California statehouse bill would require 3 day wait before lawmakers act

Two California lawmakers want to end the Legislature’s practice of jamming major bills through at the 11th hour.

The practice has been used often on budget bills, forcing lawmakers to vote on spending plans without having the ability to actually read what’s in them.

That would change under legislation proposed by Democratic Sen. Lois Wolk of Davis and Republican Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen of Modesto.

They want all legislation to be in print and online 72 hours before it comes to a vote. Both bills would be constitutional amendments and would have to be approved by the voters.

Olsen calls it “bad public policy” when lawmakers are forced to vote on bills introduced at the last minute. Opponents of a three-day rule say the requirement could impede deal-making on hot-button subjects.