The Daily Delegate

By Avery Watson
The Daily Delegate Legislative Houses Pod Leader

Kenny Garcia, a former CPY delegate and current advisor for the Santa Monica Delegation, could not hide his excitement when discussing the program area that is Legislative Houses. He passionately explained the importance of the committee, the Assembly, and the Senate in Youth and Government, saying, “This is the longest standing program area and for a good reason.”

This process that Garcia is so enthusiastic about begins with the committees, which are small groups made up of around 10 delegates that debate bills. If they survive the initial debate, they head over to either the Assembly or the Senate. After passing through both the Assembly and the Senate, the bill reaches the desk of the Youth Governor where it is either vetoed or signed into law. A bill will occasionally circle back to committee to be amended if it fails to pass in either the Assembly or Senate.

“Assembly,” Garcia went on to state, “is the backbone of this program.” This is evident watching the workings of the chamber. The Assembly, which is basically identical to the Senate in terms of process, consists of a variety of steps that allow delegates to speak on a certain bill before deciding whether or not to pass it. The process starts with the author of the bill speaking on it, followed by the legislative analyst delivering a speech on the fiscal effects, and then two sets of pro and con speakers. At the end of these speeches, the author delivers their summation speech and the bill is voted on through voice vote. Throughout this process, questions are asked by delegates to get more information about the bill before they decide how to vote. This process is then replicated in the Senate and, if passed in both chambers, sent to the Youth Governor. 

What makes the legislative house program area so engaging for delegates, according to Mahati Dharanipathi from the Santa Clarita Valley Delegation, is its “commonalities with real world government.” Delegates are able to not only witness, but also be an active participant in a process that mimics the legislatures of the California state government. Dharanipathi went on to express that this makes the program not only educational for delegates like her, but also very engaging and useful for those who want to go further into the world of law and government. 

Watson is the Legislative Houses Desk Editor.