CAI-CLAC Legislative Week Update

CAI-CLAC

LEGISLATIVE WEEKUpdate BY: FRED BARTZ

Most of us know that our state laws come out of Sacramento, however, we have very little understanding as to the actual legislative process. CAI-CLAC Legislative Week provided many of us with some insight as to how it works. The first thing we learned about was the process by which an idea or issue turns into a bill and eventually, enacted law. There are many things which happen behind the scenes that are part of the process. First, there may be upwards of some 2,500 proposed laws introduced. If there are so many proposed laws, how can 80 members of the Assembly, and only 40 members of the Senate, have a good handle on them?

One way is when our legislators hear from their constituents either in support or opposition of a particular proposed law. Legislative Week gave those who participated in their Chapter’s meetings with legislators or members of the legislator’s staff an opportunity to hear comments from us, either in support or opposition, regarding a particular issue.

In the case of our CAI Chapter, it was very impressive to hear questions from legislators or members of the legislator’s staff. The staff members were taking lots of notes to communicate back the views we provided. They were also impressed to see over 30 people in the Zoom meetings. I was truly impressed with the interest of these staff members, and I look forward to next year’s Legislative Week.