Media Statement on Halting of AB 1360

The Community Associations Institute’s California Legislative Action Committee (CAI-CLAC)  Chair Pamela Voit issued the following statement in response to the Senate Judiciary Committee halting AB 1360 (Torres), which would have allowed homeowners associations the option to utilize electronic balloting in their community elections:

“CAI-CLAC is disappointed that AB 1360 will not move forward to provide homeowners across the state the opportunity to vote electronically in their homeowners association elections. Electronic balloting would increase voter participation and decrease election costs, all while maintaining the safety and anonymity needs of elections. Currently, community associations are the only corporations in California not allowed to utilize electronic voting and their elections are subject to specific procedures, which are more restrictive than other non-profit corporations.

“CAI-CLAC will continue to pursue electronic balloting for HOAs in future legislative  sessions, as it’s an incredibly important issue – homeowners must be able to easily participate in their communities and vote on issues that affect their homes. It’s time that HOAs use the technology people prefer and use on a daily basis. “

HOAs Prohibited from Fining Homeowners for Failure to Water

In its third consecutive year of severe drought, California faces a historic water shortage and wildfire danger. According to Mashable.com and US Drought Monitor, “The entire state is in some stage of drought, with 77% of the state suffering from ‘extreme’ to ‘exceptional’ drought conditions.” Matters are expected to worsen, as California continues to experience its hottest year on record. In response to these conditions, Governor Brown signed an Emergency Drought Proclamation in January 2014 declaring a state of emergency and calling upon all Californians to voluntarily reduce their water usage by 20 percent.  As residents of homeowners associations (“HOAs”) began responding to the Governor’s plea by reducing their irrigation, HOAs fined their members for failure to maintain their yards in accordance with the governing documents. This led to swift action by both the Governor and the California Legislature. In April, Governor Brown signed an Executive Order which effectively prohibits HOAs from fining, or threatening to fine, homeowners “who comply with water conservation measures.”  The Order further provides that “any provision of the governing document, architectural or landscaping guidelines, or policies of a common interest development will be void and unenforceable to the extent it has the effect of prohibiting compliance with the water-saving measures contained in this directive.” One of these water-saving measures is to limit outdoor watering to no more than twice per week. The California Legislature is also considering three bills related to drought relief, which would impact HOAs. AB 2100 (Campos) and SB 992 (Nielsen) would prohibit HOAs from imposing a fine or assessment against a member for reducing or eliminating watering of vegetation or lawns during a Governor-declared state of emergency, or a local government-declared emergency, due to drought. If passed, these bills would take effect immediately as urgency statutes. AB 2104 (Gonzalez) would provide that a provision of the governing documents, including the architectural or landscape guidelines, is void and unenforceable if it would have the effect of prohibiting low water-using plants as a group, or as a replacement of existing turf, or if it has the effect of restricting compliance with water conservation measures. The California Legislative Action Committee (“CAI-CLAC”) continues to seek amendments to these bills as they work their way through the legislature. It is important to note that both the Proclamation and the pending legislation are limited to periods of a Governor-declared drought. HOAs are still permitted to enforce other landscape maintenance issues, such as weeds, brush, tree trimming, etc. In addition, HOAs may continue to enforce irrigation provisions, provided they are within the parameters outlined in the Order or as set forth by the local water agency. HOAs considering changes to their architectural or landscape guidelines should seek the advice of their legal counsel. Ramona Acosta, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, is the Director of Business Development of  Tinnelly Law Group, PC, and is a Delegate to CAI’s California Legislative Action Committee (CAI-CLAC).  Tinnelly Law Group has been devoted exclusively to providing legal representation to California community associations for 25 years. For more information, visit our website at tinnellylaw.com.

Ramona Acosta, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

CAI NATIONAL AWARDS FOR 2013

Every year, at the National Conference, Community Associations Institute (CAI) honors those individuals who have made significant contributions to our industry. These individuals have gone above and beyond when it comes to demonstrating leadership, excellence and dedication to our industry as well as to CAI as an organization. Our industry and CAI are only successful because of the continued support, commitment and tireless volunteer spirit represented by those honored with these awards.  Following are those from California who were recognized.

Rob Felix

Robert A. Felix, CMCA, LSM, PCAM, RS was given the “Award of Excellence in Designations,” which goes to an individual who has made significant contributions to advance CAI’s designation programs and ethical standards. Rob Felix has been a leader in the community association industry for more than 20 years and teaches and speaks extensively around the country for CAI, as well as serving on CAI’s faculty and Faculty Review Panel. He is the current faculty training leader, has served as a CAMICB commissioner and chair of the CAMICB Test Development Committee and became an ambassador for our industry credentialing programs when he co-taught the first M-100 class in Dubai.

 

Sam Dolnick

The “Byron Hanke Award” is named for one of CAI’s original founders and is presented to an individual who supports the education and research for homeowners and homeowner-controlled associations, and was awarded posthumously to Sam Dolnick, an extensive contributor to CAI, the San Diego Chapter and the California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC). Sam served on the Board of Trustees, Foundation for Community Association Research Board, the former Homeowners Committee and many more. He had a regular column in the San Diego Chapter’s magazine, founded the Baker-Dolnick Foundation to support homeowner members in CAI, and remains the largest donor to the Foundation for Community Association Research.

 

DJ Conlon

DJ Conlon, CMCA, the Executive Director (ED) for the Greater Inland Empire Chapter of CAI (CAI-GRIE) was awarded the “Chapter Executive Director Rising Star” award. When DJ first became ED of CAI-GRIE, the chapter had been without a full-time executive director for a while, and consequently educational programs were dwindling in size and quality, sponsorships and attendance were down and the chapter was functioning in the red. DJ increased the quality of programs and promoted attendance, she helped to develop a strategic plan for the chapter and put the chapter back into a strong financial position. DJ makes the members feel appreciated and contributes to all chapters in California, understanding that keeping CAI strong benefits us all.

CAI also takes the time to recognize the achievements of its chapters. California was represented in the following categories:

Public Affairs: Activities demonstrating the chapter’s role in promoting CAI as the industry’s leading advocate for responsible communities to the public. The Greater Los Angeles Chapter was recognized for their “Spark of Love Toy Drive,” and the Orange County Regional Chapter was recognized for their “Upgrade for CLAC” program.

Leadership:  Training, development and/or recognition programs that empower volunteers and/or members to be effective, efficient leaders. The Greater Inland Empire Chapter was recognized for their “Educational Committee and Advanced Essentials Course.”

Best Net Retention:  The Coachella Valley Chapter was recognized for a Net Retention of 91%.

Thank you to everyone who volunteers their time to make CAI and the community association industry a better place to live and do business.

Is a Homeowners Association Required to Accept Partial Payments?

In Huntington Continental v. J.M. Trust (Cal. App. Sup. Ct.; January 13, 2014)(222 Cal. App. 4th Supp. 13.) the Appellate Division of the Orange County Superior Court held that the Davis-Stirling Act compels associations to accept partial payments from homeowners to reduce the amount of the homeowner’s unpaid assessments. Associations are concerned that this decision will allow homeowners to avoid foreclosure by keeping their delinquent account under the $1,800 Civil Code requirement. As collection counsel for associations, my question is this:  is this really such a bad decision for associations?

It has long been industry practice by associations or their management companies to reject partial payments from homeowners once the account has been turned over for collection to a collection agency or law firm. Some collection agencies or law firms also reject those partial payments.  A better practice is accept the partial payments and advise the homeowner that in doing so, the association is not waiving any of its legal rights or remedies in collecting the remainder of the debt.  The benefits: 1) collecting money for the association for the benefit of all owners; and 2) avoiding criticism from the court for not accepting partial payments from financially struggling owners.

On Feb. 24, 2014, the Court of Appeal ordered the case transferred for rehearing and decision.  While we await the Court’s decision, it is important to note that Huntington Continental is only binding in Orange County at this time. Therefore, it is still the board’s decision whether to accept partial payments in other counties. It makes sense to accept money owed and offered by a homeowner, when the association needs that money, as long as it can continue to pursue the remainder of the debt in an action for money damages. Associations interested in developing a policy for the acceptance of partial payments should consult with their association’s legal counsel.

 

Steven Roseman, Esq. is the founder and managing partner in the law firm of Roseman & Associates, APC. During the past nineteen (19) years, Mr. Roseman has represented homeowners associations and their boards. His representation includes legal guidance, enforcement and compliance with their governing documents, fiduciary duty responsibilities, updating governing documents, contract drafting and negotiation, loss prevention, and director and officer defense and representation. Mr. Roseman is a specialist in the field of Construction Defect litigation and is a well-seasoned trial lawyer with a number of jury trials to his name. He has obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in recoveries for clients in complex litigation, ranging from insurance bad faith, construction defect litigation, and enforcement of governing documents.

Mr. Roseman is an active member of the two most prominent trade groups – CAI and CACM. Mr. Roseman lectures extensively on behalf of these groups, including CAI’s ABC Essentials Course, and is on the faculty of CACM’s CCAM manager certification and High Rise manager certification. In addition, he serves on the Mediation Steering committee for CAI-GLAC, the Education committee for CAI-OC, the Legal Steering Committee for CACM Law Journal, and finally serves as a delegate for CAI’s California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC).

 

CAI-CLAC’S 2014 LEGISLATIVE DAY AT THE CAPITOL

The CAI California Legislative Action Committee’s 21^st Annual Legislative Day at the Capitol drew homeowners, community association managers and other professionals to Sacramento on April 6 and 7, to discuss legislation affecting homeowners associations with their elected representatives.

Homeowners association board members and managers attended educational sessions on April 6, while delegates of the California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC) met to discuss bills that affect their communities and prepare information to present to legislators. Industry professionals taught sessions on how a bill becomes law, the nuts and bolts of legislation and  FHA certification for condominiums. CLAC’s Sacramento advocate, Skip Daum, provided an analysis of the “hot bills” affecting homeowners associations in California.

On Monday, April 7, Zack Olmstead, Senior Assistant to incoming Speaker of the Assembly Toni Atkins of San Diego, delivered the keynote address. Assemblymember Atkins has focused on housing throughout her tenure in the Assembly, and will continue to do so as Speaker. CLAC delegates briefed participants on key pending legislation and Michael Hedge, Senior Director of  Government & Public Affairs for CAI National, discussed nationwide and federal issues.

Participants then walked to the State Capitol to meet with their own assemblymembers, senators and staff members, to provide input on pending bills affecting homeowners associations. Participants discussed AB 1360, sponsored by CAI, which would give associations the option to allow members to vote electronically, if they wish to do so. As the attendees gathered at the end of the day, they reported that legislators and their staff valued CAI’s input and recognized CAI as a key source of information on issues affecting homeowners associations.

More people than ever before attended the 2014 Legislative Day at the Capitol. CAI and CLAC also look forward to homeowners and managers communicating with their legislators throughout the legislative session, in writing and by personal visits to district offices throughout the state. This year’s Legislative Day at the Capitol and the grass roots efforts by homeowners all year long show the strength of the 9 million people who own homes in the 50,000 community associations in California.

John R. MacDowell is managing shareholder of Fiore, Racobs & Powers’ Orange County office and is a delegate to CLAC from the Orange County Regional Chapter of CAI. He serves as one of CLAC’s Legislative Co-Chairs.

Tips for Getting Your Community FHA Approved

Starting the FHA Approval Process:
Starting the FHA Approval process is not difficult, but it does differ depending on your role in the community.

Property Managers/Board Members:
The first step is to have the community pre-qualified. A professional FHA approval consultant/submission service will be able to assess the eligibility of your community prior to submitting. You will need to fill out a questionnaire and submit a few documents, but they should be able to assess the eligibility of the community and advise whether or not FHA Approval is an option.

Not being FHA approved can cause major headaches and cause a lot of stress for your homeowners. Nationwide, FHA insured loans make up anywhere from 40 – 70 percent of the market. It is highly advised to either get your community FHA Approved, or at a minimum, get the eligibility reviewed.

Homeowners:
The best way to start the process is to contact the Property Manager or Board of Directors and ask if they are aware of the FHA Status. Sometimes they are aware of issues that may preclude the community from becoming FHA Approved. This can save you a lot of time, money, and stress.

How to get started:

1. Contact the Property Manager or Board of Directors
2. Let the Manager/Board know that FHA Approval would help your situation.
3. Each Management Company and Board has different procedures. Ask the best way to proceed.
4. Be aware that this process can take quite a bit of time (30-60 days).  If you plan on selling your unit, refinancing, or obtaining a reverse mortgage – start the process immediately!

Prospective Buyers/Realtors/Lenders
Contact the management company. If you are not a member of the community or representing a current owner, it can be more difficult to gather the required documents. Be prepared to pay management company document fees; there are many documents that you will need to get a condo FHA certified, and it is customary for a management company to charge a fee.

Working through the process:
There are two ways to approach the submission process. The community can either submit the paperwork themselves, or hire a professional submission service. Submitting on your own does have potential liability issues and can result in a considerable amount of additional time.

If you have contracted with a professional consultant they will send you a list of documents that are needed. Once the documents are reviewed there is a good chance some additional information will be required and some documents or policies might need to be signed or changed to meet FHA standards.

Dealing with rejection:
Being rejected is common. Most often, the FHA wants to see some additional information or has some questions. The submission service you have contracted with should help you work through a rejection.  A rejection may be as simple as a missing signature; more challenging issues include revising governing documents or increasing insurance coverage to comply with FHA guidelines.

FAQ’s
Q: My Condo Project just needs to Re-Certify – there must be an expedited procedure?
A: No. There is not an “expedited” procedure. However, if you have been recertified in the past two years it is likely that most of your paperwork is in order and it will be easier.

Q: We’ve been FHA Certified before, so there should be no problem getting certified again…right?
A: The guidelines have changed several times over the past few years. Prior approval will give virtually no indication of current eligibility.

Q: We just found out our FHA Certification was expired. Why weren’t we notified?
A: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not send out any notification of expiration. This is something that the Board should be aware of. If you use a professional submission service, notification of the expiration date should be included in the service.

Q: Do we need an attorney for anything?
A: Most likely – no.  However if you have pending litigation (this does not include collections) or need to amend your governing documents this will require an attorney.

Q: Can you expedite the process?
A: Using a submission service will most likely expedite the process, however there is no way to get it through HUD any faster.

Q: How much does HUD charge?
A: HUD does not charge any fees. A submission service will have a fee, however none of that is paid to HUD.

Q: How long does the process take?
A: The process usually takes between 30 and 60 days once the application is submitted to HUD. FHA Review by a|v|s is a professional submission service that specializes in the FHA condo approval process. With over a decade of experience in the HOA industry we thoroughly understand the documents involved and our main goal is to get your community approved quickly and efficiently.

Visit our website www.fhareview.com to check the status of your community, see more Frequently Asked Questions, learn the Pro’s and Con’s of being FHA approved, and view a full list of documents needed for FHA approval.  We are here to help, contact us today for a free eligibility review!

For more information:
CAI-CLAC has compiled a number of resources for community associations to learn about the importance of being a FHA Approved Community and how management can go about submitting for approval. Check out these resources here.

Written by Natalie Stewart with a|v|s. Please feel free to contact Natalie with questions at (714) 274-9888 or natalie@fhareview.com.

10 Tips to Maintain Your Landscape and Conserve Water During a Drought

According to the Irvine Ranch Water District, “Up to 60 percent of your home’s total water usage is used outdoors.” Use these tips to conserve water, while maintaining your landscape and protecting your home’s property value.

1. Water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Save 25 gallons per day.
2. Choose a water-efficient irrigation system, such as drip irrigation for your trees, flowers and shrubs. In turf areas, upgrade your sprinklers to water efficient multi-stream nozzles. Check with your local water agency to see if there is a rebate available for the rotating sprinkler nozzles. Save 15 gallons each time you water.
3. Maintain your irrigation system. Check your sprinkler system frequently for leaks, and adjust nozzles so only your lawn is being watered and not the house, sidewalk or street. A well-functioning irrigation system can save 500 gallons per month.
4. Water deeply, but less frequently to create healthier and stronger landscapes. Reducing the time you water and increasing the cycles, prevents overwatering and run-off. For a free watering schedule, visit irwd.com. Save 12-15 gallons each time you water.
5. Monitor the performance of your landscape and adjust the run times up or down accordingly. If your lawn does not spring back when stepped on, it’s time to water.  Be sure to turn off your irrigation system when it rains, and depending on rainfall wait to restart. Water only when necessary. Save 1,100 gallons per irrigation cycle.
6. Consider investing in a weather-based smart controller. These devices will automatically adjust the watering schedule based on soil moisture, rain, wind and evaporation and transpiration rates. Check with your local water agency to see if there is a rebate available for the purchase of a smart controller. Save 40 gallons per day.
7. Replace your lawn with drought-resistant trees and plants. These plants are well suited for California’s mild winters and dry summers. They are low maintenance, use less water and don’t require soil preparation or fertilizing. Remember to contact your association and obtain prior architectural approval, if necessary. Check your local water agency to see if there is a turf removal rebate available. Save 30-60 gallons each time you water per 1,000 sq. ft.
8. Plant the right plants for your climate. Use the Save Our Water-Wise Garden Tool to learn what plants and flowers will work best in your neighborhood. Or, download a free copy of A Homeowners Guide to a WaterSmart Landscape.
9. Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool.  Organic mulch also improves the soil and prevents weeds. Save 20-30 gallons each time you water per 1000 sq. ft.
10. Avoid using water for outdoor clean-up. Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks, and patios. Wash cars with a bucket, sponge, and hose with self-closing nozzle. Save 8-18 gallons per minute.

For more tips and samples of drought tolerant landscapes, visit www.bewaterwise.com, http://saveourh20.org or download the toolkit.

 

The Benefits of Filing a Blanket Recordation for Your HOA

HOAs have experienced six years of “bad behavior” from the lending and mortgage community. Commonly, they do not foreclose on delinquent owners within a reasonable time frame (sometimes two to three years of delinquency without proactive action being taken), or they foreclose and do not inform the association of the change of ownership.

Both are frustrating and can be very costly to HOAs. However, CAI-CLAC was successful in sponsoring a bill that requires a foreclosing party to notify HOAs of a trustee sale within 15 days and send a copy of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale within 30 days of the sale. Assembly Bill 2273 (Wieckowski) passed in 2012 and went into effect Jan. 1, 2013.

HOAs can benefit from this law ONLY if a blanket recordation is recorded in the county in which the community is located. The document is called a Request for Notice Under Civil Code Section 2924(b). This document has also been referred to as a blanket recordation. The Request for Notice includes an attachment listing all properties in the community described by the assessor’s parcel numbers (APN). I also recommend using the property address for each unit in combination with the APN.

This document is easy to record, with the cost determined by the number of pages recorded, not the number of units involved. An example of the Request for Notice form, as well as additional information, is available at www.caiclac.com. If you need assistance in preparing the Request for Notice, contact your collection agent or legal counsel.

The hard work has already been accomplished by CAI-CLAC in turning this essential document into law. The easy part is now the responsibility of our HOAs. Have this document prepared and recorded in your county today. Otherwise, the lenders and trustees will continue to be allowed to benefit from their bad behavior!

Janet Quinn Dennis has been involved in the common interest development industry since she worked at a San Francisco law firm in the early 1980s. She supervised a department that provided collection services for CIDs. When ADR was mandated in our industry, she obtained training and became a certified mediator. Janet has used those communication tools to facilitate resolutions concerning enforcement of CC&R’s and in the collection of delinquencies. In 1996, Janet started Pro Solutions, which works with more than 1,000 CID’s throughout the State of California.

The Reorganized Davis-Stirling Act: How it Benefits Community Association Members

As the presiding officer of my HOA’s Board of Directors, it’s important that I, along with my fellow board members, have a good understanding of the basic governance documents we draw upon. Including those such as our CC&Rs, our By-Laws, our Policies and Procedures, and especially an adequate understanding of the Davis-Stirling Act, which allow us to perform our fiduciary duties to the best of our abilities. Admittedly, there have been times in the past when we were challenged in trying to understand some of the contents of each of those documents, and even challenged sometimes with something as basic as the order in which their contents are arranged.

We were able to manage, change the order and content of our CC&Rs, By-Laws, and Policies and Procedures because they “belonged” to us. However, we could not alter the primary governing document for community associations – the Davis-Stirling Act – which defines, regulates and helps HOAs to understand California law as it applies to our community associations, thus helping us to better govern our HOAs.

Going back to its inception almost 30 years ago, the Davis-Stirling Act has gone through several important revisions, with the most recent update making it significantly easier for board members to comprehend and use as a reference tool. Based on a more simplistic, yet logical organizational design of its contents, the Davis-Stirling Act has quickly proven to be an easy-to-read reference document, as well as an excellent guide to administering the best possible governance of our HOA by my board. Ultimately, we, as directors, along with our 10,000+ residents who reside here, reap the benefits of all the work put into the latest revision to the Davis-Stirling Act, by embracing the use of a much better-written and organized document. We graciously thank the California Law Revision Commission for their tireless work in this effort and producing such a valuable document. A complete history of the CLRC’s review and recommendations can be found here.

The CLRC’s re-write of the Davis-Stirling Act was intended to provide the following benefits to homeowners who are members of community associations:

1. Related topics were grouped together to make them easier to find and use.  For example, annual disclosure requirements were previously found at various locations throughout the Act in Sections 1363.005, 1365, 1365.5, 1365.2.5, 1363.05, 1363.850, 1369.590, 1378, 1365.1, and 1363. These disclosures are now found all together in Sections 5300 to 5320.
2. Sections that were confusing were revised for clarity, without changing their substance.
3. Sections that were excessively long were divided into shorter sections.
4. Terminology was standardized and simplified. For example, a “meeting of the board of directors of the association” has been changed to “board meeting.”
5. Substantive improvements were made, but are primarily considered minor and non-controversial. The new Act:establishes a hierarchy for the authority of the governing documents;extends the right to owners to make certain modifications to the home to accommodate a disability;
   • establishes a list of conflicts of interest that disqualify board members from voting on certain matters;
   • revises and clarifies provisions regarding notice and delivery both from the association to its members, and from the members to the association;
   • extends ballot retention following an election from 9 to 12 months (and so now is consistent with the timeframe in which an owner may contest an election);
   • adds governing documents to the definition of “association records” which a member has the right to request;
   • requires whenever an association has recorded an assessment lien in error, the association must release the lien and reverse all costs, fees and interest;
   • requires the board have a hearing before charging a member with the cost of damage to the common area caused by the member;
   • expands the court’s discretion to consider a party’s refusal to participate in alternative dispute resolution so that it applies to any enforcement action in which fees and costs may be awarded; and
   • confirms the association is not required to reimburse the member for temporary housing if the owner is dislodged due to common area repairs.

The new Act is found at Civil Code Sections 4000-6150. To download a free Conversion Chart, comparing the old Act to the new, click here. Visit www.caiclac.com to download our new Davis-Stirling Act Toolkit.

Robert Riddick is a retired IT executive who, upon retirement, became involved in his HOA as a way of “giving back” to his community. Currently his HOA’s president, Robert joined the board in 2007 and previously served as treasurer and vice president. In addition, he is a past president of the Greater Inland Empire chapter of CAI, being the first homeowner board member in 24 years to serve as chapter president. He is currently also serving his fifth year as a board member of CAI-GRIE and is the current chair for the chapter’s Legislative Support Committee (LSC), as well as the chapter’s CLAC liaison. Over the past two years, Robert served as a member of the CAI National Board of Trustees and is currently serving his fourth year as a member of the CAI National Community Association Volunteer Committee (CAVC). He earned his CMCA designation in 2011 and he was inducted into the CAI-GRIE Hall of Fame in 2013. Robert is a veteran of the USAF, an avid boxing fan, and a year-round boater.

2014 California Legislative Calendar

The legislative calendar establishes a schedule for the 2013-14 Legislative Session and provides important deadlines to the legislative process.  While this is a general outline for the legislative year, the Senate and Assembly Daily Files contain the scheduled events for each day the Legislature is in session. These include committee meetings, scheduled hearings, and Governor’s vetoes. For more information on the Legislative Calendar and Schedules, click here.

January 1 – Bills passed in the previous year take effect, unless they have been designated as “urgency” bills with immediate implementation, or a bill that will take extra time to implement (often given a July 1^st effective date).

January 6 – Legislature reconvenes for the second half of a two-year session and in addition to legislators finishing work on bills introduced in 2013 they will introduce many more.

January 24 – Last day to submit new bill drafts to the Office of the Legislative Counsel.  The Legislative Counsel takes the verbiage (sometimes makes adjustments) and puts it into bill form for the legislators to consider.

January 31 – Last day for each house to pass bills introduced in that house in 2013.

February 21 – Last day for bills to be introduced for the 2014 year. That means a bill, in the form created by the Legislative Counsel, needs to have an Author (a legislator) and a number assigned to it (ex: SB 123 or AB 123) in order to be introduced.

April 10 – Spring Recess.

April 21 – Legislature reconvenes from Spring Recess.

May 30 – Last day to pass bills introduced in 2014 out of their house of origin.  If the bill is a Senate Bill (SB 123, etc.), then it needs to pass out of the Senate by this date and be sent over to the Assembly for its action.  The same is true of Assembly bills needing to pass and being sent to the Senate.

July 3 – Summer Recess begins providing the Budget has been passed.

August 4 – Legislature reconvenes from Summer Recess.

August 31 – Last day for any bill to pass to the Governor in what is termed an “enrolled” version.   The “enrollment” process includes the notation of the exact date and time each bill is sent to the Governor to sign or veto, or he may allow it to become law without signing. (There is no “pocket veto” in California, unlike federal, which allows the President to kill a bill simply by not taking any action whatsoever.)

September 30 – Last day for the Governor to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature. If bills are signed by the Governor, they are CHAPTERED; in other words, filed with the Secretary of State and assigned a chapter number for reference and inclusion in the codes, of which there are 29 (Civil Code, Vehicle Code, etc.)

November 4 – General election.

November 30 – Formal adjournment of the 2013-2014 session… (“sine die”).

December 1 – 2015-2016 session begins.

For a glossary of legislative terms (including sine die), click here.