A legislator begins the process by drafting and introducing a bill. Bills can address any area of state law and may be inspired by community needs, local issues, county priorities, or statewide challenges.

After introduction, bills are reviewed by committees that focus on specific issues such as health, education, transportation, or public safety.

Committees:

• Hold public hearings

• Listen to testimony

• Debate the proposal

• Make changes to improve the bill

If a committee approves the bill, it moves forward.

Bills that could cost the state money go to the Appropriations Committee. These committees evaluate:

• The estimated cost of the bill

• Whether the state can absorb the expense

• How the proposal fits into broader budget priorities

Some bills advance; others are paused for cost concerns and may not move forward that year.

If a bill clears committee review, the full Assembly or Senate votes on it. Most bills need a simple majority to pass.

Certain measures–like constitutional amendments or bills that take effect immediately– require a two-thirds vote.

If approved, the bill moves to the other house and repeats the same steps.

If the second house changes the bill, the first house must vote again to agree on the final version. Both houses must approve identical language before the bill can move on.

Once both houses agree, the bill is sent to the Governor, who can:

• Sign the bill into law

• Allow it to become law without a signature

• Veto it

Most new laws take effect on January 1 of the following year, unless the bill specifies an earlier date.

How This Differs from the Budget Process

The legislative process is separate from the state budget process, which follows its own rules and timelines.
Both can change state law, but the budget process is often faster and focused on funding decisions.
Many major policy changes in California move through both pathways.