committee the Appropriations Committee must okay any bill that requires the state to spend cash fortunately AB 96 missed that roadblock the state will not have to spend any money to enact my bill next stop my bill travels to the assembly floor where I talk to all 80 assembly members and try and convince
• 05:00 - 05:30 them that AB 96 would make a great law Here I Go Again somebody B96 by Bermudez and ACC L the schools Mr Bermudas you may open on that item thank you Mr Speaker the academic performance index API is a Statewide ranking system that measures school performance once assemblyman Bermudas gets done introducing his bill that's when the fireworks start assemblywoman Jackie Goldberg likes the bill but assemblyman
• 05:30 - 06:00 Ray Haynes isn't a fan check out what they have to say thank you very much uh M Goldberg I asked for an I vote because not because there is any sugarcoated pill or any Panacea to any of these problems but please do not just continue to believe that public humiliation is a very important motivating factor public humiliation depresses people makes it harder to recruit teachers into areas and it makes makes young people believe
• 06:00 - 06:30 that they are not smart enough to learn I don't believe this will change a lot but it'll change a little and it'll change it in the right direction I ask for your IE vote Mr Haynes every single time we protect the adults that are failing those children we fail those children we do not insist when we do not insist that those adults actually do their job when we try to make excuses
• 06:30 - 07:00 for them when we say that because these kids are poor those adults don't have to work as hard because those kids grow up in a bad situation those adults don't have to work as hard when we say that g whiz we understand you're you have a lot of obstacles you don't have to do as good as somebody who lives in my neighborhood we fail those kids we fail those kids and if we start turning around the language and try to make somebody who is
• 07:00 - 07:30 doing a bad job and I'm not talking about the kids here I'm talking about the adults we are trying to make the adults feel better about what they're doing and we ought not do that we ought to hold them accountable for what they're doing we ought to vote no on this bill is there any further debate or discussion on this particular matter if not uh Mr Bermudas do you want to close on this item if you want to encourage children to excel then you will vote on this bill and you will support funding education
• 07:30 - 08:00 at its appropriate levels you will then further support the recruitment of teachers Statewide who are credentialed and we will then make the greatest impact on children's lives I request an I vote having um all debate uh cease uh the clerk will open the roll all members uh vote if this bill made the St off of some cash it would need a 2/3 vote to pass in the assembly that's 54 votes
• 08:00 - 08:30 but remember my bill requires no cash so it only needs a simple majority which is 41 votes to pass AB 96 pass with 53 eyes and just 22 Nays but this trip isn't over yet now the bill goes to the state senate where it goes through a similar process AB 96 was approved in the Senate education committee and then went for a full vote of the state senate where it passed no
• 08:30 - 09:00 problem but there's one more pit stop for my bill it has to get past the governor once a bill goes to the governor he can go in three directions one he can sign your bill into law two he can do nothing and your bill will automatically become a law or three he can veto your bill which means your bill dies the governor signed find AB 96 into
• 09:00 - 09:30 law now schools that need a little extra help will be called high priority schools and will get more respect okay let's recap this ride first the legislator authors your idea it goes alleged Council and is written in a legal language to make things official it must take a ride across the desk to the chief clerk's office then the bill cruises the policy committee if the bill requires the state to spend money it must make a detour to the Appropriations Committee then the bill speeds to the assembly floor for a vote if it passes
• 09:30 - 10:00 the bill goes to the senate for a similar process first to the policy committee possibly to the Appropriations Committee and then to the senate floor for a vote if the bill is able to get past all of those roadblocks then it drives to the governor's office again the governor can sign the bill into law he can do nothing and the bill automatically becomes law or he can veto which mean the bill crashes and burns so what do you think will AB 96 really make a difference can name change help these
• 10:00 - 10:30 schools their students and their teachers thanks for taking this trip with Bill and me if you have an idea for a law I want to hear about it contact me at sem Mar Rudy Bermudas at the California state capital PO Box 942 849 Sacramento California 94249 or call me at 916 31920 56 or send me an email at assembly
• 10:30 - 11:00 member. Bermudas assembly.ca.gov I look forward to hearing about your ideas thanks