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A measure introduced in one house that, if approved, must be sent to the other house for approval. The Governor's signature is not required. These measures usually involve the internal business of the Legislature.

Members of a conference committee.

Usually composed of three legislators (two voting in the majority on the disputed issue, one voting in the minority) from each house, a conference committee meets in public session to forge one version of a bill when the house of origin has refused to concur in amendments to the bill adopted by the other house. For the bill to pass, the conference committee version must be approved by both Assembly and Senate. Assembly conferees are chosen by the Speaker; Senate conferees are chosen by the Senate Committee on Rules.

The process whereby one or both houses approve the Governor's appointments to executive offices, departments, boards, and commissions.

File containing bills that received no dissenting votes in committee.

A resolution proposing a change to the California Constitution. It may be presented by the Legislature or by initiative, and is adopted upon voter approval at a statewide election.

Ordinarily, a professional staff person who works for a legislative committee.

Section in a bill indicating that it is to become operative only upon the enactment of another measure (to be distinguished from double jointing).

To assemble a meeting. Each house of the Legislature usually convenes twice a week.

The long desk in front of the presiding officer's rostrum where much of the clerical work of the body is conducted. Also, a generic term for the staff and offices of the Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the Assembly.