The California State Legislature consists of a lower house, the State Assembly with 80 members, and an upper house, the State Senate with 40 members. The state is divided into 40 legislative districts, each of which elect one senator and two assembly members.
Members of the Assembly are elected to serve two-year terms with term limits of 6 terms (12 years). Members of the Senate are elected to serve four-year terms with term limits of 3 terms (12 years). Legislators are capped at 12 years maximum in either house.
Statewide Elected Officials:
Governor: Gavin Newsom (D), 1st Term in office
Lieutenant Governor: Eleni Kounalakis (D)
Attorney General: Rob Bonta (D)
Capital: Sacramento
Population of Latinos/Hispanics: 38.9%
Legislative Session and Budget Timetable
California has a full-time legislature that meets annually with two-year sessions that begin in odd-numbered years. Aside from the recess, the legislature is in session year-round. The state budget is adopted annually.
Session |
Convenes |
Adjourns |
Carry-Over |
Budget Timetable |
2020-2021 Legislative Session |
Jan. 4, 2021 |
Sept. 10, 2021 |
Odd-numbered year to even-numbered year |
September- State agencies submit budget requests to the Department of Finance. January 10- The Governor submits a budget proposal to the Legislature. March-June- Public budget hearings are held. June 15- The Legislature must approve and adopt the budget bill. |
HACU's statement on Governor Newsom's May Revision to the 2021-2022 Budget
HACU's Budget Letter to Senator Skinner Skinner-May 24-2021.pdf
HACU's Budget Letter to Assembly Member Ting Ting-May 24-2021.pdf
HACU's Budget Letter to Assembly Member Ting Ting-September72021 Support.pdf