By: @Lilia Hernandez and @Ophelia Szigeti
As the calendar turns toward 2025, the California State Legislature is gearing up for another busy and impactful year. From the organizational session in December to the key legislative deadlines and budget discussions that will define the months ahead, the coming year promises to be filled with activity.
On December 2, the Legislature convened for an organizational session, which included a swearing-in ceremony for legislators, including 23 new Assembly Members and 12 new State Senators. Notably, each house will start the year with one vacancy respectively. Assembly Member Vince Fong was elected to both the State Assembly and U.S. House of Representatives and has chosen to keep his Congressional seat and forgo his State Legislative seat. Additionally, State Senator Janet Nguyen has resigned as she was elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors. Special elections will be called by Governor Gavin Newsom to fill the two vacancies.
The State Assembly and Senate also re-elected Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, as well as adopted their standing rules, HR 1 and SR 4. Of interest, the new rules lowered the bill introduction limit for the two-year regular session from 50 to 35 bills in the Assembly and from 40 to 35 bills in the Senate.
Fast and Furious January
The State Legislature will reconvene on January 6 for the first year of the 2025-2026 biennial Legislative Session. Key deadlines approaching in the legislative process include January 24, the final day to submit bill requests to the Office of Legislative Counsel for 2025, and February 21, the deadline for introducing new bills.
Governor Gavin Newsom must submit his proposed State Budget by January 10. Earlier this month, the Legislative Analyst’s Office reported an improvement in the state’s financial situation, bringing the budget to a “roughly balanced” position. However, this positive news was accompanied by a cautionary note: the state is still expected to face ongoing operating budget deficits in the coming years.
Spring Forward
The Legislature will take a break for Spring Recess from April 11 through April 20. After returning, several important legislative dates will follow:
- By May 2, policy committees must review and report fiscal bills introduced in their respective houses.
- By May 9, policy committees must complete their review and report non-fiscal bills to the floor.
- By May 16, policy committees must conclude hearings until June 9.
- By May 23, fiscal committees must finish reviewing and reporting all bills introduced in their house.
- By June 6, all bills must pass their house of origin or become two-year bills.
- By June 15, the Legislature must pass a State Budget bill.
Don’t forget to register for Special Districts Legislative Days , taking place May 20-21 in Sacramento. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with California’s top decision-makers, build valuable partnerships, and amplify the voice of special districts.
Rounding out the Year
The Legislature will break for Summer Recess upon adjournment July 18 and reconvene on August 18. Key deadlines surrounding this include:
- July 18: Last day for policy committees to meet and report bills.
- August 29: Deadline for fiscal committees to convene and report bills.
- September 5: Final date for bill amendments on the floor.
- September 12: Both houses must pass all remaining bills before adjourning for the Interim Recess.
For additional information, you can access the 2025 legislative calendar for both the Assembly and Senate here.
Additionally, CSDA’s 2024 Year-End Legislative Report can be accessed on the Take Action page here.