Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit comments or position on a bill?
The Committee is accepting position letters electronically through the California Legislature Advocates Portal. The portal is available to individuals, advocates, and lobbyists via the following link https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/ .
An account will need to be created. Once an account is available, position letters submitted through this portal will automatically be available to authors, members, and committees.
For additional information on the California Legislature Advocates Portal and on how to submit letters, please see the “Frequently Asked Questions” page on their website.
When is the deadline for submitting support or opposition letters?
For a hearing which is occurring on a Tuesday, written comments should be received in the portal by 5:00pm at least 8 days prior (the Monday one week prior to the hearing) if the party submitting the comment would like its support or opposition to be listed in the Committee Analysis. Note: we do not list individual names, but rather the total number of individuals that submitted letters.
Are Committee hearings public?
Yes, all Committee hearings are open to the public. Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee hearings are usually set on a second or fourth Tuesday of the Legislative Calendar and take place in Room 444 of the Capitol. Please be advised that the way weeks are numbered on the Legislative Calendar can vary from a traditional calendar. The Legislative Calendar can be accessed at: http://assembly.ca.gov/legislativedeadlines.
Can I make comments in person?
Yes, the Committee's policies for testimony are as follows:
The author of the bill is allowed to personally invite two primary support witnesses to give testimony on behalf of their bill. Following support testimony, up to two primary witnesses in opposition, present at the hearing, can give their testimony on a first come first serve basis. Each primary witnesses is limited to two minutes of testimony each.
All additional witnesses who are present at the hearing will be limited to stating their name, organization, if they represent one, and their position on the bill.
How do I know when a bill is scheduled to be heard?
Bills set for a hearing are listed in the Assembly Daily File usually at least 3 days prior to the set hearing date. However, on occasion, a bill may be heard on the first day it appears in the Assembly Daily File. We recommend checking the Daily File before attending a hearing, as the date to hear a particular bill may change.
How can I see the results from Committee hearings?
The Assembly Daily Journal is the official record of business that has been transacted in the Assembly on a daily basis. This publication shows all roll call votes, notes parliamentary motions, lists bill introductions, and records any other official actions taken by the Assembly.
Additionally, Assembly Histories is a publication that gives a comprehensive list of all actions taken on every bill. It is published in weekly volumes by each house.
Can I obtain a copy of a Committee bill analysis?
Yes, Committee analyses of bills that are scheduled for hearing are available at least one day prior to the hearing. Links are available on our website under the "Hearings" tab or at www.leginfo.ca.gov. Hard copies are also available in person at the Committee Hearings.
How can I make an appointment to meet with one of the committee consultants?
Please call the Committee's direct line at (916) 319-3965 and ask to speak with a consultant. Each consultant schedules their own meetings. You are also welcome to drop by our office at your convenience located Room 171 in the Legislative Office Building, however, availability cannot be guaranteed.