Legislative committees: prohibition on holding bills in committee.
Impact
If enacted, ACA23 would significantly change how legislative committees operate in California. By mandating roll call votes for every bill, the proposal aims to streamline legislative actions. It would prevent committees from indefinitely delaying votes on bills, which can lead to a backlog of legislation. This amendment may improve citizens' access to legislative processes, making it clearer how and when decisions are made regarding the laws that govern them.
Summary
ACA23, introduced by Assembly Member Melendez, seeks to amend the California Constitution with a focus on enhancing legislative transparency. The bill stipulates that standing committees must vote by roll call on each bill they review, instead of holding them in committee without a vote. This measure aims to ensure that all proposed legislation receives timely consideration and recommendation by the committees, thereby preventing legislative stagnation and improving accountability within the lawmaking process. It is also known as the Legislative Transparency Act.
Contention
The proposal is not without its detractors. Critics argue that the requirement for roll call votes could overburden committees, particularly if they handle a high volume of bills. They suggest that the flexibility of holding bills without a vote can be necessary for thorough discussion and consideration. This tension between the need for swift legislative action and the need for comprehensive deliberation is likely to be a point of contention during discussions surrounding ACA23.