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Senate approves waiver to allow second readings of budget committee bills the same day
Summary
The California State Senate voted to waive the usual three-separate-day reading requirement so bills reported by the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee can receive a same-day second reading; opponents expressed concern about repeated rule waivers but did not block the motion.
The California State Senate voted 26-0 to allow bills reported this week from the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee to receive their second reading on the same day they are reported, a procedural waiver that shortens the usual three-separate-day reading interval.
Senator Gonzales, speaking in support, said the motion "...we are making this motion so that the bills coming out of budget and fiscal review tomorrow will be given their second reading that very same day, and this ensures, of course, the bills get 3 readings on 3 separate days by the time they are taken up on the floor on Thursday." The motion, moved by the Majority Leader, directed that bills reported this week with recommendations of "do pass" or "do pass as amended" be given their second reading upon being reported and after any adopted amendments.
Senator Nealo raised concerns about repeated use of rule waivers while stopping short of opposing the motion. "This is our 3rd week and our 3rd rule waiver," Nealo said, adding that while the senator did not oppose disaster relief, the senator had "huge problems with rule waivers when we have very little say in waiving those rules. So, we will not oppose this." The Senate proceeded to a roll call and recorded 26 ayes and zero no votes; the Senate clerk announced "Ayes 26. No 0. The motion carries."
The waiver is limited to bills reported this week from the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and is a procedural change that affects the Senate floor schedule rather than the substance of any bill. Members said the waiver will allow the chamber to complete the required three readings on separate days by the time the measures are scheduled for floor consideration later in the week.
The Senate recessed its extraordinary session and returned to the regular session after the vote. The floor calendar announced that the next floor session is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at 9 a.m.
