Legislative FAQ

[Kurt Williams]

Check here for FAQ on common questions and topics within the legislative committee.

[Kurt Williams]

1. Bill Process
The following are simplified steps of how a bill becomes a law in California:

Authoring the bill: A legislator introduces a bill by sending the idea and language to the Legislative Counsel’s Office.

Drafting the bill: The Legislative Counsel drafts the bill into its final form.

Introduction: The bill is read on the floor of the house and sent to the Office of State Printing.

Approval: The bill must be approved by policy and fiscal committees in both the Senate and Assembly, and receive enough votes from both houses.

Governor’s decision: The bill is sent to the Governor, who may veto it or sign it into law.

[Kurt Williams]

2. Gut & Amend
The gut-and-amend process allows lawmakers to bypass usual deadlines for bill introductions and amendments. It replaces the current contents of a bill with different provisions without public review or time for legislators to consider it before a vote.

Article

[Kurt Williams]

3. Talking w/ Legislators & Dress Code

Talking – We understand that public speaking is scary to many people. Please reach out to our office and we will assist you in overcoming those fears.

Dress Code – In general business casual is preferred.

Business casual attire for men is a relaxed but professional style that balances formal and casual clothing. It’s a good choice for the office and meetings.
Bottoms
Chinos: Cotton pants that are similar to dress trousers but more relaxed
Jeans: Well-tailored, dark wash jeans without rips or holes are acceptable in many offices
Wool trousers: A good option for a business casual look
Tops
Button-down shirts: A good option for a business casual look
Polo shirts: A good option because they’re more comfortable than a button-up but dressier than a t-shirt
Wool knitwear: A good option for a business casual look
Shoes
Horsebit loafers: A good choice for business casual outfits
Leather dress shoes: A good option for a business casual look
Jackets
Sportcoats: Can add formality to your look
Blazers: Can make your outfit look more professional

Business casual attire for women includes blouses, jackets, skirts, and closed-toe shoes. You can avoid jeans, low-cut tops, and flip-flops.
Do’s
Choose classic, tidy styles
Wear solid colors or subtle patterns
Wear modest lengths and proper hemming
Wear coordinated colors
Wear blazers or sports coats for a touch of formality
Wear dresses that are of an appropriate length and style
Wear closed-toe shoes

Don’ts
Wear low-cut shirts or crop tops
Wear distressed, torn, or ripped styles
Wear short or overlong clothing
Wear mismatched or bold colors
Wear flip-flops or sneakers
Wear clothing that is dirty, frayed, or torn
Wear clothing with words, terms, or pictures that may be offensive to others
Wear shirts with too many buttons unbuttoned, or wear a deep V-neck shirt
In some workplaces, dark, well-fitting jeans may be acceptable. You can also check if sandals or peep-toe shoes are allowed.

NOTE: We recognize that the Capitol loosened the clothing standards due to recent socio-cultural trends. We have decided to maintain a professional standard.

[Kurt Williams]

4. Sample Messaging – SOON TO COME

[Kurt Williams]

5. Chapter Legislative Team Development & Training

The below training is offered to our Chapter Leadership and Legislative/Election teams. If you are interested in any of the trainings offered, please contact Rick & Kurt to set up your course(s).

Training Offered:

Building a Legislative Team –

The R3 (Recruit, Retain, Reactivate) model in building a Legislative team.
Role Responsibilities of the team
Setting reasonable expectations
Building team depth and breadth
Interfacing with CRPA staff

Legislative Chair/Vice Chair Responsibilities –

Leading the Team
Understanding local ordinances and actions versus State actions and federal actions.
Bill Interpretation
Legislative processes
Local Legislative offices
Capitol Canary

Grassroots Vice Chair Responsibilities –

Teaching chapter members about grassroots activism
Speaking at local meetings
Interlocking the 2A community (Ranges, Storefronts, community groups, clubs, youth) to effect change
Mobilizing short and long term

Elections Vice Chair Responsibilities –

Understanding the election cycle/What it takes to win
Candidate viability and recruitment
Political Tracking/Monitoring
Grading and Endorsements
Accountability

Publicity Vice Chair Responsibilities –

Telling your story
the Rule of 3’s
Political Communication 101
Building a mega horn for your community and beyond

[Rick Travis]

6. Chapter Legislative Team Composition-

Legislative Chair – Leads the local Legislative team and attends Statewide meetings held on the third Monday of each month via zoom.
Vice Chair – Assists the Chair and attends in the absence of the Leg Chair any role that the chair is not able to perform. Maintains Leg team records within the chapter.
VC-Grassroots – Leads grassroots activities to influence local action and trains people in the chapter to meet the needs in the chapter’s area of influence.
VC-Elections – Works with the HQ office elections department to track, develop and support local candidates for office and assists in statewide district races within the chapter’s area. This also includes working with grassroots to help canvass during election season.
VC-Publicity (May be Chapter PR person)– This person works to get the local chapter’s story of what they are doing out to the press and works with HQ to coordinate messaging.

[Author]

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